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Monday, November 9

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Actually, if LeBron wants to play in L.A., joining the Clippers, with Baron Davis, Blake Griffin, Chris Kaman, etc., and with cap room next summer to make a major league offer, would make a lot more sense. After all, the Clippers, supposedly, came within a few hours of convincing Bryant to come aboard in 2004. NBA.com

Of course, no one seems to understand that Cleveland will have access to its own stash of millions next summer, when Shaq's $21 million comes off the books, and could sign its own max player to team with James, Mo Williams and company for the next five years. Who doubts LeBron's own very strong means of persuasion? "I'm not really too concerned about it, because I know his heart and his love is here in Cleveland," Williams told me last week. "I know that. Just like anybody else, we love the New Yorks, we love the Miamis, we love the L.A.s, we love the Torontos. That's probably the most underrated city. We love those cities. But you can't underrate home." NBA.com

"Home is home," Williams said. "And on top of that, he got to move all his people out there. New York's expensive." NBA.com

Sam Amico: LeBron at practice: I never said I won't sign a max contract. Twitter.com

Brian Windhorst: The Cavs did workout Antonio Daniels over the weekend but currently have no plans on adding a player. Twitter.com

Unlike LeBron, Stoudemire isn't ready to tip his hand. After the Suns beat the Wizards 102-90 on Sunday, improving to 6-1 and matching the best start in franchise history, Stoudemire told CBSSports.com that he's prepared to wait the entire season before deciding whether to sign an extension with Phoenix or exercise an early termination option that would thrust him into the most celebrated free-agent class in NBA history. "I don't mind waiting the whole year," Stoudemire said. "I don't mind; I really don't. I'm ready to wait the whole season. I think the best approach is to wait the whole year and see how the year plays out." CBSSports.com

"My focus is to really try to win here," he said. "I've been here my whole career, so if I could continue that streak and keep winning, that'd be great for me." CBSSports.com

And despite Stoudemire's sudden commitment on the defensive end and his 19.3 points and 8.9 rebounds per game, an NBA front office source said he doesn't have the same impact on games that he used to. Stoudemire dismisses the notion that he hasn't regained the conditioning and explosiveness that he lost while immobilized during recovery from his most recent eye surgery. "I feel great," he said. "I'm there. My pop's been here. It's not going anywhere, man. My legs are finally back, my cardio's up. I've still got to figure out when guys are playing off me whether to shoot the jumper or drive to the basket. That's the only gray area right now." CBSSports.com

After speaking to a Warriors source today, I'm positive that if Jax were to walk into Chris Cohan or Robert Rowell's office today and tell them he made a mistake signing the extension this summer and he's willing to agree to a buyout (say a $27 million reduction in what he's owed by the team) the Warriors would accommodate him. The Warriors could buy him out, Jax would be financially taken care of this season and he'd be free to join another team of his choosing without having to worry about money in the short run. ESPN.com

Why won't this happen? One, because Jackson knows he robbed the Warriors this summer and there isn't another team in the league foolish enough to give him that much money. And second, because we've never seen a player willing to put their money where their mouth is. ESPN.com

A few days ago, Utah Jazz coach Jerry Sloan dropped the biggest hint to date that veteran Matt Harpring will not play again. Harpring has been rehabilitating knee and ankle injuries in Atlanta, hoping he might be able to return at some point during the season. I was talking to Sloan about his young team and the importance of veteran leadership, which is something Harpring has provided in recent years. "I doubt he'll be back," Sloan said. "... But you have to go on about your business. I think it's pretty obvious ,when we had Matt and Derek Fisher on the team, they gave us some toughness and know-how. Those things are hard to replace. You play younger guys and, one or two things go wrong, and they hang their head a little bit and feel bad. But that's how you learn how to be a better play." Salt Lake Tribune

“You can look at it two ways,’’ Nash said. “[Last season] could have been a reason to jump ship – or a reason to stay and fight. Ultimately, I decided I wanted to stick around and fight, to keep building on what we worked on, and try to get a nice team back on the floor for our city and make it enjoyable again.” Yahoo! Sports

Hill, entering free agency and turning 37 in training camp, was nonetheless a very attractive free agent to a number of teams. The New York Knicks made an offer. (Talk about your basic downgrade.) The Denver Nuggets and the Miami Heat were interested. The Celtics, with Hill’s Orlando neighbor, Doc Rivers, leading the charge, wanted him as well, and could legitimately offer Hill a shot at a championship ring. “I consider Doc to be a friend,’’ Hill said. “Certainly it was tempting. I talked to Ray [Allen]. I talked to Kevin [Garnett]. They’ve got a great bunch of guys who I’ve known for a long, long time. There was nothing bad about the situation there, but I like the situation where I’m at. I can’t put it any more simpler than that. Yahoo! Sports

Every relevant player Lionel Hollins has ever coached (i.e., Mike Bibby, Shareef Abdul-Rahim, O.J. Mayo, Rudy Gay, Zach Randolph, etc.) says the same thing: Hollins is a straight shooter who doesn't pull punches. So now Hollins is afraid to and hasn't talked to Allen Iverson? And why is it that no other player, including would-be bad boy Randolph, has a problem with Hollins? Memphis Commercial Appeal

Iverson mostly practiced with the second unit whenever he was available and no one told him he wouldn't eventually start. So Iverson was blindsided with coming off the bench? Memphis Commercial Appeal

During a game last week, Hollins called a play for Iverson at the end of one quarter. It was simple: a big man had to come set a pick for Iverson at the top of the key. An agitated Iverson yelled to the bench something like "I don't need no (expletive) pick to get my shot off!" So what does Hollins do when O.J. Mayo feels like he can fire off one of those precious one-liners? Does Hollins have an obligation to oversee the culture of the team? Memphis Commercial Appeal

An Iverson associate says that he likely would have juggled his "personal matter" with basketball if he was starting, playing well and the team won. So did Iverson use this personal issue to bail on the team like he did the Detroit Pistons? Memphis Commercial Appeal

Griz owner Michael Heisley went to Los Angeles to calm things down. He told Iverson that Hollins is in charge and to be patient. Heisley told Hollins to keep doing what he's doing. Heisley is the same guy who told former Griz coach Marc Iavaroni to stop playing Casey Jacobson and put Hakim Warrick on the floor. Couldn't Heisley have instructed Hollins to start Iverson? Or is it possible Heisley - unlike most A.I. fans -- thinks Iverson is wrong? And is it possible that Heisley is on board with the Iverson-as-a-Sixth-Man philosophy? Memphis Commercial Appeal

I saw him as an MVP. He was spectacular in the Sixers' drive to the 2000-01 NBA Finals. He sold tickets in Philadelphia like no basketball player ever did. Not Julius Erving. Not Wilt Chamberlain. But there was always something bubbling under the surface. There was always someone, or something, he didn't like. That even stretched to Larry Brown, the Hall Of Fame coach he professes to adore. I was there when Iverson said if Brown remained the coach, he wanted to be traded. And there was Brown saying if Iverson stayed, he would quit. Philadelphia Daily News

As always, things would eventually calm down. Until the next episode. Iverson welcomed Randy Ayers as Brown's successor, then berated him. He seemed puzzled when Chris Ford insisted he adhere to same rules as the rest of the players. He reveled in the arrival of Maurice Cheeks, then walked out on him. More than once, it was Billy King's fault. Had to be. King was the general manager, learning as he went along, putting out fires, one after the other, until he finally had enough. Philadelphia Daily News

"I feel like our team has a chance to be a good team," Steve Nash said Saturday, the day after his Suns went into Boston and gave the Celtics their first loss of the season. "And mostly because we have good chemistry, we have a good spirit, and we have a little grittiness that maybe wasn't there due to the chemistry last year. We're formulating an identity, and I think it's giving us confidence, and we're enjoying it." NBA.com

"I think all of us were very confused at times last year," Nash said. "We talked about being a running team, but we didn't really practice or enforce that. We were of two minds, in a way, and I think it's very difficult, I think, when you're confused, to be gritty, 'cause I think guys are frustrated, and I think the frustration caused us to lose some of that spirit and that chemistry." NBA.com

Phoenix's Amar'e Stoudemire was asked about Perkins' maturity in his sixth NBA season. The Suns forward was quite candid. "He''s a solid player out there, he loves to get physical. He's aggressive," Stoudemire said. "He keeps a lot of confrontation going. We try to play smart basketball from our standpoint. We try to stay out of the confrontation, really and just execute our plays offensively and defensively. But seeing sometimes he wants to keep it up, always mean, always mad. He don't even have fun out there. He needs to learn to have fun on the basketball court and enjoy his life, enjoy the game." Boston Globe

For some reason, Jackson doesn’t like Kings rookie Omri Casspi. That got just gets under Jax’s skin. It started in the preseason match-up and it continued Sunday. Check out this exchange: Q: What do you think of Casspi? “Uhhhh. Who?” Casspi? No. 18 off the bench, talking? “Don’t ask me no questions about him. Ask me questions about somebody who’s going to be a factor in this league.” Contra Costa Times

Averaging 27.5 points and 10.5 rebounds after 14 games, the Toronto Raptors forward started talking about those three little letters: MVP. "I came into this season saying I'm going to give it a shot," Bosh said at the time. "I think I can get it and we need more wins, of course, but when I think of MVPs in the past, I think of consistency and ... every they night they put it out there on the floor and, when need be, they put their teams on their backs." National Post

Earl Smith Jr. makes his 2009-10 debut Tuesday night against the Chicago Bulls. He missed Denver's first seven games while serving an NBA-mandated suspension handed down after he pleaded guilty to reckless driving. The court case stemmed from a 2007 car accident that killed one of Smith’s closest friends. Smith spent 24 days in jail as part of his plea agreement, and he emerged with a new outlook on his life, his image and his career. “J.R's kind of crazy,” Smith said in a phone interview before practice Monday. “J.R was involved in knucklehead activities. Earl's more grown up.” Nuggets.com

When starting shooting guard Dahntay Jones left Denver as a free agent during the summer, it was widely assumed Smith would step into the starting lineup. Coach George Karl prefers to have an explosive scorer off the bench, and Smith's willingness to accept the assignment without complaint is a sign of maturity in itself. “(I'll) have the same role I had last year, with more impact on the second unit, be the leader – the captain – of the second team. That's my goal this year,” Smith said. “We have three, four, five leaders on the first team. Just be the captain coming off the bench.” Nuggets.com

When people talk about the Oklahoma City Thunder they usually start off with Kevin Durant, then move on to Russell Westbrook, maybe mention Jeff Green, and that's about the extent of the average NBA fan's knowledge of the roster. Talk to any member of the team, however, and they'll tell you Thabo Sefolosha is just as important as the big names. "Thabo may not get much attention with fans or in the media, but he does with us on the team," says Kevin Durant. "We don't worry too much about what people outside the locker room say, but he's just as important as everyone else to us. We view him as one of the main guys. He's doing a phenomenal job and he's one of the best defenders in the league. He doesn't get credit because we're not one of the top teams, but he's one of the better defenders in the league." HoopsWorld

"I wouldn't declare him as the Kobe stopper," laughs Thunder head coach Scott Brooks. "We don't want to burden him with that label, but you know what? He competes. He has the mentality that he's not embarrassed if a star player scores on him. He reboots the computer and keeps getting after it. A lot of players don't want their man to score, and if they score they feel like they can't guard him next time down the floor. Thabo guards his man the next time down the court just as though he didn't score the last time. I think he has the mindset, the athleticism, and the length to be a good defender. He has a chance to be one of the better defending perimeter guys in the league." "That job falls to me, and I like the challenge," Sefolosha tells HOOPSWORLD. "I understand my role and that's my role. I embrace it because I like doing the dirty work. It doesn't change the way I prepare. I prepare for every game the same way. I watch tape of the player I'll be guarding, whether it's Kobe or (Trevor) Ariza or Brandon Roy - it doesn't matter who it is. My routine is pretty much the same." HoopsWorld

What's it like being such a mild-mannered, soft-spoken guy on a team full of so many strong personalities? John Salmons: "It's fun, man. There really are a lot of strong personalities on this team. There are so many guys that want to speak their mind, and it's always fun to be around a group like that." HoopsWorld

There’s never a dull moment when Michael Beasley is around, and Monday’s practice provided the most recent example. Beasley, the colorful second-year forward, unbraided his hair and wore it in an Afro - a big, ABA-style throwback Afro. You can decide for yourself whether it’s a good look. The verdict is in from teammates, however. “We’ve said he looks like the character from the ‘Lion King,’ ” center Joel Anthony said, shaking his head. Miami Herald

Others said he looked like a reject from the 1970s. Still others cracked all Beasley needed to complete his outfit was some shoes with goldfish in the bottom, like Antonio Fargas (the former Huggy Bear on Starsky and Hutch) wore as Fly Guy in the movie, “I’m Gonna Git You Sucka.” Beasley took the abuse with a smile. By the way, don’t judge the ’fro by the photo. Beasley said he waited until he was on his way to practice Monday morning to unbraid and pick his hair “so when I step in it’ll be fresh. It doesn’t look too good right now.” Miami Herald

It’s only the second time he’s unbraided his hair since he went with braids late last season. True to form, when Beasley was asked if he owned a pick, he had a story. “I have seven or eight picks because I lose one, I buy one, and then I find the old one,” he said. He said he used to have the pick of all picks _ the black one with the fist (you might have to be a child of the ’60s or ’70s to know that one). But… “My dogs chewed it,” he said, “so I don’t have that one right now.” There was no real reason for Beasley letting his hair down. “I just decided I wanted to be different today,” he said matter-of-factly. Miami Herald

How did last year's playoff run compare for you to winning two national titles at Florida? Did it compare? Joakim Noah: It didn't compare because we won [at Florida]. And at the end of the day, that really matters to me. People can be excited and put you on billboards, but in the back of your head, you know that you're not ... people aren't calling you "Champ." We were champions in Gainesville. I remember going to Denny's or somewhere in Gainesville and people used to literally have tears in their eyes. Older people, younger people, black people, white people, rich people, poor people, it didn't matter. It was just like everybody had this ... always wanted to share their experiences about where they were and what they were doing while the championship was going on. And what it meant to them and things like that. ESPN.com

I know you hear some of the stuff people say in the stands. Do you ever hear some of it and laugh and go, "Are you kidding?" Joakim Noah: Oh, all the time. All the time. I love it, though. Sometimes it's funny, I'll just look over and I'll just see ... I'll look over and somebody saying something and I'll just look at them and I'll see serious hate. Real, genuine hate. And I'll just usually smile and just look at them. How could somebody get so into it? It's a basketball game. And I'm into it. I'm into the basketball game. I really want to win, but there's nobody I'll say I hate. Nobody in the world I hate. Maybe just like Hitler, people like that. People who really caused a lot of harm and pain to the world. There's not a lot of people that I can say I genuinely hate. And I see people who really hate me. ESPN.com

You're a smart guy and you could be well into a second career by now. Why are you still doing this? Sean Marks: I think the fire burns still. I still wake up every day and say 'God, I'm lucky to do this for a living.' Whether it's the competitive juices flowing, whether it's the team camraderie, whatever it is, I enjoy being around the guys. I enjoy going to work every day. I enjoy pushing and banging and scrapping it out in practice, and games are a bonus. I still enjoy it, whether it's the typical grind or whatever it is, it's still a lot of fun. NBA.com

Do people outside the United States think this country is crazy? Sean Marks: I don't know. I mean, crazy, I don't know about that. I'm now a dual citizen (Marks was naturalized in 2007), so I mean, I consider myself an American, too. And America has been so good to me. I've got family here, it's where I met my wife, my kids are dual citizens. It's a special country, and this'll be home (after retiring). I don't plan on going anywhere else. I'm sure my travels will take me around the globe, but this is ultimately where I think we'll be. Just the possibilities of work in America are endless, and that's for any industry. Obviously, hoops and professional sports like that, baseball, football. But basketball's a worldwide sport. It's about everywhere. To play in the NBA is the pinnacle of my career. That's where everybody strives to be, from when they're five feet tall. NBA.com

Haddadi split last season, his first in the United States, between Memphis and its D-League associate in North Dakota. He underHamed Haddadistands English, but prefers to respond through a translator. “A lot of places I would go to last year, people would approach me and say ‘where are you from?’ I would say, ‘Iran,’ and they wouldn’t know where it was, they hadn’t even heard of it,” he told me. “Now, they ask the same question but because of the elections and its ramifications being in the news, I don’t have to say where Iran is. I don’t have to repeat myself or explain.” SLAM

That’s the closest we come to discussing the situation in Iran. His manager (and translator for the day), Mayar Zokaei, has me on strict instructions not to discuss politics. Haddadi showed up for the team’s media day photo sessions wearing green wristbands and has been wearing them ever since, and together with Zokaei put together the Warriors event, but doesn’t want to be quoted talking about it. To gain some perspective on this, I called up Reza Aslan. Aslan is an internationally known religious scholar, and when the major news networks need someone to analyze events in Iran, he’s the go-to guy. Aslan was born in Iran but came of age in the Bay Area. He understands Haddadi’s caution, but also thinks he’s crossed the Rubicon. SLAM

“Just think back to what happened in June to the veteran players of the Iranian national soccer team, including the team captain, who is arguably much more famous in Iran (than Haddadi),” Aslan said. “They wore green armbands during a match, and when they returned (to Iran), they were forced to retire. By no means is Hamed safe. When he goes back to Iran, associating himself so explicitly with the green movement could not only be dangerous to his career, it could quite possibly be dangerous to his life.” SLAM

I asked his closest friend on the team, point guard Mike Conley, what kind of potential Haddadi has. “He’s a very crafty big man with a lot of talent,” said Conley, who played college ball with Greg Oden. “You don’t see too many seven footers who can handle the ball the way that he does, and who can shoot and pass. He’s developing into a good player.” When Haddadi first arrived in the States, it was Conley who drove him to practice and helped teach him English. Haddadi also took time to teach Conley. “He’s taught me some of his language,” Conley said, adding, “I know some bad words, too.” SLAM

After eight months of rehabilitation on his surgically repaired left knee, Tracy McGrady has told Yahoo! Sports he plans to return to the Houston Rockets’ lineup on Nov. 18. After several league sources informed Yahoo! Sports of McGrady’s timetable, the seven-time All-Star forward confirmed he planned to make his season debut against the Minnesota Timberwolves in Minneapolis next week. “Excited to get back and compete at a high level again,” McGrady said in an email to Yahoo! Sports. “For a full year I had to play on one leg against the best and I couldn’t compete with anybody the way I was feeling. “It’s gonna be a relief to get out there and play knowing what I went [through] last season and this summer.” Yahoo! Sports

One source close to McGrady says he’s “still feeling a little pain” in his knee, but the front office and coaching staffs are encouraged by his progress. Houston general manager Daryl Morey declined comment, but suggested the organization would have something formal to say soon. Yahoo! Sports

Two days after undergoing surgery to repair a fractured left forearm, Tyrus Thomas returned to the Berto Center with his injured arm in a sling. Coach Vinny Del Negro said Thomas would be re-evaluated by team physicians on Tuesday, at which point a conditioning plan will be devised for the fourth-year forward. Thomas is expected to miss anywhere from four to six weeks, which could be anywhere from 13 to 20 games. Though Thomas continues to post positive Tweets on his Twitter account, Del Negro said Thomas was down on Monday. Thomas declined to talk to reporters. "He's disappointed," Del Negro said. "He worked hard all summer to get in shape. We'll miss his athleticism. Hopefully, other guys can step up." Chicago Tribune

Michael Lee: Gilbert Arenas sat out of practice today with a sore left calf & Sam Cassell was called into PG duty. Cassell said, 'I look good for 39.' Twitter.com

Wizards assistant coach Sam Cassell emerged from the locker room last Saturday, covering in a full lather of sweat. He shouted, "I got him! I got him!" Cassell had just beaten Paul Davis in a game of one-on-one, 12-11, after coming back from a 7-1 deficit. Cassell shouted, "These guys don't understand. I retired by choice! Not by force!" The Wizards don't have a roster spot available to move Cassell over a few spots over on the bench. But yet another injury forced Cassell into point guard duty in practice on Monday, when the Wizards realized that they would be without Mike James for the next four to five weeks with a fractured left ring finger. Washington Post

So, as several NBA sources have predicted for months, it’s getting close to time for Nelson to start talking about needing a break, a little leave of absence, time to chill in Maui… I mean, it’s not like Nelson actually gives a damn about coaching the Warriors any more, unless I’m mistaking that sleepy disposition during blow-out losses for deep, raging passion. San Jose Mercury News

Will Messina sooner or later be the first non-Yankee coach in the NBA? Messina: I see that as very difficult. The system is not open to that possibility. (A European coach) would need time to adapt, be an assistant one or two years. It is very difficult to hope for a head coach job immediately. I’m not that crazy, though. Nets Daily

During the Bulls' championship runs, Steve Kerr always stood up when others hid in the trainer's room. When Michael Jordan wasn't talking, Kerr did. When Scottie Pippen was, on occasion, petulant, Kerr never said "no comment." So it's no surprise that Kerr was front and center when I asked him about the team he put together in Phoenix last season. "I had a lousy year last year," Kerr said by phone Sunday night. "I'm responsible for putting the pieces in place, and I didn't do a good job." NBA.com

Mark Cuban, the high-profile owner of the NBA's Dallas Mavericks, said today he would consider adding the Dodgers to his portfolio. As the unusually public Dodgers' divorce saga plays out, Cuban said he has heard from many Dodgers fans appealing to him to buy the team. "More than I can count," Cuban wrote in an e-mail. Los Angeles Times

Cuban bid unsuccessfully to buy the Chicago Cubs and has expressed interest in buying his hometown Pittsburgh Pirates. He said his interest in the Dodgers would be conditional on the ability to buy a controlling share as part of an ownership group. "I'm not a fan of debt-driven acquisitions," Cuban wrote. "If a unique situation came up where I could contribute capital to buy out a majority shareholder and gain control, with existing shareholders or note holders staying in place, I would consider it." Los Angeles Times

Mikhail Prokhorov's $30 billion (you heard me; he's got a lot more in the bank than he's letting on, one of my in-the-know moles says). NBA.com

The owner of the CSKA, Mikhail Prokhorov, bought the Nets, becoming the first one non-Yankee owner of an NBA franchise He was your president. What’s he like? Messina: A 43-year-old uncle who measures two meters tall. They say that he’s a business genius, with a sixth sense of when to buy and sell, an expert in the relationships, allowing you to get people to work very well at his side. I was surprised that when a situation arose, he answered that he had signed those he considered the best to make the decisions. he interfered with nothing and I think he can do well. It will also be an interesting experience for Americans. Nets Daily

The league has suspended a few owners over the years, from what I've been told, by a couple of sources who would know. It's usually been done quietly and not for very long; garden-variety offenses like coming out onto the court, verbally abusing referees, etc. And Major League Baseball is full of examples of owners being suspended for off-field actions. NBA.com

I don't pretend to have a relationship with Sterling. I have spoken to him on a handful of occasions, but one has always given me pause. When the Clippers, briefly, resembled an actual NBA team and made the playoffs in 2006, I was at Staples Center and saw Sterling in the press room. We exchanged pleasantries. Soon after, he asked me, out of the blue, in a way reflecting strong conviction and wild ignorance, why I thought so many black women had children out of wedlock. Well, at least he asked. I responded that I didn't think it was a problem limited to one race of people, that a lot of communities were wrestling with the issue, and that there were many likely causes: fewer jobs and low wages that conspired against couples staying together, lack of access to money to start businesses -- and, yes, many men and women who were irresponsible about their choices. That seemed to mollify him a little, but only a little. It was an odd discussion, and I certainly didn't go away from it thinking Sterling was racially progressive, but I didn't note anything sinister in it at the time. Now, the discussion seems more telling. NBA.com

David Stern on whether travel would be the big stumbling block for a NBA team to be outside of the U.S.: “No, we have to take ourselves and our growth too seriously. We are more popular than some other sports and we are more popular than we used to be but that doesn’t mean that we are popular enough to sustain the right business model which requires selling 41 game at high prices, having great sponsorship and television arrangements, having enough arenas and having deep pocketed owners who want to jump into the pool with us. So it is a long-term process and I think it is quite possible if not probable.” Sports Radio Interviews

On what the NBA does to try to keep the Tim Donaghy book from coming out: “Nothing. (Host: Can you do anything?) No in this day and age between publishers and internet, I am not sure if we want to.” Why he thinks the initial publisher of Tim Donaghy’s book pulled back: “I am not going to substitute my legal judgment for theirs.” Whether he has read the excerpts: “I have read the excerpts that were on Deadspin yes.” On what jumped out at him from the excerpts: “You know the only thing that jumps out at me is that any suggestion that the league itself was responsible for directing that scores be altered in some shape or form, which would itself, be the commission of crime. It is simply not true.” Sports Radio Interviews

Everybody's been talking about Derrick possibly being in the movies. Could you ever see yourself doing something like that? Joakim Noah: (Laughs) I don't know. I never really thought about it. But if I was to be a movie star I would try to be like "The Rock," like a guy like that. So you'd do family comedies and action movies? Joakim Noah: More action. Bad guys. ESPN.com

Allen Iverson is contemplating retirement if he doesn't rejoin the Grizzlies, according to a source with knowledge of the veteran guard's situation. Iverson left the team Saturday after receiving permission from Griz owner Michael Heisley to deal with a personal matter. The stress associated with a family issue plus Iverson's frustration over playing a reserve role might spell the end of his 14-year NBA career, according to the source. Memphis Commercial Appeal

Heisley said he's not been given any indication that Iverson might be leaning towards retirement, and still is holding out hope that the 10-time All-Star will return to Memphis. "I just think if he was going to retire, he'd tell me first," Heisley said. "I expect him to come back. If he does retire, I'll be tremendously disappointed. I feel bad because I don't think that's the way he should go out." Memphis Commercial Appeal

Although Iverson is said to be wavering about his future, there are people in his camp trying to convince him to continue with the Griz. Iverson's agent, Leon Rose, did not return phone messages left Sunday. Memphis Commercial Appeal

A source close to Iverson confirmed the 34-year-old is indeed attending to a personal issue, and his discomfort with the Grizzlies also factored into the abrupt separation. Memphis Commercial Appeal

Iverson said then he'd rather retire than come off the bench. "I hope he doesn't retire," Heisley said. "I really hope he comes back and plays for us. He's still got a lot of game left." Memphis Commercial Appeal

It could be an ideal situation for both parties. Iverson wants to go to a team that will allow him to dominate the ball, score and, of course, start. D'Antoni's system will put Iverson in several pick-and-roll situations with plenty of shooters to kick to on the perimeter. No one will ever demand he play great defense and, of course, produce anything more than merely a playoff berth. connections. But you can understand the hesitation within the Knicks' hierarchy, especially after they just cleared the locker room of the Marbury megalomania. Perhaps Iverson would be too much, too soon. If so, then perhaps the Knicks should keep close tabs on yet another of the fading divas, Tracy McGrady. It is believed that the Rockets, once McGrady is ready to return from his knee injury (perhaps by December) would be open to soliciting offers for his $23.2-million expiring contract. Newsday

What's more, according to someone in the know, LeBron is viewing the Bulls as a wild card challenger; no other suitor need apply. That explains why rising restricted free agent Tyrus Thomas, who suffered a forearm fracture in the weight room Friday that required surgery (out six weeks minimum), wasn't given an extension. Chicago definitely believes it has a shot at luring LeBron. As talented as Thomas is, the Bulls secured two excellent rookie forwards -- Brooklyn's Taj Jami Gibson and James Johnson -- in the draft and figure to have roughly $20 million in cap room in case LeBron feels the urge to replicate Air Jordan's Windy City flight plan. New York Post

Foremost, one of LeBron closest confidants, in response to those who mocked my disclosure Cavs chairman Dan Gilbert is terrified his meal ticket will abscond should the team not win a title, declared to friends, "They (Dan and his entourage; young owners have them, too) better be scared!" New York Post

Kobe Bryant has not signed a contract extension. In fact, it might not happen at all this season. The Lakers guard is under contract until July 2011, but he seems to be in no hurry to extend his deal. The Lakers have offered Bryant the maximum money he could earn. On top of the total of $47.8 million he is scheduled to make this season and next, he can sign a three-year extension worth $86 million to $91 million more, depending on NBA salary-cap figures to be determined in 2011. Los Angeles Times

But Bryant, 31, was tight-lipped when asked about the absence of an extension. "I'm not going to talk about it," he said. "I'm not going to let it be a distraction. I'm going to keep my business behind closed doors. If the organization wants to talk about it, they can talk about it." Los Angeles Times

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In an effort to get Golden State's disgruntled swingman Stephen Jackson traded as soon as possible, Jackson's agent, Mark Stevens, has gone on the offensive, attacking the credibility and character of Warriors coach Don Nelson. In a telephone interview just moments after the Warriors lost to the Sacramento Kings Sunday night, Stevens lambasted Nelson, criticizing everything from his trustworthiness to his coaching ability. Leaving few stones unturned, Stevens gave his take on some controversies in Nelson's 31-year NBA coaching career. ESPN.com

"No one trusts Don Nelson," Stevens said. "When Nelson was in Milwaukee, Wayne Embry trusted him and brought him in, and he betrayed Embry. In Dallas, Mark Cuban took damn good care of him and his son [Donnie Nelson Jr.], and he betrayed Cuban. In Golden State, Chris Mullin hired him and trusted him and Nelson backstabbed him by reaching out to president Robert Rowell and blaming Mullin for everything that was going wrong with the Warriors." Stevens was referring to claims by Embry, the first African-American general manager in professional sports, that Nelson made a racist remark after Embry gave him his first coaching position with the Milwaukee Bucks in the 1970s. Nelson vehemently denied making the remark. ESPN.com

Stevens did not hide his motives for disparaging Nelson, who needs just 23 wins to move past Lenny Wilkens as the NBA's all-time winningest coach. He wants Jackson, who demanded a trade over the summer, out of Golden State as soon as possible. While the Warriors have said they will seek a trade, Stevens, and presumably Jackson, has grown tired of waiting. When he made his initial request in August, Jackson said he wanted to be traded to Cleveland, New York or any of the three teams in Texas (Dallas, San Antonio and Houston). Jackson was fined $25,000 by the league for publicly requesting a trade. Now Stevens says anywhere will do. "I just want him out of there now," Stevens said. "It doesn't matter where. At this stage, something has to be done. It can't get any worse." ESPN.com

Stevens said his anger over his client's situation grew while he was watching the Warriors lose 120-107 to the Kings. It was Golden State's fourth loss in five games this season. Jackson led all Warriors scorers with 21 points. "I'm disgusted with the quality of Nelson's coaching and with the lack of trust his players have in him," he said. "Nelson is the winningest coach in NBA history to never have coached in the NBA Finals, let alone won a championship. Yet he keeps getting jobs despite being 69 years old." ESPN.com

"Chris Mullin wanted to re-sign Baron Davis, but Nelson nipped that in the bud," Stevens said. "Then he helped put together the trade that got rid of Jason Richardson. Then the Warriors lost Matt Barnes. Nelson loses the trust of all his players." ESPN.com

Antonio Daniels worked out for the Cleveland Cavaliers on Sunday and could reach an agreement with the team in coming days, a source close to the situation tells HOOPSWORLD. Cleveland has shown interest in Daniels since he was waived by the Minnesota Timberwolves several weeks ago. HoopsWorld

Daniels' top choice remains the Cavaliers and he's awaiting an offer from the team before working out for other suitors. Cleveland has also asked Daniels' camp not to speak with other teams suggesting that an agreement between the two sides could come shortly. HoopsWorld

The Rockets put a few familiar names on the roster of the Rio Grande Valley Vipers, their NBA Development League affiliate. Former Rice and Rockets forward Mike Harris and Garrett Temple, a guard who was invited to training camp this year, were allocated to the Vipers as regional picks. Houston Chronicle

The Wizards attempted to make that happen, as they engaged in trade discussions with the Phoenix Suns about acquiring Stoudemire before the NBA draft, according to multiple league sources. The proposed deal involved swapping the fifth pick and No. 14 pick, with Antawn Jamison and other conciliatory pieces also mentioned in the discussions. The deal reportedly collapsed when the Suns wanted Caron Butler included. Washington Post

Jamison said he never thought he was in any danger of changing teams. "I've heard so many rumors affiliated with me for a long time. I didn't think it was anything serious or anything like that," Jamison said recently of the trade talk. "I have a very good relationship with the front office. If it was true and they were thinking about doing it, I think they would've given me a heads-up to let me know what was going on." Washington Post

Butler also said he was never concerned. "I don't see myself in another uniform. I consider this home and I think I'm a big part of what the future is. We'll see what happens, but I can't see it," he said. "The thing about this business and what I realize is, the only thing you can control is what you do, how you prepare and how you play. Everything else takes care of itself." Washington Post

Marcus Thompson: Stephen Jackson: "Another beatdown. What can I say? It is just all bad right now." Twitter.com

Matt Steinmetz: Corey Maggette: "No identity, that's it. There's no identity. No chemistry ... so we've got to figure it out. It's chaos." Twitter.com

Saunders was right when he described the Wizards’ offense as “stagnant.” Arenas was right when he said the team is still “trying to find out where we are, what we are.” The common ground ended there. “We’re just trying to figure out how we can put the ball in the basket, what coach wants from each player,” Arenas said. “That’s what we’re struggling with.” CBSSports.com

“I say it’s when we have shots open, we’re not taking them,” Arenas said. “We’re trying to do the extra dribble, or get closer to the rim, or pass the ball an extra time when we could just take the first shot. If you look at a team like Phoenix, the reason they don’t have turnovers is they’re launching ‘em. They’re letting it fly so they don’t have a chance to turn the ball over.” CBSSports.com

Mike Jones: Arenas must be feeling good. In the locker room pre-game, M. James said "hey, Hibachi" and Gil said "yeah?" James: "Oh! he responded to it!" Twitter.com

Stevenson said part of the problem is that the Wizards' plays aren't working. Stevenson said Saunders designs set plays in order to accommodate ball movement or quick passing, but once the plays break down, which has happened too often to start the season, the Wizards give the ball to Arenas or Butler, hoping they will make a play for themselves. "We run a play, and somebody forgets the play, or the play doesn't work," Stevenson said. "Then, at the end of the day, it's 'Throw it to Gilbert' or 'Throw it to Caron.'" Bullets Forever

"It can't be [a situation where] their team makes a run and we just say 'Ok, it's [isolation] time.' That's where you have to execute the most," he said. "That's when you have to swing the ball around, set good screens, roll, have everybody on the floor touch the ball. Then, you end up with a wide open shot." This all sounds great in theory, but why do so many possession during runs by the opposing team end in isolations? "Sometimes, when you're really, really talented, and you have a team that has a bunch of guys who can score the ball, things get bogged down," Haywood said. "They feel like 'Okay, get out the way, I'm going to do this myself.'" Bullets Forever

"Sometimes, when you fall behind, and you got players like myself and Gilbert on the court, we kind of take it upon ourselves to do something," Butler said. "But we got to continue to believe in our teammates, move the ball, gets it from side to side and trust that they'll make plays." Bullets Forever

Orlando played without forwards Vince Carter and Ryan Anderson who are both nursing sprained ankles. Guard Rashard Lewis is suspended for the first ten games of the season. Magic Coach Stan Van Gundy refused to allow any excuses. "We have no defensive toughness and right now we aren't a very good team," he said. "The Thunder are much better than us right now. They would have beat us if we had everybody. They would have beat us here or in our place. We're just not as tough as they are right now." NBA.com

Howard showed no anger. He was singing some song as he sprayed a cloud of cologne. Nobody turned over a table in the middle of the room that offered chicken and mixed vegetables. "It doesn't seem to bother anybody in the locker room," Coach Stan Van Gundy said. Orlando Sentinel

"We haven't had a game like this in a long time. We'd miss shots and guys would hang their heads," Howard said. "I don't think we should quit in a game. Seems like, as a team, we shouldn't quit." Orlando Sentinel

Michael Beasley had a conversation with Spoelstra this week about the starting power forward not playing at the end of games. The Heat has opted to use veteran Udonis Haslem down the stretch of games. "It wasn't a punishment-type conversation," Beasley said. "It wasn't anything bad. I'm just not doing everything I'm supposed to do." South Florida Sun-Sentinel

Piecing together interviews with Spoelstra, Beasley and Wade, it seems defense remains an issue for Beasley. "It's not that I'm doing anything bad," Beasley said. "It's just that I'm not being as productive as I can in the first half. I think lately I've been playing to my offense. A couple of shots don't drop and I go into a funk. I can't do that." South Florida Sun-Sentinel

Heat guard Mario Chalmers has already had an up-and-down season. At least that's what Heat guard Dwyane Wade thinks about Chalmers' six-game performance. "I'm going to be a little harder on him," said Wade, one of the most respected voices in the NBA. "He's had maybe three games good and three games not so good." South Florida Sun-Sentinel

Fernandez acknowledged that he needs to push the agenda when he is on the court. And he did just that Sunday, playing aggressive basketball while recording five points, six assists and five rebounds during more than 23 minutes of action in Portland’s 116-93 victory over the Timberwolves. But before the blowout, he questioned his role on a team filled with talent and depth at the guard position, using the phrase "I don’t know" four times during a two-minute pregame interview. Columbian

"Right now, I don’t know my situation in the team," said Fernandez, who dealt with back spasms during training camp and missed four preseason games. "Blake play in the 2 (guard) position. For sure (that) is one more player in that position. Right now, I’m focusing in my work and taking (care of) my back. And when I’m on the court, play hard to help my teammates." Fernandez, a native of Palma de Mallorca, Spain, added that he is losing money by playing in the NBA, rather than starring in his home country. "For me, it’s wait my turn ... and play hard," Fernandez said. "It doesn’t matter if it’s five minutes, 10 minutes or 35." Columbian

There was no need for Kobe Bryant to go off for another 40 points. And for the second game in a row, the Lakers didnt need their 7-footers, Pau Gasol and Andrew Bynum, both still out with injuries. The short-handed Lakers used a combination of Bryant and a strong bench performance to cruise to a 104-88 victory over the out-of-sync Hornets. "Well, we had it a little easier tonight than I expected," Lakers coach Phil Jackson said. NBA.com

The occasional misfire the Lakers can deal with. What you wonder about is the sustained intensity, and the ability to play all out for 82 games, plus a postseason that requires another jump in mental toughness. "Come on, man," says Bryant, when asked about his hyper-speed game, "I've always played like that." Except, he concedes, coming into the season a year ago. "Last year I had to pace myself," he said, recalling the 2008 playoffs, which melded into the Olympics, which made for a short offseason. "But 12 of my 13 years I (didn't worry about) a long season. "I'm in great shape." Riverside Press-Enterprise

Jackson said, though, that he has faith in Mbenga’s skills, even though his athleticism isn’t altogether there right now. Jackson laughingly referred to Mbenga’s jump shot as that “Tyrannosaurus Rex shot he has” — even as Jackson praised it as being a good shot. Orange County Register

"It's tough, it's tough," Paul said. "It's early in the season, but you definitely want to show signs of improvement. This is the toughest thing I've endured in a while. We can only get better. We can't get worse. We're missing our defense and ability to score. Like I keep saying, we're capable." NBA.com

"I said first of November it was going to be 2-4 weeks before these guys start coming together and understand what [they are doing] and that they'll be on the same page," Scott said. "I'm still hoping that's the case. I just have to get them to the point where they're not thinking so much and just playing, reacting. When we get to that point, we'll be fine." NBA.com

Hedo Turkoglu, one of the wise old vets on a relatively young Raptors squad, knew even in the heady aftermath of that lopsided win in New Orleans that there was still plenty of fine-tuning yet to come. "It's really nothing yet," he said. "We can be really good. I really believe that. Still we have to execute. We're still building. It's going to take time. We felt better especially in that third quarter (in New Orleans). If felt like we had been together a long time. That's how it starts. Feeling more and more comfortable on the court, making shots and making passes and playing unselfishly to put ourselves in a better situation." London Free Press

"I think everybody could have put out more effort," said guard Jarrett Jack. "It was our first back-to-back ball game (and) that could have been part of it. But everybody in the league goes through it, you can't use that as an excuse. "You've just got to bring it." Toronto Star

Sam Amick: Omri Casspi always says "Please" when he checks in-shot clock man Dennis Trujillo says he's only #nbakings player to do that in 20-plus yrs. Twitter.com

Jason Richardson: Jus landed in Philly. A Cheesesteak sounds good but I gave up red meat 5 yrs ago. Twitter.com

What Gasol does know is that he is becoming increasingly frustrated in watching his teammates roll to a 6-1 record while he sits in the training room getting treatment or on the bench in street clothes. “It’s tough, it’s been hard so far,” Gasol said after watching the Lakers dismantle the New Orleans Hornets on Sunday. “I have no other option than to stay positive and be patient. It’s a matter of time before it gets better. That’s what they keep telling me and I have to get that in my mind.” Orange County Register

"Every time I put a timetable in my mind, I get disappointed, so I can't afford that anymore," Gasol said. "It's a matter of time before it gets better. When, who knows? They cant tell me, I cant tell them." Riverside Press-Enterprise

“Every time I put a timetable in my mind, I get disappointed, so I can’t afford that anymore,” he said. “It’s a matter of time before it gets better. When, who knows? They cant tell me, I cant tell them, I can’t tell anybody. I wish I knew for certain because it would help my mind and spirit. “But so far, I have to take it easy and go one day at a time.” Orange County Register

It appears center Andris Biedrins is going to miss more time. He returned to the lineup Sunday, which probably wasn't a good idea. He played 21 minutes, totaling two points and six rebounds, before leaving the game for good midway through the third quarter. He went to the locker room for treatment and never returned. "He's not doing very well," coach Don Nelson said. "I probably shouldn't have even played him, but we wanted to have another big guy if we possibly could. He couldn't do very much when he was out there, and he has injured himself again. So that was a bad decision on my part." Contra Costa Times

Tyrus Thomas underwent successful surgery on Saturday to repair the fractured radius in his left forearm. The 6-9 forward will be sidelined four to six weeks. "We texted back and forth," Bulls coach Vinny Del Negro said. "He needs some rest and he's a little drugged up right now. He's had a long day, but everything went well and now it's just a matter of getting some rest. He gets reevaluated on Tuesday." Chicago Sun-Times

In the spring, Detroit's new head coach, John Kuester, was rumored to be a possible candidate for the Sixers' head coaching vacancy. At the time of the Sixers' coaching search, Kuester was in the middle of a playoff run with the Cleveland Cavaliers, where he was an assistant coach. Kuester spent seven seasons as an assistant with the Sixers: six under Larry Brown and one under Maurice Cheeks. Before yesterday's 88-81 Pistons victory over the Sixers, Kuester said no one from the Sixers had contacted him about their opening. "I have great memories in Philly," Kuester said. "Philly was very good to me and my family, and I wish them all the best, but I'm very happy to be in Detroit." Philadelphia Inquirer

During a play stoppage with 3 1-2 minutes left in the first quarter, a fan sitting within earshot of the Grizzlies bench yelled: "Hey, Lionel, we paid to see A.I." Sacramento Bee

The word came to Isiah Thomas on Saturday night. His 86-year-old mother, Mary, had suffered a heart attack back in Chicago and suddenly his unlikely reclamation project (both professional and personal) didn’t seem to matter as much. His college coaching debut Monday night, leading humble Florida International University against the defending national champion North Carolina Tar Heels, was on hold (school officials now expect him to be on the sideline). At the time, his mother’s health was everything. He left the team and jetted to his hometown, staying almost all of Sunday. Yahoo! Sports

Mary pulled through. She’s expected to be fine. So too, perhaps, will Isiah. Plagued by a rut of professional failures and personal controversies, Thomas has decided to rebuild his reputation from the bottom. He’s returned to coaching not in the big-money NBA, where he once led Indiana and New York. He isn’t at the helm of a high-profile college program, such as his alma mater, Indiana. Instead he took over one of the most anonymous programs in the country, low-major FIU, a mostly commuter school in the Miami area. The basketball team plays in the Sun Belt Conference and hasn’t produced a winning season in a decade. Yahoo! Sports

“A lot of this is about proving himself,” one of his friends said Sunday. The friend asked for anonymity because ” [Thomas] wouldn’t want me analyzing him.” “He wants to prove that he can coach and that he’s a good person, a leader, a winner,” the friend continued. “He wants a new reputation. If he wins at FIU, just gets them to the NCAA tournament, what can anyone say then? That’s what’s driving him.” Yahoo! Sports

Most people would’ve retreated. Thomas is 48 and has plenty of money – he didn’t just make tens of millions as a player and commercial endorser, but tens of millions more as an NBA executive and coach. He could’ve retired, played golf and waited for the wounds to his reputation to heal. He could’ve just spent time with his family – from mother Mary to his wife of 20 years and their two children. “But he’s got something to prove,” his friend said. Yahoo! Sports

Despite a sluggish domestic market, the NBA is forecasting a 10 percent increase in licensed merchandise sales over the next year. Sports Business Journal

Veteran NBA referee Dick Bavetta, working the Magic-Thunder game, told the Sentinel he might retire after the end of the season. The personable 69-year-old Bavetta and his wife live on 450 acres in Ocala. He is in his 32nd season as an NBA ref. Orlando Sentinel

Stephon Marbury: Frank Isola from the daily news is now tormenting fans. The proof is coming. Stay tuned. Twitter.com

Lamar Odom and Khloe Kardashian appeared on Jimmy Kimmel Live on Saturday night to promote their wedding special airing tonight. Among the highlights: Kimmel stumping Khloe by asking who the Lakers beat in last season's NBA Finals and getting her to reveal she wouldn't have married Lamar if he was still with the Clippers. Riverside Press-Enterprise

Janis Carr: Maria Sharapova is at Staples Center. Wonder who she's here to see? Twitter.com

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