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Friday, October 30

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Talks have ended and no contract extension is expected on Utah guard Ronnie Brewer by Monday's deadline, his agent told FanHouse on Friday. "Kevin (O'Connor, Utah's general manager) and I have talked, but we have a different point of view (on contract figures),'' said agent Henry Thomas. FanHouse.com

“Kevin and I have talked several times,” agent Henry Thomas said. “I don’t really think there’s anything that’s going to get done and we agreed on that this morning. . . .It was something we decided we wanted to see what the market would speak to next summer.” Salt Lake Tribune

That puts Brewer, taken with the No. 14 pick in 2006, in line to become a restricted free agent next summer. But Thomas said Jazz officials have interest in re-signing Brewer. "Without question,'' Thomas said. "Kevin made that clear.'' FanHouse.com

With no more contract extension talks planned with the Chicago Bulls, forward Tyrus Thomas will become a restricted free agent at the end of the season, Yahoo! Sports has confirmed. Bulls general manager Gar Forman and Thomas’ agent, Brian Elfus, had discussed broad parameters of a contract extension in recent months, but both sides said there won’t be any more talks prior to the Monday deadline. Yahoo! Sports

Danny Ainge, who said this morning he knew about the extension, sounded decidedly unmoved about having extra time to hammer out a deal. “I don’t know if it helps or it doesn’t help,” said the Celtics’ president of basketball operations. Rondo’s agent, Bill Duffy, initially said via text message, “That would be nice,” when told of the deadline. But later, after thinking about it, Duffy said, “We’ll see,” when asked if the extra time would help in a negotiation that appears as unresolved as ever, with Rondo poised to become a restricted free agent in a lucrative market next summer. Boston Herald

Our Thursday evening check, via NBA front-office sources, likewise suggested that Golden State is still getting largely unappetizing offers for Jackson. The Warriors are undoubtedly prepared to move Jackson but have said from the start that they won't rush the process just for the sake of making a deal. Cleveland nonetheless continues to be nominated by executives around the league as the most likely destination for Jackson. ESPN.com

Yet we must again pass along the disclaimer that obstacles to a Cavs-Warriors swap remain, even if Cleveland's 0-2 start has put LeBron James and his overhauled supporting cast on a path toward desperate faster than anyone imagined. Sources say both LeBron and Shaq -- although they have no plans to say so publicly -- like the idea of acquiring Jackson. But Cleveland's reluctance to part with Zydrunas Ilgauskas and his $11.5 million expiring contract in the exchange, which would make the Cavs smaller as a team and strip them of their O'Neal injury insurance, has been well-chronicled. ESPN.com

So either another team (or two) must be recruited to help facilitate a Jackson-to-Cleveland swap. Or that deal depends on the early-season discomfort in Cleveland or Golden State reaching the point that it causes one of the teams involved to amend its current stance. ESPN.com

The Hornets have not lodged a trade bid for Golden State's Stephen Jackson, according to NBA front-office sources, but you can see why people have made the connection. Wing scoring is a h-u-g-e trouble spot for New Orleans, as underlined by the mere 20 points combined managed on opening night by Morris Peterson, Julian Wright, Peja Stojakovic and James Posey. It ranks as the latest source of grave concern for a franchise headlined by one of the most competitive spirits in the game in Chris Paul but likewise faced with an apparent shortage of supporting-casters to play at the level Paul demands. ESPN.com

The Lakers have two additional days to offer Jordan Farmar an invitation to stay, but it’s highly unlikely the fourth-year guard will be given an contract extension. The NBA pushed the deadline for contract extensions for all players from the 2006 draft class from Saturday to Monday because Oct. 31 falls on a weekend. Orange County Register

We were advised, upon making our initial check here, that it would be premature and incorrect to presume that (A) Young can't eventually work his way into Flip Saunders' rotation or (B) he's automatically destined to be shopped by the Wiz. The Wizards, I'm told, still intend to pick up Young's option (but not Javaris Crittenton's) for the 2011-12 season before Monday's deadlne. ESPN.com

Bucks will make Joe Alexander highest draft pick ever to have rookie option declined and will allow him to be UFA in summer, sources tell Y! Twitter.com

Chris Tomasson: Nuggets said to be leaning toward picking up $1.96 million fourth-year option on Arron Afflalo for 2010-11 by Monday deadline. Twitter.com

Ross Siler: The Jazz have exercised a $1.3 million option on Kosta Koufos for the 2010-11 season. Twitter.com

Sources with knowledge of the Bulls' thinking say Chicago wants to get a decent look at this group before deciding how to attack July 2010. There's also the perennial possibility that Kirk Hinrich gets moved, which could wind up creating more cap space than the Bulls currently envision depending on what they would have to take back in a trade involving Hinrich. Yet this much we know for sure: Chicago naturally believes it's set at the point with Derrick Rose and has one trusty big man for the future in Joakim Noah. Any eight-figure amount of cap room is going to help them keep adding quality to the core, although that is another best-case scenario that assumes restricted free agent Tyrus Thomas will have been traded elsewhere. ESPN.com

I've been led to believe the Clippers have some ideas about creating a bit more room than they are on course to have on Halloween. That would almost certainly require parting with either Al Thornton or Sebastian Telfair … unless they have an unexpected deal in the works to move Baron Davis. Yet even if the Clips stay where they are cap-wise, they'll have a healthy amount of cash to keep building around the foursome with long-term contracts: Blake Griffin, Eric Gordon, Chris Kaman and BD. ESPN.com

Juan Dixon (1.91-SG) is close to signing a contract with Aris according to rumors from Greece. The Greek portal sport24.gr says that Aris are very close to signing NBA veteran Juan Dixon is very close to signing a new contract with Aris Thessaloniki. Head coach of Aris, Fotis Katsikaris admitted that he is interested in Juan Dixon saying : "It's true that Juan Dixon is a player that interests us. He can make us a stronger team", but he didn't elaborate on any details of the potential deal. Dixon will probably be replacing Quinton Day who has a small contract and that can be broken easily. The Hoop

You've heard tons about the infamous memo dispatched by the league office in July warning teams that the salary cap for the 2010-11 season could drop from the current $57.7 million all the way down to somewhere between $50.4 million and $53.6 million. What hasn't been widely publicized is that more teams than not, at this early stage, expect next season's cap to wind up closer to the higher figure. The NBA's public position on the matter has not changed. Commissioner David Stern re-iterated again last week in briefings with reporters leading into opening night that his number-crunchers continue to forecast overall league revenue in 2009-10 to decline from 2.5 to 5 percent. ESPN.com

Yet as one Eastern Conference executive told ESPN.com this week: "We are projecting a number somewhere in the 52-to-53 million range. We had been working off the doomsday 50.4 [million] number, but now … we think 53.6 [million] could be very realistic." There are several other teams that believe the same after the recent NBA Board of Governors meetings in New York. Sources say teams were advised that the leaguewide revenue hit -- while still significant if the cap figure will be decreasing by a record $4 million from this season's cap -- might not be as bad as first feared. Which would obviously be a welcome development for those of you still banking on something resembling a free-agent bonanza in July. ESPN.com

Alston,acquired by Orlando during the season after Jameer Nelson's shoulder injury, said he had "an inkling" that he would be traded even after his handiwork helped the team reach the Finals. "No. I kind of had a feeling that I was getting moved. And it happens. I embraced the move and came here with the focus of trying to help this team," he said. He's not bitter. "It's different some people have different feelings. Some guys are as little bitter. Maybe something happened while they were there or they're a little upset about leaving. But me, no. again it's going to be exciting to see those guys with the understanding of how much fun it was during the run and knowing how close we were to winning it," he said. Orlando Sentinel

"It was devastating," Lee says now. "I was just at home getting ready to watch the draft, and then you get a phone call saying that you've been traded. It was a big shocker at the time. It hit me pretty hard. Time heals a lot." Orlando Sentinel

Here in Orlando, though, his youth, hustle and highly developed perimeter game made him a fan favorite. And the feeling is mutual. "Orlando is the best," he says. "You've got the weather. Everything is just so calm. You see palm trees. The sun's always shining. New Jersey is a little bit different. It's definitely industrialized. There's more to do, especially with going into the city and stuff like that. But Orlando's more my speed for a relaxation place." Orlando Sentinel

When I asked him that GM Otis Smith said that having to deal Lee to the Nets was tough for him, Lee said, "Then he can bring me back." He was only smiling a little when he said it. Lee said he has made Orlando his permanent home and plans on hanging out with some of his former Magic teammates for many summers to come. Orlando Sentinel

The suspension puts a wrinkle into the Magic’s early-season plans. They are not only integrating Vince Carter, but also Ryan Anderson, Jason Williams, Brandon Bass and Matt Barnes into the team’s template. “Everybody’s underestimating our team,” Dwight Howard said. “So, we want to keep pushing, keep fighting. There’s a couple of reasons why: they think that just because we have a new team, it’s going to be a lot different.” New York Times

Lewis, who is a mismatch at his position because of his deep range, said he took an over-the-counter supplement and was not aware it contained a banned substance. His tests showed elevated levels of testosterone. “He’s gotta do a lot of stuff like this, which is tough and boring and everything else,” Orlando Coach Stan Van Gundy said, motioning to Lewis as he ran wind sprints. “He’ll come back in shape and ready to play. The problem is he’s just not getting a lot of basketball. He was up until the start of the regular season. Now, we played Wednesday, we did not practice yesterday, walked through this morning. We’ll do a little bit tomorrow, not a whole lot. Then we’ll play Toronto and probably not practice Monday. It’s tough to get him any type of basketball action in and that’s the hard part.” New York Times

Anyway, VC’s still the same perpetually cheerful guy, happy to be back, loquacious to the point of rambling, nostalgic but only to a point. That was the only strange part about the 12-minute conversation he had with 10 reporters, in fact: Even though the vast majority of the discussion was about his time in Jersey, the names “Jason” and “Richard” didn’t come up a single time. It probably doesn’t mean anything. It’s not like we tried to lead him back that far, or lead him at all, really. Newark Star-Ledger

Marc Stein: And how DH12 ordered me to ask Vince Carter if VC plans to re-enter the dunk contest to find out which Magician can really throw down best. Twitter.com

Maybe that’s the way it should be, though. Even Senor Pez admits he still hears VC’s voice in his head, as he was the first guy to tell him -- in London, if memory serves -- that a 7-0, 265 pound guy is just wasting everyone’s time if he’s going to finish like a wimp. “I definitely miss the voice,” Lopez said. “He definitely drove me and made me a better player. He’s a future Hall of Famer and he’s giving me advice, so I’m definitely not gonna turn it down.” Newark Star-Ledger

Curry and Brown spent one, generally miserable season together with the Knicks in 2005-6. Curry was never the defender or rebounder that Brown desired, but Brown loved his low-post scoring abilities. Brown said he still believes that Curry, who turns 27 in December, can salvage his career and help the Knicks. “I really think down the road he’ll be an asset,” Brown, the Charlotte Bobcats coach, said Friday morning. “I really believe that.” New York Times

Brown said he monitored Curry’s progress from a distance this summer, when Curry shed about 40 pounds with the help of a personal trainer. Wesley was the one who set up the program. “I was in contact with him this summer through Wes,” Brown said. “He was losing weight; he was making unbelievable progress.” New York Times

His gifts are obvious: Beaubois has "Tony Parker-like speed and can change games with it," in the words of one veteran scout; he also has a 6-foot-10 wingspan and a build reminiscent of Boston's Rajon Rondo. But Mavs president of basketball operations Donnie Nelson thinks it's wise to temper expectations, thrilled as everyone in the organization is to have landed such a gem in the lower reaches of the first round. Although it's true that containing speedy point guards is a Mavs weakness -- which theoretically creates a need for Beaubois to play -- getting the 21-year-old on the floor likely requires him to wrest minutes away from Jason Kidd, Jason Terry or J.J. Barea. ESPN.com

"We are in the business of winning games," Nelson cautions. "And playing rookies big minutes is not always conducive to winning games." 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). ESPN.com

Over the summer you lost weight. Does that also mean that you change your game again, playing away from the basket, as it was the case in the beginning of your career? Dirk Nowitzki: “I wanted to be lighter because it is healthier for the bones practicing after four months of rest - and we have had very long practices in October, twice a day. I did not want to get hurt. Basically, I would like to play like last year: mixing it up from every position. Against Washington, I have once again shot a couple of 3’s, which did not happened in the preparation, although I should have gone more to the line. But the situation will change from game to game - my game will not change at all.’’ DallasBasketball.com

You are 31 now. Have you ever thought about when your NBA career will come to an end? Dirk Nowitzki: “I weigh less, and feel physically very good. I feel at the moment I am still on top of my game. But if you are over 30, you have to think about what you want to do after your career. I think I will remain in basketball, because this sport gave me so much. In what position and where I'm going to live, that is still open. I think that I can play at a high level three or four more years. Let's see whether I have achieved my dream winning the championship. But if everything becomes a torture, I'd rather quit sooner.’’ DallasBasketball.com

Kyrylo Fesenko admits he's the type of player who occasionally needs outside help to stay motivated. Consider him a glutton for pushing and punishment. "For real, I always need somebody ... to yell at me, to push me," the third-year center said. "I'm just that kind of person. And coach is doing good this year with it." Deseret News

The next Jerry Sloan contract will be completed and announced early in the regular season, barring the kind of holdups that don't happen in the Sloan-Jazz relationship. He's on board and new owner Greg Miller is on board in a continuation of the coaching stability fostered by his late father, making it a matter of the sides scheduling a time to finalize details. NBA.com

The extension is expected to be for one or two years, per Sloan tradition, though it will not preclude him from again considering retirement every offseason. NBA.com

Can't predict what Larry Bird will do at season's end. Don't know if the Pacers can convince him to put off retirement and stay on as team president, because no one is quite sure how much longer Bird wants to keep running the team. On the management side, though, we continue to hear consistently out of Indy that Pacers owner Herb Simon wants try to convince Bird to keep going, at least through next season and possibly longer. ESPN.com

That is because as part of the two-year labor agreement between the NBA and the referees' union, the league will now be allowed to dole out 50 game assignments to referees from the D-League -- a change the NBA sought in order to get some younger referees some big-league experience. As part of the compromise that was ironed out a week ago at the league office when the refs' union and the NBA settled their differences, the league agreed to two stipulations regarding those 50 game assignments, ESPN.com has learned: * They will only take place during the first three months of the season. * The league will make a "good-faith effort" to only bump referees with 10 or more years of experience off when handing out those 50 game assignments. ESPN.com

The NBA had originally asked that it be allowed to use D-League referees for 100 game assignments, then lowered its request to 75, then 50. The sides were also at odds over issues of pension and severance, and no details have yet emerged regarding whether there was any further compromise on those issues. One referee who had a high-profile behind-the-scenes role in the conflict (and who cannot be quoted my name without violating league rules) said there was a sense from both sides last Friday that it was time for a truce. "It was like everyone was saying: 'If we want to wage an all-out war, let's do it in two years. But not now.' " ESPN.com

In a move reminiscent of one of his political heroes, Mayor Kevin Johnson announced Thursday that he was forming a task force in charge of getting a new sports and entertainment arena built in Sacramento. During a speech on the 25th floor of the U.S. Bank Tower on Capitol Mall, the mayor said the task force would roll out requests for proposals for the project in the coming weeks and develop a "clear path to a new arena by the end of the NBA season" in the spring. The mayor said on his blog Thursday afternoon that his office had received phone calls with ideas for the arena hours after his announcement. Sacramento Bee

Jason of Beverly Hills can now add an entire basketball team to its roster of celebrity clients. Newly crowned NBA champions the Los Angeles Lakers selected Jason of Beverly Hills, owned and operated by Jason Arasheben, to design the team's championship rings, according to a release from the designer. The Lakers won the NBA title for a remarkable 15th time when the team defeated the Orlando Magic in the 2009 NBA Finals. Players received their rings in a ceremony held Oct. 27 at the Lakers' home arena, the Staples Center in Los Angeles, where Jason of Beverly Hills hand-delivered the rings in custom boxes, complete with rotating platforms and light-emitting diode (LED) lights. National Jeweler

If you had to create a rap name for yourself, what would it be? Nate Robinson: It would be Nizzo. Complex

Lou Carnesecca, former NBA referees Lee Jones and Ronnie Nunn, Queens borough president Helen Marshall and 10 other speakers from the countless tributaries of Cecil Watkins' particularly giving life will honor him Sunday (3 p.m.) at The Center for Recreation and Sports at Adelphi University, mourning one of its most distinguished alumni. New York Post

I've fleshed out the Stephen Jackson scuttlebutt I mentioned on Wednesday, and let's just say I'm glad I prefaced it with "this is a rumor,'' not news. San Antonio, New Orleans and the LA Clippers have not had any conversations of substance with Golden State concerning Jackson. Cleveland definitely has interest, but is unwilling to give up Zydrunas Ilgausksas and is taking a "wait and see'' approach. Denver had interest but doesn't have the goods to get anything done. ESPN.com

While there's a possibility that something could happen soon, the Warriors have been told by several teams that the market for Jackson could improve after Dec. 15, when players who signed as free agents this past summer are able to be traded. Golden State's thinking is that the market could be even better near the Feb. 18 trade deadline. ESPN.com

The most notable 2006 player yet to be extended, Boston guard Rajon Rondo, is hoping for an 11th-hour deal with the Celtics, with discussions between the team and his agent, Bill Duffy, continuing. Duffy said via text Wednesday that the talks were in "limbo." Though talks will continue into the weekend, sources indicated there wasn't much hope that deals for Thomas, Foye or Gay would happen by next Monday. NBA.com

The Celtics initially offered Rondo a five-year deal worth a reported $45 million, but Rondo and his agent Bill Duffy believe he should be paid as one of the top five point guards in the league and they are seeking a five-year deal reportedly worth between $55 and $60. The Celtics don't want to pay him that much if they don't have to. But if they do not give in to his demands, they could end up paying him a lot more if he is offered more than that in free agency next summer and if they want to keep him. Providence Journal

"It's a difficult situation because is he risking a bigger contract for next year [if he decides to sign]? Are we risking paying him more than having to match a contract next year? Ultimately he wants to be here," Celtics president of basketball operations Danny Ainge said on WEEI on Wednesday. "We want him here so it's kind of trying to figure out the future and what sort of money is out there. There is a lot of money out there in the free agent market next year. There are a lot of teams with cap space. "There are a lot of teams that like Rondo as I found out this year with all of the draft rumors...Potentially he could make more money than he's even asking. Potentially he could make less. It's all about finances and trying to predict the future." Providence Journal

Tyrus Thomas' agent, Brian Elfus, was at the United Center for Thursday's game. He said there have been "amicable discussions" with the Bulls about a contract extension for Thomas, but the two sides are not close to reaching an agreement. There is no reason to expect an extension before Saturday's deadline, because the Bulls are planning to keep some salary-cap room available next summer. On the other side, Thomas is a young player who expects his value to keep rising. If he doesn't sign an extension this week, Thomas will become a restricted free agent in 2010. Not many players from the draft class of 2006 have signed extensions. Toronto's Andre Bargnani was the first, followed by Brandon Roy and LaMarcus Aldridge in Portland. Ex-Bull Thabo Sefolosha agreed to a four-year, $15-million deal with Oklahoma City on Wednesday. Arlington Heights Daily Herald

With negotiations still open between the two sides, the Celtics and Rajon Rondo will have more time to work out a deal than they had originally planned. The original Oct. 31 deadline to extend players in the fourth year of their rookie contracts was pushed back to Monday, according to league spokesman Tim Frank. Per the collective bargaining agreement, should the date of the deadline fall on a weekend or a holiday, then it would be moved to the next business day. Boston Globe

Though several teams have exceeded the luxury tax this season, many more teams are looking to cut costs wherever they can. Making future commitments to players considered good, but not great, is not a realistic business decision for most teams. "I don't know if the reality of the economy has sunk in with the agents," said one front office executive. "One is the economy; two is we don't know what's going to be in the next CBA (collective bargaining agreement)." NBA.com

As expected, the Rockets on Thursday sent in the paperwork to extend guard Aaron Brooks' contract for a fourth season, keeping him signed through 2010-11, a person with knowledge of the move said. Though Rockets general manager Daryl Morey had called the move “a no-brainer,” he chose to stick with his policy of making contract moves at the deadline when possible. Morey did not comment. Brooks, 24, had assumed the Rockets had picked up their option on his fourth season weeks ago. Houston Chronicle

Marc Stein: Sefolosha's OKC extension: $3 mil in 2010-11, $3.3 mil in 2011-12, $3.6 mil in 2012-13, $3.9 mil in 2013-14. Twitter.com

Adrian Wojnarowski: Thabo Sefolosha's four-year extension with OKC Thunder starts in 2010-'11 and pays him $13.8 million, league source says. Twitter.com

As expected, the Nets picked up contract options on Yi Jianlian, Brook Lopez and Courtney Lee for the 2010-11 season, and declined their fourth-year option on Sean Williams. New York Post

The Bobcats exercised their contract option on center Alexis Ajinca for the 2010-11 season. Exercising his option adds about $1.37million to next season's payroll at a time when the salary cap and, by extension, the luxury-tax threshold will be shrinking. The Bobcats still owe a future first-round pick for the trade that brought Ajinca's rights to Charlotte in 2008. Charlotte Observer

Barring a trade, Marco Belinelli will be a Toronto Raptor for another year. The team exercised its team option on the guard's contract yesterday, meaning they will pay him through next season. The team did not announce terms of the deal, but the rookie scale would have him earning just less than US$2.4-million next season. National Post

The Memphis Grizzlies have exercised the fourth-year team option on guard Mike Conley and picked up third-year team options on guard O.J. Mayo and forward Darrell Arthur, putting the three players under contract through the 2010-11 season. Memphis Business Journals

It's obvious that Courtney Lee was not an easy guy to say goodbye to as the Magic retooled their roster for this season. Count owner Rich DeVos among those with serious reservations about giving him up in the deal for Vince Carter. "Courtney Lee was a tough conversation," Magic GM Otis Smith said. "And I equally agreed I didn’t want to give him up either. But we had an opportunity to improve our team." Orlando Sentinel

Rodney Stuckey said he no longer is being represented by Aaron Goodwin. "It was nothing against the Goodwins," Stuckey said. "They were really good people. They're good guys. But sometimes, you just have a change of heart." Stuckey has been reluctant to say much about his new representation other than it's a childhood friend named "Jared." "We've known each other for ... forever," Stuckey said. Booth Newspapers

Jorge Sierra: He doesn't say it in the paper, but Rodney Stuckey's new agent is Jared English. Twitter.com

In a recent interview, Dallas owner Mark Cuban suggested that Ron Artest joining the Lakers could become an issue. The two will see each other tonight for the first time since Cuban's comments. "I think he'll add some character to that team," Cuban said in his recent interview. "Whether it'll be positive or negative will be interesting to see." Los Angeles Times

Jackson stood up for Artest. "I like a lot of Mark's comments. He's done a lot for the league, he's done a lot for that franchise," Jackson said. "But when he attacks players, that does get to your family and you just don't want to have him talk about your family." Los Angeles Times

Still working with his support team to deal with his bipolar disorder, West remained inactive for Wednesday's showdown with the Raptors. There's little argument that the Cavs are a talented team. After LeBron James, West could easily be called the team's second-best player. Where he really sticks out is on defense. ''You know what Delonte does for us. He's a ferocious defender. He's an underrated offensive player. He can definitely help us,'' guard Mo Williams said. ''He's definitely a threat for us. When anybody loses a key player to injury or anything, it hurts you. It's evident that we miss him.'' Akron Beacon Journal

Brown knows what West is capable of on the court, but he's realistic about what is happening right now with his team. ''Delonte is a very good perimeter defender, but it is what it is and we have to figure it out,'' he said. ''Yes, if he was playing he would have an effect, an impact on the game on the end of the floor. But he's not.'' Akron Beacon Journal

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His mood wasn't great Thursday but that's because his right foot was stuck in an ice bucket. When healthy again, Hamilton, 31, is eager to explore the possibilities -- starting alongside Stuckey and playing plenty alongside Gordon, 26. They starred at Connecticut a few years apart, but the bond seems real, and growing. "Our relationship is great," Hamilton said. "I'm like his big brother. I've been in the league a lot longer, but it goes all the way back to the Connecticut thing." Detroit News

After Oden's misses, Anthony made a pair and Roy missed a 3-pointer at the buzzer for the final margin. "This is a tough one," Oden said. "I definitely stepped up there with confidence thinking I was going to hit both and it didn't go that way. I put this loss on me. I need to step up and make those." Roy, who led the Blazers with 30 points, said he would speak to Oden on Friday. "The biggest thing is to let go," Roy said. "We all miss shots, you've got to forget about it." ESPN.com

Ben Golliver: Johan Petro has the word "Frenchy" stitched onto the heel of his Jordans. Twitter.com

To me, the highlight of Thursday’s season-opening win over San Antonio was the post-game hug between Brad Miller and TNT analyst Cheryl Miller in the Bulls’ locker room. I’m sure there’s an explanation beyond the last name they share. There really isn’t much need to dissect the 92-85 victory. The Bulls showed nice balance and played good defense – the same positive trends from preseason. Luol Deng (17 points, 9 rebounds) looked very much like his old self, while Derrick Rose (13 points, 7 assists, 7 rebounds) showed that his ankle problem should be history. Arlington Heights Daily Herald

After making the most of his 10 minutes of play on opening night, Golden State forward Anthony Randolph has been rewarded with a starting spot, according to a person close to the team. The 6-10 Randolph, who had 8 points, 4 rebounds, 1 block and 1 assist in Wednesday’s season-opening loss to the Houston Rockets, will start at power forward Friday at Phoenix, moving ahead of Wednesday’s starter Ronny Turiaf. The Warriors refused to comment on the lineup change, saying no decision would be made until Friday morning. ESPN.com

Jermaine O'Neal resembled the early decade vintage version for much of Wednesday night, the way he soared for rebounds, shook free for dunks and left the Knicks dizzy with nifty spin moves and jump hooks. ``I'm not going to say by any means that I've arrived because it's only one game,'' the Heat center said Thursday. ``[But] I felt good.'' Miami Herald

``What I averaged last year wasn't respectable to me. Respectable, to me, is dominating. It's not about being in an All-Star game and a contract. It's looking across from opponents and seeing they're fearful.'' Miami Herald

My colleague Tania Ganguli learned from league spokesman Tim Frank that the NBA does not have any rules that prevent players serving NBA- imposed suspensions from tweeting during games. To be clear, Lewis did not post anything on his Twitter account during last night's Magic season opener against the Philadelphia 76ers. Before the game, he wrote: "I can't twitter/Facebook/Myspace durin[g] the game." Orlando Sentinel

After signing his rookie National Basketball Association contract worth nearly $4.5 million with the Milwaukee Bucks, Brandon Jennings could have walked into any dealership showroom in the city and driven away in something that said he'd arrived. BMW 7-Series. Cadillac Escalade. Lexus LS600H. Mercedes-Benz S-Class. None of those would do. So Jennings is the proud new owner of a... ...Ford Edge. Starting MSRP: $26,900. "I probably saved $40,000," Jennings says proudly. "And who knows with the league? There might be a lockout in a couple years. I'm saving my money." Milwuakee Journal Sentinel

Jennings also could have picked anywhere to live in metropolitan Milwaukee. Mequon. River Hills. A downtown condo, perhaps? Not good enough. The kid from Compton, Calif., one of the most dangerous cities in the United States, is living in the working-class bedroom community of St. Francis. Why? It's just a half-mile walk to the Bucks' practice facility at the Cousins Center. And he's got a great view of Lake Michigan. "I like St. Francis," says Alice Knox, Jennings' mother. "It's very, very quiet. It's not like in the city of Los Angeles, where it's noisy and busy. It's a good place for Brandon." Milwuakee Journal Sentinel

Jennings committed to the University of Arizona but failed to achieve the necessary SAT score. Instead of going the junior college route, he turned professional and signed a one-year deal with Lottomatica Virtus Roma of the Italian League, thus becoming the first U.S. player to go straight from high school to Europe. "It was such a bold and brazen move to go overseas at his age," says Jennings' agent, Bill Duffy of BDA Sports Management. "That speaks volumes about what kind of person he is. That could have gone either way, but he stood up to the challenge and proved himself." Knox and Jennings' younger half-brother, Terrence Phillips, lived with him in Italy, strangers in a strange land. Knox drove Jennings to practice and games and learned quickly that rush hour on the 405 was nothing compared with the anything-goes traffic in Rome. It was culture shockus maximus. Milwuakee Journal Sentinel

Instead, Bargnani took his time. He backed into the paint. And using his height advantage on James – understanding that James, at 6-foot-8, was at the mercy his 7-foot length – Bargnani reeled off a beautiful up-and-under move for an easy two. "Last year he would have never taken LeBron back to the basket to try and score on him," said Maurizio Gherardini, the Raptors senior vice-president of basketball operations. "It's just a matter of a kid – a former kid – who has grown, and whose level of confidence has grown. ... He's just becoming more of a man in every sense of the word." Toronto Star

As we reported today in Newsday, Mike D'Antoni suggested there could be a change coming with the starting rotation. It likely involves Danilo Gallinari moving into the starting five (inevitable, for sure), but the debate is whom he will replace. Wilson Chandler struggled in the first half on Wednesday, but picked it up in the second half. He clearly isn't 100 percent yet after the offseason bone spur surgery, but I don't believe D'Antoni is ready to dial back the minutes or role of one of the few players on the roster that actually has a future here. The coaching staff likes the defensive versatility that Jared Jeffries gives them on the floor, but if you recall the original five D'Antoni went with in camp included Duhon, Chandler, Gallinari, Harrington and Lee. That could be what he goes with against the Bobcats. I wonder, however, especially when Eddy Curry comes back (or as Darko Milicic continues to get comfortable in the system), if D'Antoni might consider Al Harrington off the bench. Newsday

Gallinari's 22-point outburst -- even though much of the damage was inflicted in garbage time -- has D'Antoni seriously considering promoting him to the starting lineup when the Knicks play tonight versus Larry Brown's Bobcats, who lost their season opener 92-59 in Boston. New York Post

Gallinari lost his chance to begin the season as a starter by shooting uncharacteristically poorly in the preseason. D'Antoni elected to go for defensive grit with the awful-shooting Jeffries. "He talked to us about [a change]," Gallinari said. "He didn't know exactly." D'Antoni is at a crossroads. "Veteran teams, everyone has that role and know it from the get-go," D'Antoni said. "We still have not won. We're still looking for that elusive stuff. We also have a future to think about it. I want to get there sooner or later, and I will." New York Post

While his career scoring average weighs in at a respectful 14.1 ppg, Martin wants to be a more consistent offensive option for George Karl this season. Yet part of Kenyon also senses must pick up his scoring, while maintaining his defensive toughness. That’s what happens when you lose both Dahntay Jones (Indiana) and Linas Kleiza (Olympiacos) to free agency – one guy was fierce, the other could fill it up in a hurry. “Losing those guys (Jones and Kleiza), of course we’d love to keep them, but that’s the nature of the business. The money wasn’t right for them so you have to go to where it is right,” Kenyon admitted. “I think we made the proper moves in the offseason to make us a better team – going to get Joey Graham, Aaron Affalo, re-signing A.C. (Anthony Carter) and Bird (Chris Andersen). That’s what was important. You keep what you have in place and just get better. I think guys realized we were right there on the door step. We didn’t have to go out and get names. We have guys that can come in and are capable every night.” SLAM

“My knees don’t bother me now and that is main concern each and every year. That’s my main concern. But I was able to do things like get a shooting coach this summer and work on things I felt I missed out on the last few years just having to let my body heal,” Martin continued. After a sign-and-trade trade from New Jersey for three first-round picks brought him to Denver, Kenyon missed 12 games with his first of two microfracture surgeries (left knee) coming in May of the ‘04-05 season. The following season he missed 25 games. That number jumped to 80 games in ‘06-07 resulting in right knee microfracture surgery. The past two seasons, Martin’s stint on injured reserve totaled 24 games with everything from a staph infection to tonsillitis. SLAM

But the Nets found little time to nurse their injured pride and senses. Vince Carter and the Magic visit the Meadowlands tonight, so the Nets needed to flush out the sour aftertaste of their opening-night debacle ASAP. "He was great. He was a guy I always could depend on," point guard Devin Harris said of Carter, who scored 15 in the Magic's season-opening rout of the Sixers. "They could never double-team both of us because that other guy was always there. It was a great one-two punch. We talked a lot. He was a good mentor for me." New York Post

Just don’t mention anything to Jawai about Shaq vs. Baby Shaq or the Australian Shaq, two nicknames the big fella has been given either in his native Australia or here in the U.S. “Don’t call me that name again,” Jawai said of Baby Shaq after practice Thursday. “I hate that name. That’s not my name. That guy is a future Hall of Famer, so why compare me to him?” Minneapolis Star Tribune

It was a little past 11 p.m. on Wednesday when Andray Blatche sauntered into Verizon Center with Washington Wizards assistant coach Sam Cassell. As they took the practice court to work on post moves and jump shots for an hour before retreating to the locker room, Blatche noticed the eerie silence. Usually the building courses with activity even on non-game days. But after midnight, the only person around was a security guard. "It was kind of scary, I ain't going to lie," Blatche said. "I brought my best friend. I had to go to the locker room by myself. I was a little scared." Washington Post

Blatche had 20 points, 7 rebounds and 2 blocks in 35 minutes off the bench. Oberto, a 34-year-old Argentine signed as a free agent this past offseason, got the start and tallied just five points, three rebounds and two assists in 17 minutes in the Wizards' season-opening 102-91 victory at Dallas this past Tuesday. But, Blatche noted, Oberto played excellent defense on Mavericks star Dirk Nowitzki and generally did the little things that teammates love. "One of the better power forward defenders in the league, as far as the physicality he plays with," Saunders said. "He's a great passer. He doesn't rely on his offensive scoring much, but he does the other things to make other guys better on the team." Washington Post

While his career scoring average weighs in at a respectful 14.1 ppg, Martin wants to be a more consistent offensive option for George Karl this season. Yet part of Kenyon also senses must pick up his scoring, while maintaining his defensive toughness. That’s what happens when you lose both Dahntay Jones (Indiana) and Linas Kleiza (Olympiacos) to free agency – one guy was fierce, the other could fill it up in a hurry. “Losing those guys (Jones and Kleiza), of course we’d love to keep them, but that’s the nature of the business. The money wasn’t right for them so you have to go to where it is right,” Kenyon admitted. “I think we made the proper moves in the offseason to make us a better team – going to get Joey Graham, Aaron Affalo, re-signing A.C. (Anthony Carter) and Bird (Chris Andersen). That’s what was important. You keep what you have in place and just get better. I think guys realized we were right there on the door step. We didn’t have to go out and get names. We have guys that can come in and are capable every night.” SLAM

“My knees don’t bother me now and that is main concern each and every year. That’s my main concern. But I was able to do things like get a shooting coach this summer and work on things I felt I missed out on the last few years just having to let my body heal,” Martin continued. After a sign-and-trade trade from New Jersey for three first-round picks brought him to Denver, Kenyon missed 12 games with his first of two microfracture surgeries (left knee) coming in May of the ‘04-05 season. The following season he missed 25 games. That number jumped to 80 games in ‘06-07 resulting in right knee microfracture surgery. The past two seasons, Martin’s stint on injured reserve totaled 24 games with everything from a staph infection to tonsillitis. SLAM

Richard Hamilton’s status for Friday’s home opener against Oklahoma City is in question. Hamilton hurt his ankle with five minutes left in the Memphis game when he landed on O.J. Mayo’s foot. Hamilton shot two free throws and eventually left the court for treatment. He spent practice Thursday with his foot and ankle in ice under the watchful eye of Arnie Kander, the team’s strength and conditioning coach. “It’s hurting and it’s sore; it hurts more than yesterday when it happened,” said Hamilton. “Hopefully it’ll get better soon. We don’t think about not playing. I’ve been locked up all night since it happened. We haven’t taken off the tape to get a good look at it. Detroit Free Press

“I don’t have ankle sprains; that’s the crazy part about it. I think I’ve only had three my whole life. I know when I twist my ankle … I know it’s serious because I don’t do it. I haven’t seen the replay but it felt like my ankle hit the floor.” Detroit Free Press

Mehmet Okur talked after Wednesday’s game about his mildly sprained left knee and ankle. He injured both trying to take a charge just 24 seconds into the game against Nene on the break. Okur said Nene stepped on his foot as he went down. Okur headed to the locker room, where he retaped his ankle and iced his knee before returning to the court. He finished with 13 points on 5-for-11 shooting in 31 minutes, going 0-for-5 in the second half. Okur said it was “hard to tell” if he’d be able to play Friday against the Clippers. He didn’t feel anything during the game, but was sore afterward and expected more of the same this morning. He added that he was more concerned about the ankle than the knee. “I just wanted to keep going,” Okur said, adding, “It could have been worse and hopefully I’ll be OK [Thursday] or Friday.” Salt Lake Tribune

Reserve point guard Javaris Crittenton revealed after practice today that he had exploratory surgery last Friday on his left foot and will be out at least another month. It was tough not to notice Crittenton, who was using crutches to walk down a hallway outside the Verizon Center practice court, his left foot carefully bandaged. Crittenton said the surgery was to make sure there was no further damage to the foot, which he originally injured playing in the Atlanta Pro Am league in late July. Washington Post

"It's going to be tough coming back [during the season] but I would rather have it done now than to deal with it and try to play with pain during the season," Crittenton said. "So I'm glad they cleaned it out." Washington Post

An ultrasound exam confirmed Jarvis Hayes suffered a strained left hamstring. He'll be out 2-3 weeks. "We're thankful we're looking at a couple of weeks, whereas it would have been a whole lot worse than that," Frank said. New York Post

Sure, Pau Gasol will miss his second straight regular-season game tonight because of a strained right hamstring, his eighth consecutive game including the last six exhibition games. But are the Lakers worried about missing their All-Star forward? "Hey, we're not worried about this," Jackson said. "We're just taking this real slow. Don't you [in the media] worry about it, either, OK?" Los Angeles Times

Pacers Director of Scouting Joe Ash: "We certainly have interest in young players, players like Vladimir Dasic and Novica Velickovic. I followed Velickovic when he was with Partizan." TuBasket.com

Joe Ash: "I do think Sergio Llull can be an important player in the NBA. Llull has a good upside and I'm sure down the line he can play at the NBA level." TuBasket.com

If LeBron James, Dwyane Wade or Chris Bosh end up with the New York Knicks next summer expect some grumbling from their jilted former team that the Knicks had an unfair advantage because coach Mike D’Antoni had three summers to woo them while serving as an assistant on the USA Basketball staff at the World Championships, Tournament of the Americas and Olympics. In the absence of proof there’s only imagination, and the thought of a coach with unmonitored access to players has allowed all kinds of scenarios to run through rival executives’ heads. They suggest that the only way to ease the fears would be to have the USA Basketball coaching staff consist entirely of college coaches and/or out-of-the-league coaches (current examples would be Doug Collins, Avery Johnson and Mike Fratello.) ESPN.com

“I find that kind of ironic,” USA Basketball managing director Jerry Colangelo said. “Not long ago there were people saying there shouldn’t be any college coaches. When you hear things like you hear, you have to really analyze the source. Everyone is so concerned about their own little world. It’s ludicrous, in my opinion, to have those concerns.” ESPN.com

Colangelo, who has a book about USA Basketball entitled “Return of The Gold” coming out, said, “We turned around a culture, we turned around a whole program. There’s some people taking shots at the staff … that’s very disappointing to me. “There’s a lot of uncertainty [about the upcoming free agency summer]. There’s a lot of unrest. People will look for excuses. I personally don’t give that any credence.” ESPN.com

For anyone concerned about the presence of D’Antoni or McMillan on that team, Colangelo says, “My word to those guys is: get a life.” ESPN.com

The long and short of it was that coaching just wasn't doing it for Nellie, now 69 years old. "You know, we have some issues we're dealing with, but yeah, coaching a kid like (Stephen) Curry is a lot of fun for me," Nelson countered. "And to watch him develop and get better and better. (Anthony) Randolph, the same thing. ... Yeah, I'm very excited about our young guys. I'm having fun. Yes, I'm having fun. "I've never looked like I'm enjoying myself during a game, if that's what you mean?" FanHouse

"No, I don't care much for this anymore," Nelson said, referring to dealing with the media. "I've been beat up so bad by being honest with the press, I'm going to be the (Patriots coach Bill) Belichick of the NBA. I'd rather talk on the radio where people can actually hear my words than get it misconstrued somehow. It looks different in print sometimes when you say something. The way you say it sometimes you can't identify it in print. I'm more careful. Yes, I'm more careful." FanHouse

Las Vegas could be moving down the court a little faster on a 20,000-seat downtown sports arena. That's what Mayor Oscar Goodman said today at his weekly press conference, following up on his plans to have the Las Vegas City Council next week look at an exclusive contract with The Cordish Companies to start planning it out. "These are serious people. These are not people who are operating on a wing and a prayer," Goodman said. "Cordish has a proven track record. They don't have time to play games." Las Vegas Sun

He said the economy will be a factor in creating the project. And he said how the NBA does financially this year will also have an effect. The company will have to put up some money to study the feasibility of the project, he said. "I just don't think they would sign this paper unless they felt very, very seriously that this is the right place to be," he said. "The question is whether or not everything is going to pencil out." Las Vegas Sun

The Detroit Pistons have ranked among the NBA's leaders in attendance for years. And while The Palace of Auburn Hills will be packed for Friday night's home opener against Oklahoma City, the Pistons are bracing for what likely will be one of the toughest seasons ever in terms of attendance. "We're going to have to work harder," team owner Karen Davidson said. "Everything is going to have to be better. We have to give more for the dollar. There's no question about it. You see that everywhere." Booth Newspapers

Aware of the financial struggles among its fan base, the Pistons have launched a series of cost-friendly promotions that, in some cases, includes giving away free tickets. "We've always given away a lot of tickets," Davidson said. "It's good to get them in the house, so to speak. We have a good product, and I feel strong about it this year." Pistons coach John Kuester recalls how important Detroit's home crowd was during the team's title run in 2004. "Having an opportunity to play in front of our crowd is always huge," said Kuester, an assistant coach on Detroit's 2004 championship team. "I remember in '04 what a great sixth man our crowd was during that season. That's what we're looking forward to this season, that type of excitement." Booth Newspapers

Chris Mannix: The NBA has informed all 30 teams via memo that referees are no longer allowed to tip locker room attendants, I confirmed tonight. Twitter.com

Dwight Howard: Lol I jus met some writers from honeymagazine and they have given me the nickname chocalate shoulders. Twitter.com

DeMar DeRozan: Why do people think because they know you some kind of way feel like they can get tickets to any game they want. Come on son! Twitter.com

Sometimes rappers wanna be athletes, like Master P once attempted, but more often, it's athletes trying to be rappers. Kobe Bryant once tried it, Allen Iverson did too, but Shaq was the only one to really make any head way in that area. However, Orlando Magic's shooting guard, J.J. Redick, wants a chance to prove his skills on the mic, and is planning to drop new music with a new rap group, who currently remains without a name. "We actually haven't come up with a name from the group, we're throwing around some ideas right now," he said. Baller Status

Right now, the names they've been juggling are: Sub-par, Afterthought, and No - "Profits." According to the Examiner, Redick has joined a "super rap group" and will drop their first single, called "Waste Management," towards the end of the year. The baller says his group isn't taking themselves too serious, so he won't be quitting his day job. "We're not taking ourselves to seriously. We have some influences, and when you hear our sound eventually, you'll pick up right away," Redick said. Baller Status

David Vaughn knows the adulation of NBA crowds. He also knows the humbling task of maneuvering his 6-foot-9 frame into his Chevy Impala to sleep. Less than a decade after the end of a four-season NBA career, the former power forward spent six months on the streets of Orlando, Fla., having run through the $2.2 million he earned in the league. These days, the 36-year-old Vaughn is looking for a job in Orlando, where he spent two seasons playing for the Magic. His story, he says, is one of a young man with sudden riches, manic spending habits and little advice from those who should have given him direction. It's also one of a man whose friends are coming to his aid this weekend. Drafted by the Magic in 1995 as the 25th pick out of Memphis, he bought a Yukon, a Corvette, a Mercedes Benz, a Range Rover, a Lexus and another Yukon. The Corvette, especially, was ridiculed by his teammates. "They said, "Hey rook(ie), get rid of it, it's too small," Vaughn recalled in an interview, calling toll-free from Orlando. "I should've just bought a Buick." AP

His NBA pension, he said, won't kick in until he's 48. He also played for the New Jersey Nets, Golden State Warriors and Chicago Bulls, averaging just under 10 minutes and 2.9 points a game. "I wouldn't trade my NBA experience for anything in the world," Vaughn said. After his release from the NBA in 1999, he played briefly in Europe, then ended up back in Orlando with little money and working a series of blue-collar jobs: a FedEx package handler, and warehouse work at a supermarket and then a furniture store. Before long, his marriage deteriorated and last year he was living out of his 2000 Impala on the streets of Orlando. He took showers at the Salvation Army where he got free meals. He'd go to a fitness center to get a shower and do stretching exercises so he wouldn't feel so cramped in his car. "It was a very lonely situation," he recalled. Vaughn recently reconciled with his wife and rejoined her and their two sons, aged 11 and 8. "Basically I knelt down and said a long prayer," he recalled. "Later I read all of the New Testament, and it gave me strength." AP

The NBA will investigate additional allegations by disgraced former referee Tim Donaghy that were scheduled for publication in a book that has been spiked by its publisher. In the book excerpts, which have been published online, Donaghy offered more details of alleged game manipulation by other referees. The NBA and the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of New York investigated Donaghy's initial claims and did not find anyone else culpable. CBSSports.com

Robert Nardoza, spokesman for the U.S. Attorney's Office, declined to comment on whether federal authorities were re-opening their investigation. No criminal charges have been filed against any NBA employee other than Donaghy. "We saw the article," Nardoza said, referring to news that Donaghy's publisher had pulled the book amid fears of legal action. "Beyond that, I'm not going to comment." Donaghy's tell-all, "Blowing the Whistle: The Culture of Fraud in the NBA," was scheduled for publication later this month by Triumph, a division of Random House. Despite news reports to the contrary, NBA spokesman Tim Frank said the league "never threatened a lawsuit or anything else." CBSSports.com

While publisher Random House will reportedly not publish “Blowing the Whistle: The Culture of Fraud in the NBA” because of liability concerns, deadspin.com printed what it calls excerpts of the book. The NBA denies it threatened any legal action against Random House in an effort to stop the book, league spokesman Tim Frank said. It’s far more likely the publisher pulled back when its senior legal team got a look at the completed manuscript that lacks corroboration for the most serious allegations. If those passages were stricken, the sales potential of the book would likely fall apart. Yahoo! Sports

It was unclear when or if Donaghy’s book would be published. Deadspin, citing unnamed sources, reported that Triumph Books, an imprint of Random House, had dropped the book after the N.B.A. threatened to sue. A Random House spokesman denied the story, saying that the company’s decision was based on “a close legal review of the final manuscript” as well as “our independent evaluation of some of the author’s sources and statements.” “Our decision is wholly our own and was made without consultation with any outside parties or individuals,” said the spokesman, Stuart Applebaum. New York Times

Whether or not Donaghy’s allegations are true, most of them are believable. Not only to anyone who has watched a game, but the league’s own rank-and-file players and coaches. Donaghy admits stars get preferential treatment, some refs have it in for some players and coaches, and a losing home team is likely to get a favorable whistle to make it competitive. Yahoo! Sports

Ask around the NBA this week and you won’t find too many people outside the league office dismissing Donaghy’s claims. “I read it last night and was laughing, and said, ‘Yep, that’s about right,” one team executive said. “I don’t think anyone is going to dispute the possibility.” Yahoo! Sports

Across the league, many have whispered the same suspicions about certain referees. Worse, this particular ref worked many notoriously suspect playoff games. That includes the 2002 Western Conference finals between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Sacramento Kings that Donaghy called, “a stunning example of game and series manipulation at its ugliest.” Yahoo! Sports

Roger Mason: I just read inserts from Tim Donaghy's book, Blowing The Whistle. It's hard to believe a man who did the things he did. He has no credibility. Twitter.com

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