HoopsHype.com Rumors

Tuesday, November 10

Visit the HoopsHype.com Forums to discuss the latest news and rumors in the NBA / You also can check out rumors from back in the day in the Rumors Archive

Contrary to something I read yesterday on NBA.com about the boatload of money the Cavs have ... that's just not true. They don't have a lot of money next summer ... certainly not enough to sign a max free agent. And if they sign LeBron next summer, they won't have major cap space for the summer of 2011 either. LeBron, Mo Williams, Varejao and Daniel Gibson eat up most of it. So, they'll need to use trades and savvy draft picks to rebuild. That's why we weren't high on their future ... even with LeBron. ESPN.com

Sergio Llull: "I didn't know anything about this [Rockets paying $2.25 million to get his draft rights], but it's a good thing because it shows how much the team is interested in me for the future." Marca.com

Sergio Llull: "I don't think about it yet [playing in the NBA], but if I have the chance I'll think about it. Right now I have too many things to do in a club like Real Madrid." Marca.com

Hit with injury at the point guard position, Caja Laboral has found playmaking help in Sean Singletary, the club confirmed Tuesday. Singletary (183, 24) inked a deal for the remainder of the season, although Caja Laboral keeps an option to terminate it after two months. Euroleague.net

Ben Golliver: Jason Quick on Brandon Roy, on 95.5FM: "He's probably the most unhappy he's been since he's been in Portland." Twitter.com

Bob McAdoo dealt with this in the early 1980s when he went from a career as a scoring champ and MVP to playing fewer than 20 minutes per game with the Lakers. He says that starting and what it conveys, in terms of the perception of player-value and pecking order, is ingrained in athletes' competitive DNAs. "I couldn't take it. I hated it," McAdoo told me recently, when recalling his first year in L.A. "I know exactly what [Iverson's] going through. We just went about it in different ways. I dealt with it. He doesn't seem to be dealing with it too well." McAdoo says his situation was easier than Iverson's because he wanted to win a championship and, as he put it, "with the Lakers, I saw the light at the end of the tunnel." A.I. is playing low minutes for a struggling team behind two players that, as of right now, aren't as good as he is. So his frustration is valid and it is probable -- perhaps even likely -- that the personal issues he's dealing with while on leave were adding to this frustration. NBA.com

"I don't understand it," he said, laughing. "I don't think anyone can question my scoring abilities. I've only been doing this since I was a little kid. I just try to do it on a nightly basis, to give whoever's guarding me a tough matchup, and keep figuring out new ways to score. If anything, I'm probably happiest about the rest of my game, that I'm doing other things to help my team win. That's important to me." What's important to Denver is not having the anxiety that'll be thick next summer in Cleveland, Toronto and Miami, places that stand to lose LeBron, Bosh and Wade. The lone defector from that group will watch the feeding frenzy with tremendous interest, like everyone else. "LeBron didn't go to college, so he doesn't know what recruiting is like," Melo said. "Those other guys haven't had the chance to experience free agency yet. It could be fun for them. It could be overwhelming for them." And what will the summer of 2010 be for Anthony? Relaxing. NBA.com

Have you felt any pressure early this season coming out and building on that Rookie of the Year season you had last year? Derrick Rose: "Oh no, there's no pressure. I'm just loving it all right now. It's fun, playing in my hometown. All that does is give me more confidence go out there and try to be the best player on the court." HoopsWorld

Considering how well you played last year, we're hearing that adidas really would love to push you as one of their biggest rising young stars. So what's your relationship like with adidas? How do they see you? Derrick Rose: "They've been great. From the first time I met them they were real with me. They said that I wouldn't have my own shoe or anything until I proved myself, so it was right there for me. I'm happy that I'm back and I'm so glad that I came on board with them. They know what they're doing in terms of marketing, and that's what they're doing now." HoopsWorld

"I just felt a great sense of pride and loyalty to our group," Nash said. "We had a bad year last year, but that didn't diminish how I feel about my teammates, the organization, the city and the project that we've been building here. "Yeah, we had a bad year. Yeah, we're maybe not as talented as the Lakers, but I felt like it was really important to be a part of this group going forward. My family enjoys it. I really appreciate the fans and the city, so for me that's lasting. Whereas chasing a championship around can be fleeting." NBA.com

"I want to win a championship," he said. "If I do, it'll be the best accomplishment of my career, but if I don't, my career has been really rewarding. I think I still have a lot to play for whether I win a championship or not." NBA.com

"You don't think I'd trade my career with Steve Nash's?" Kerr said. "I have five (championships), but I'd trade my career with his in a heartbeat -- the way he's played and what he's been able to accomplish. He's one of the great point guards of all time. Whether he ever wins a championship or not is not going to diminish what he's done." For certain players, their body of work and the bonds they make are their own reward. "It's just a matter of perspective," Kerr said. "If it were that easy to chase a championship down, everybody would do it. There's never any guarantee no matter who you sign with." NBA.com

On Sunday, Mike Baldwin wrote about how Thunder center Etan Thomas is, ‘More than just an athlete.” A day later, Thomas’ first blog for HoopsHype.com was published and the entry, “My 12 questions,” touches on everything from the NBA’s age limit, to its dress code, to negativity in the media, to the H1N1 vaccine. Thomas also tackles issues regarding Rush Limbaugh, George Bush, Donald Sterling and what he views as questionable language used throughout the NBA that has overtones of slavery. Oklahoman

But as Thomas points out in his blogging debut on HoopsHype, there are plenty of NBA players who have been politically (or more accurately, socially) conscious. It’s just that not all of them opine on a regular basis like Thomas. A vocal Etan Thomas isn’t a bad thing. He’s done an admirable job in his attempt to push ‘need to be discussed’ topics to the forefront. But I won’t always pay attention to or agree with all of Thomas’ utterances. As I alluded to, the fact that he’s an athlete doesn’t lend him any sort of credibility in my mind. Then again, Thomas is no more or less credible than the oodles of political pundits out there on CNN, Fox News, and the what-not … the types John Stewart so often rips down with reason and comedy on the Daily Show (Which is, by the way, my ’source’ for news … just kidding, kinda. Would you blame me if, at times, I’d rather digest current events with heavy doses satire via a self-proclaimed “fake news”?) Ok, I’m digressing and speaking in generalities. This post is not meant to be of a political nature. Rather, how Etan Thomas’ recent blog entry of “questions” applies to the Wizards. Truth About It

They hit it off when they met at the Jordan Camp in the summer of '98. They really bonded at the draft the next year, when their families hung out in Washington, D.C. They stayed tight throughout the next 10 years. Now, Shawn Marion and Jason Terry are finally teammates. "It's funny, because we've always talked about it," Terry said, as Marion sat next to him and nodded his head. "We're just waiting for it really to kick in and click in. We know it's about a month or two away, but it's going to be fun. It's fun now, but it's going to be a lot more fun as we go along." ESPN.com

Marion is the self-appointed fashion police for the team. He's particularly tough on Dirk Nowitzki, whom Marion ranks with reserve forward James Singleton as the team's worst dressers. "Dirk don't care," Marion said, shaking his head and giggling. "He'll throw anything on. He keeps it simple and he's consistent. I try to tell him, 'Dirk, you're making $20-something million, you need to get some new clothes.'" But it's not all fun and games for Marion. Basketball is serious business to him. Terry said the biggest difference Marion made has been his impact on the defensive end, where the Mavericks were mediocre last season and have been very good through six games this season. The fact Marion can guard almost any player in the league certainly helps. But he's also made the Mavs more accountable on defense, Terry said. Marion doesn't hesitate to bark at a teammate who isn't in the right spot. The one-man fashion police department also serves as the defensive enforcer. "Get this man a badge!" Terry hollered. ESPN.com

NBA.com: So what if it was Jack Johnson vs. Muhammad Ali? [Wallace had done a nifty impression of Johnson's old-school, fists-high style that night in Cleveland, compared to Ali's dancing and stinging.] Rasheed Wallace: In their prime? I don't know. Both of them were monsters in their prime. That would definitely be one to see. But I've got to go with Johnson. NBA.com: How did you become such a boxing fan? Rasheed Wallace: C'mon, man, I'm from Philly. Yeah, you know, we're a boxing Mecca. I've always been into boxing -- I started with my older brothers. They were heavily into boxing as fans. NBA.com

NBA.com: After the game in Cleveland on Opening Night, you entertained a small group of writers with your knowledge and opinions on boxing. And you made a case for Jack Johnson as the greatest fighter of all time. Is that really possible, that a guy who was heavyweight champion so long ago [Johnson was the first black heavyweight champ, holding the title from 1908 to 1915] could still be No. 1? Rasheed Wallace: I'm going to have to say yeah, man. Going back to 40- and 50-round fights? Not to say that there weren't great heavyweights after him, but I don't think they could have withstood the punishment and the torture that he did for so many rounds. NBA.com

NBA.com: You've had your share of heated moments on the court, at least with the referees. Boxers don't mess with the refs but they at least get to work out their aggressions. Did you ever second-guess your career choice? Rasheed Wallace: No. Not at all. Actually, my first love was track and field. Basketball was third on my list. Third time's a charm, though. Boxing? It wasn't for me. NBA.com: But I've heard that you have gotten into the ring with Bernard Hopkins as a sparring partner from time to time. True? Rasheed Wallace: I've just gone a couple times to see him spar. But this upcoming summer, I'm going to start working out with him. Try to get my old body into some kind of shape. NBA.com

Rasheed Wallace: No, man, that's fictitious. That's all for the movies. Actually, some people think that Rocky was a real boxer. No, he was a movie boxer. That's just something that put Philly on the map in the late '70s. He's all fictitious right there. The real stuff is at the Blue Horizon. That's where a lot of amateurs fight at. That's where anybody with any type of name coming out of Philadelphia had to fight. It's a big thing. [The "Legendary Blue Horizon" was vote the No. 1 boxing venue in the world by Ring Magazine and claims to have produced 30 world champions since the first fights were held there in 1961.] NBA.com: You said the other night that the Marvin Hagler-Sugar Ray Leonard was the best fight you'd ever seen? I happened to cover that one -- "The Superfight'' at Caesar's Palace in Las Vegas in April 1987 -- back when you were 12 years old. That one still ranks as the best you've seen? RW: It was. I've seen some good fights since then, but that's the one that really hooked me. I thought, `Man, this is a good-ass sport.' That could have gone either way. [In a comeback fight after a detached-retina injury, Leonard earned a split-decision over Hagler in 12 rounds, a controversial outcome still debated today.] NBA.com

Ric Bucher: On KLove: back playing in 2 weeks, not tweeting. Doesn't consider his life that compelling + too many rules about what he can/can't say. Twitter.com

Marc Stein: Cuban tells assembled media he will be lobbying to get Mavs rookie Rodrigue Beaubois in the dunk-contest field. Twitter.com

The NBA has released its All-Star ballot and is allowing fans to vote by text messaging for the first time. Fans can vote once per day, per phone number, by texting a player's last name to 6-9-6-2-2 (MYNBA). Voting can also be done by paper ballot at each arena and online at www.nba.com. AP

Tracy took part in practice, but wasn't planning on talking to the media . . .but we managed to get him talking anyway. He quickly contradicted the information he gave Spears and Wojnarowski via email. "That's a target date. I didn't say I was coming back, I said it was a target date. Everybody's blowing it out of proportion like I'm guaranteed to come back. I want to play, so that's what we're targeting. I've been working out every day, improving every day, and that's what it is. It's not a guarantee that I'm coming back. It's a target date and everybody wants to blow it out of proportion." "It won't be a setback for me if I don't make the 18th," McGrady continued. "I'm not even supposed to come back until January or February, so if I come back any time before then I've really accomplished something, working my (rear) off to get back on the basketball court before my doctors really thought I would be able to come back." HoopsWorld

"The MRI really isn't going to reveal anything. I talked to my doctor in Chicago and it's not really going to say anything, so I'm not worried about the MRI. I don't even care if I get it; it's just about how I feel. They set the date for the 23rd and I'll stick with it. I'm not in a hurry to get back on the basketball court by any means, I just want to be sure that when I do get back that I'm there to compete at a high level. I don't want to rush back and go through what I went through last year. I want to take my time, and when I do get out there I want to be consistent with my level of play." HoopsWorld

In quick non-Kareem news, Andrew Bynum practiced today for the first time since sustaining a strained right elbow last Wednesday and expects to play on Thursday against Phoenix. "Before I didn't have all my range of motion because of the swelling inside of it, but now the swelling is going down and I've got my range of motion back," Bynum said. "It was time for me to get out here and try it out." Riverside Press-Enterprise

Olympiacos announced Wednesday that star forward Josh Childress would miss Thursday's game against Efes Pilsen after being diagnosed with the H1NI virus. He is the third player on the Reds to come down with the virus. Both Sofoklis Schortsanitis and Kostas Papanikolaou missed the team’s Euroleague season opener with H1NI. Childress, in his second season with Olympiacos, averaged 13 points on 73.7% two-point shooting through three Euroleague games this year. Sportando

If you thought Thamel was tough on young Jeremy, the view from Israel is even more scathing. I asked my friend Ze'ev Avrahmi, who covers sports (among other things) for the Israeli newspaper Haaretz, to provide a local take on how Tyler is doing. Here is part of what he emailed me in response. (Note: Ze'ev's English is good but a little broken, so I've cleaned it up a little): "Jeremy is actually doing very badly. They have a lot of problems with him on and off the court. He is late, has no discipline, goes clubbing, doesn't learn the game. Most players are alienating themselves from him. They see all the global coverage and they don't think he earned anything to grant it. He also refused to turn off the music in his house during Yom Kippur and now the owner wants to throw him out. Plus, he trashed his coach. And worst of all: He produces nothing on the court. Nothing. Yesterday he was thrown out of a game after he head-butted an opponent. FanNation

Keep in mind there is a silent professional-financial argument here. The man who brought him is the owner of the team, Jeff Rosen, who also purchased the right for Internet streaming of the Israeli league in America. For him, Tyler is a marketing vehicle. By doing that he put his coach, Avi Ashkenazi, in a tough spot because he wants to see results. Ashkenazi is taking the company line, but he told an Israeli newspaper: 'I think what happened to [Tyler] is an injustice. People piled on him disproportionate expectations resulting in him valuing himself wrongly.'" FanNation

That Scott is in the final year of his current contract with New Orleans merely serves to multiply the questions, and this year, playing an unusual back-to-back against the Lakers and on Monday night, the Clippers, Scott has gotten a double-dose of inquiries. "No matter where I am and no matter where I go, the last year of my deal always brings questions," said Scott. "It was the same way two years ago." But Scott, who grew up in nearby Inglewood, home of the Fabulous Forum where Scott played when the Lakers called that building home, appreciates the interest. "No doubt about it. And I understand that fully," he said of the usual ‘are-you-coming-back-to-coach-here questions. New Orleans Times-Picayune

"Obviously, I love this place. (The Lakers were) my team. I still tell people I bleed purple and gold, no matter what. And I always will. Like Jerry West will always be a Laker, and he’s the one who brought me here. That’s like my Dad. So that’s always going to be associated with this organization. It’s not bad. It’s not good. It’s good for me. This is still home. In the summer, I still come back here." But just three weeks into the regular season, with no contract with the Hornets beyond this season, Scott said conjecture about his future at this point is premature. "It’s crazy to speculate," Scott said. "To me, it’s just crazy." New Orleans Times-Picayune

Buoyed by what Sacramento Kings co-owner Joe Maloof called a successful “Operation Sellout” ticket sales campaign, he and his co-owner brother, Gavin, are stepping up their public commitment to the city as the team continues its push for a new arena. “We are staying committed to Sacramento,” Maloof said. “We want to be here and we want to make it work here.” The Kings have been locked in a battle with city officials over plans for a new arena to replace Arco Arena, which opened in 1988. As the league stepped in to help with arena negotiations, the Kings, once a model NBA franchise, have watched their fortunes diminish. Sacramento Business Journals

Cuban bid unsuccessfully to buy the Chicago Cubs. His interest in buying the Dodgers isn't nearly as strong. "For the right deal, I'm always interested, but I'm not on a mission," Cuban said Tuesday. "I'll make an inquiry like I have in the other deals, then we'll see what happens. But, again, it's got to be the right deal. It's not like the Cubs situation." Cuban's definition of "the right deal," as e-mailed to the Los Angeles Times: "I'm not a fan of debt-driven acquisitions. 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." ESPN.com

Kobe Bryant appeared on George Lopez's new late-night show on Monday night, clad in a colorful jacket that may or may not have been straight out of Will Smith's wardrobe from the early years of the Fresh Prince. Not a whole lot of new information here, except that fans got to see some of the NFL banter between Kobe and Fish that those of us on the beat witness on a regular basis. Kobe is a lifelong Eagles fan, Fish is a devoted Cowboys fan, and Fish doesn't let his longtime teammate forget who won Sunday night's game. Riverside Press-Enterprise

Matt Bonner: Let's play some word association. I asked some of my teammates the first word or phrase that comes to mind when I say "Salt Lake City". Here are some of the responses I got: Dejuan Blair and Tim Duncan: "Utah." Keith Bogans: "The Mormon Church." Manu Ginobili: "Mountains." Brent Barry: "No Surfing." (Brent didn’t actually say this) Richard Jefferson: "Open Space." Matt Bonner: "Great Sandwiches." When you think about Salt Lake City, you might picture mountains, skiing, the Utah Jazz, Mormon churches, and snow. But I picture all the great sandwich shops in town. It's amazing. Options galore. Everywhere you look is a different spot. A possibility. A chance to find the great American sandwich. Spurs.com

When it comes to marriage, Shaquille O'Neal has thrown a brick. Wife Va'shaundya has filed for legal separation in Los Angeles from the 37-year-old basketball star, court papers show. In papers filed Monday, Va'shaundya O'Neal cites irreconcilable differences for the break in their seven-year marriage, and is seeking sole custody of their four minor children, ages 3 to 9, with visitation for O'Neal. People.com

Abdul-Jabbar is taking an oral medication for the disease. He is a paid spokesman for the Swiss pharmaceutical company Novartis, which makes a drug that treats the illness. "I've never been a person to share my private life. But I can help save lives," he said in a midtown Manhattan conference room. "It's incumbent on someone like me to talk about this." AP

"I was getting hot flashes and sweats on a regular basis," he said. "That's not normal, even for my age." An exam showed his white blood cell count was "sky high" and a doctor quickly diagnosed his condition. At first, all Abdul-Jabbar heard was the word "leukemia." "I was scared," he said. "I thought it was all the same. I thought it could mean I have a month to live." "That was my first question," he said. "Was I going to make it?" A longtime student in martial arts, Abdul-Jabbar said he took the approach of a samurai -- to face death without fear. "I had my face on," he said. Instead, doctors told him CML was treatable with proper medication and monitoring. Abdul-Jabbar is a special assistant with the Lakers and said he hasn't had to cut back his level of activity of coaching, change his regimen or adjust his diet. "I'm able to sneak out for Thai food," he said. "There is hope. This condition can be treated. You can still live a productive, full life," he said. "I'm living proof I can make it." AP

Here's what Kareem Abdul-Jabbar posted this morning on his own facebook page regarding his leukemia: Last year, I was diagnosed with Philadelphia chromosome-positive chronic myeloid leukemia (Ph+ CML), which is a deadly type of blood cancer. Colon cancer took the life of my grandfather, uncle and nearly my father. Shortly before my own diagnosis, a very close friend of mine passed away from a different, aggressive form of leukemia. He was only 57 years old and I miss him dearly. Riverside Press-Enterprise

By working closely with my doctor, I was immediately prescribed an FDA-approved treatment targeting the cause of my disease. I am happy to say that I am responding well. It's amazing to me the way medicines have changed the entire direction of this disease. Ten years ago my diagnosis would have been a death sentence. Today, by taking my medication as prescribed, working closely with my doctor and actively managing my disease by educating myself and monitoring my response to treatment, I continue to live a very full life. I'm excited to partner with Novartis Oncology to help inspire fellow patients with Ph+ CML to work closely with their doctors and take the steps needed to actively manage their disease for the best possible outcomes. This includes taking your medication as it is prescribed. I can't believe that there are patients who regularly skip their doses - by doing this they are putting their lives at risk. It's also important to keep your regularly scheduled doctor appointments. My doctor is my partner and I know how important this relationship is for successfully managing my disease. There are many different techniques available to manage various cancers. In my case, regular blood level testing can help us to see if my therapy is working optimally for me. Riverside Press-Enterprise

I am doing everything in my power to make sure I stay healthy. I'm feeling great and am looking forward to my future. I really want to help patients, specifically with Ph+ CML, understand that they may be more proactive with managing their disease and by doing so, truly have the opportunity to take control of their lives. Riverside Press-Enterprise

Andrew Bynum, who was coached by Abdul-Jabbar the last few seasons, was also surprised to hear the news. "I didn't even know until today, this morning," Bynum said. "It's unfortunate. I wish him the best with it." Los Angeles Times

When he came into the NBA with the Atlanta Hawks, Doc Rivers played against Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and soon found out why the center was considered one of the best ever in the sport. Following Tuesday’s practice, Rivers was informed that the Hall of Fame center has been diagnosed with a rare form of leukemia. “Obviously, sad, Rivers said of his initial reaction. “Obviously, we hope things work out but that’s tough.” WEEI

The 86-year-old mother of NBA Hall of Famer Isiah Thomas is recovering at a west suburban hospital after suffering a heart attack over the weekend. Mary Thomas, who lives in the western suburbs, suffered a heart attack Saturday evening and was brought to Adventist Hinsdale Hospital in Hinsdale, according to a release from the hospital. There, a team of cardiologists, led by interventional cardiologist Dr. Duane Follman, performed a complex interventional cardiac procedure to eliminate the blockage that caused her heart attack, the release said. "Ms. Thomas was deemed an extremely high surgical risk," Follman said. "Because of her age and multiple other health factors, an invasive open heart surgery would have been too high a risk for survival and recovery. This minimally invasive procedure was a better course of treatment." CBS2 Chicago

"She was very sick," Follman said. "The procedure went very well and Ms. Thomas is expected to make a full recovery." Isiah Thomas, who comforted his mother at the hospital with family members who flew in from across the country, released the following statement: "I am so grateful to everyone who has been praying for my mother over the past few days; thanks for your prayers and kind thoughts. I also am eternally grateful to Drs. Follman, Carell, Kunchithapatham and all of the nurses and other caregivers who treated my mother at Adventist Hinsdale Hospital. The medical team put our family at ease and provided the university-level care that we have come to trust over the years." CBS2 Chicago

Al Cervi, a pro basketball star who coached the Syracuse Nationals to the 1955 NBA championship, has died in upstate New York at age 92. The 5-foot-11-inch Cervi was one of the strongest backcourt players of the 1940s and 1950s. Nicknamed "Digger," he was the 1947 National Basketball League scoring champion and MVP as a guard for the Rochester Royals. He became a player-coach for the Syracuse Nationals in 1948, continuing in that role after the team joined the NBA. He retired as a player in 1953 but coached the Nats until 1957. AP

Having tired of the near-daily disruption Stephen Jackson’s unresolved status has had on their young roster, the Golden State Warriors are more committed than ever to trading the veteran swingman and NBA sources said the said the team is optimistic a deal can be completed within the next few weeks. Yahoo! Sports

Even on a night when the Warriors beat the Minnesota Timberwolves 146-105 while scoring their most points in 15 years, two Golden State players told Yahoo! Sports on Monday that the team’s play – and overall morale – won’t truly improve until Jackson is gone. Jackson first declared in August he wanted the Warriors to trade him, and his impending departure has become one of a handful of issues hanging over the team. “The Jax situation is a constant distraction,” one Warrior said. “Once they trade him,” another player said, “it will clear up a lot of things.” The Warriors no longer seem to have any desire to repair the damaged relationship with their former captain. Jackson’s agent, Mark Stevens, blasted Warriors coach Don Nelson in an interview with ESPN.com Sunday night, criticizing Nelson’s coaching ability and trustworthiness. Nelson wouldn’t respond to Steven’s comments, but he did say the Warriors are trying to accommodate Jackson’s trade wish. “I’m aware the team needs a change,” Golden State general manager Larry Riley said. “I’m working hard toward that.” Yahoo! Sports

Jackson said he’d actually prefer to stay with the Warriors if the team plans to trade him to another franchise going through a rebuilding project. That doesn’t appear likely. One of Jackson’s teammates said the Warriors have “serious chemistry issues,” and is hopeful Jackson is traded before the team’s upcoming five-game trip ends in Boston on Nov. 18. Jackson, sources said, told his teammates after a recent practice he didn’t feel like part of the team. Yahoo! Sports

The Warriors would be amenable to trading Jackson for expiring contracts, but most teams would prefer to save their cap space for the heralded 2010 free-agent market. “If it’s soon, I’m ready,” Jackson told Yahoo! Sports after Monday’s game. “Can’t do nothing but be ready. I asked for it as long as it’s the right situation for me and it’s not done out of spite. I’ve done a lot for this team and this organization and I hope the respect stays the same way. If it does happen, I hope it’s somewhere where I want to be.” Yahoo! Sports

“It shouldn’t be [a distraction] because what’s going on with their contracts and their problems doesn’t affect my game,” Jackson said. “It shouldn’t bother them. But if it does I guess they need to grow in the game – it’s not going to be the last time somebody wants to be out and they’re a big part of their team. “It’s a business. Whoever is saying that doesn’t know that this game is a business. They could be gone just as quick as I can.” Yahoo! Sports

Jackson doesn't do pregame interviews. But a source close to Jackson said he doesn't want to go to just any team. He wouldn't want to go to Charlotte, the source said, or any team not in contention. It is widely believed Stevens' personal attack on Nelson was designed to make Jackson's presence on the team so controversial that the Warriors would be desperate to get rid of him. Contra Costa Times

Have you seen the comments made by Stephen Jackson’s agent about you? -NELSON: I did. -Q: Any thoughts? -NELSON: No, I don’t have any comment about that. You guys know what that’s all about. I don’t have any comment on it. San Jose Mercury News

-Q: Does this make you want to trade Jackson more? -NELSON: No. It’s the same. San Jose Mercury News

At some point, as this goes on with Jackson, do you have to adjust what you’re asking for him? -NELSON: That’s never changed. We’re trying to accommodate him. If we can get a good deal, we’ll do it. We said that over a month ago. San Jose Mercury News

-Q: Nelson said if that’s how you play after your lawyer criticizes him, then he wants that to happen every day… -JACKSON: (Laughs) That was all on my agent. I can’t take any blame for that. He was upset with some things and he spoke his mind. We work good together because we both speak our minds. But I would never bash coach in the paper like that. I never have. I’ve got a lot of respect for coach. -Q: You talk to Nelson about it? -JACKSON: No. (Stevens) called me last night and told me he spoke out on some things that was bothering him about coach. I was like, fine, you’re a grown man, just like I’m a grown man. But he didn’t want me to be blindsided. He did tell me about the article. That’s the way he feels. And he speaks his mind like me. San Jose Mercury News

-Q: What was your opinion about the substance of what Stevens said about Nelson on your behalf? -JACKSON: I don’t think it was on my behalf, it was his opinion. I speak on my own behalf, as you all know. Fined for that. That’s how he feels. I respect coach to the utmost. You’ll never see me saying anything in the paper to you guys about coach in any bad way. I have too much respect for him. That’s Mark’s opinion. He feels like some things coach is doing are not right, but he’s my coach right now. I have to give him the respect and I have to continue to give him respect. You have to ask Mark that question. -Q: Do you think Nelson’s deciding your fate now? -JACKSON: I don’t know. I’m sure he has something to do with it. Everybody knows he and Riley are good friends. If it is in their hands, I think I just have to see what happens. I can’t really predict what’s going to happen. -Q: You trust him? -JACKSON: He’s never done anything to hurt me. To this point… besides fining me… that’s the only thing we disagree with. I have no control over that. San Jose Mercury News

-Q: Did you think it was Stephen Jackson’s passing that kind of got things going tonight? -NELSON: Yeah, I thought so. I hope his lawyer says something negative about me tomorrow. Must’ve turned him on. I could take that if he plays like that. I thought he set the tone for the game. Moved the ball and everybody else did as well. It was good. Then he did an excellent job on Gomes, you know, who’s their leading scorer. -Q: Have you been asking Jackson to play like that more often? -NELSON: I ask him to play like that every night. But you have to understand our two wins were against teams that were struggling. I wouldn’t make too much out of it. But we did play very well. We did a lot of things we’ve been working on, which is share the ball, make the extra pass, and we did that tonight. So that was good to see. San Jose Mercury News

James, speaking with reporters at the Cavaliers' training facility on Monday, elaborated on his comments but essentially just repeated himself. "Let's get this clear," he said. "I said the max contract doesn't mean more than winning. That's what I said. I didn't say that I don't need a max contract or that I'm not going to get a max contract. All I'm saying is winning is more important to me than money, at the end of the day. And it is. All I care about is winning. Money and all the max contracts will take care of itself when you do win." Cleveland Plain Dealer

	Want to follow HoopsHype.com on Twitter too? Click here.

I've gotten enough indications from sources that the Knicks would still have zero interest in Iverson, no matter how desperate things get with the team in it's current state. They had two chances to acquire Iverson over the past year, from when Denver was looking to deal him last season and then when he was a free agent over the summer. Both times, I'm told, the Knicks declined. Walsh before tonight's game against the Jazz included the phrase "Depends who it is" within his reply to a question I asked about if he would look into making trades to salvage the season if the team's poor start continued. He did, however, confirm that he would look into trades, as long as it did not negatively impact the 2010 plan. "I'm not going to throw away our ability to get better in the future," he said. Newsday

Alan Hahn: Though it's doubtful A.I. will be "The Answer" for the Knicks, Walsh did say he'd look to make a deal as long as it didn't impact 2010 plan. Twitter.com

Walsh said he's open to a trade, but only if he's getting back an expiring contract. He has no interest in Memphis' Allen Iverson, who has already worn out his welcome. New York Post

Iverson is said to be mulling retirement. His teammates insist they will support whatever decision he makes, but there is work to do in Memphis. "Iverson is a big part of this team and we're behind him, but we have to keep on pushing," Griz forward Zach Randolph said. "I hope the fans continue to support us. We're working hard every day. We're really trying to pull this thing together." From talk radio to message boards to water coolers in the workplace, Iverson's departure has been controversial and a hot issue. The Griz sold additional tickets and ratcheted up their marketing campaign based on Iverson's arrival as a free-agent signee in September. Memphis Commercial Appeal

Hollins said he understands why fans might be upset about the Iverson situation but it's his job to keep the team focused and geared toward having a successful season. "We still have the same goals and aspirations," Hollins said. "Allen Iverson has to do what's best for him and his family. If it doesn't involve playing with the Grizzlies, then it doesn't. If it does then we'll keep trying to figure it out and get it going in the right direction. "As I said when we started, it's a process. I said all along I want to get better and better each day, and be better than we were last year. We've got a long ways to go to get to that level but we're working at it." Memphis Commercial Appeal

Martin became close friends with Allen Iverson in the guard's nearly two seasons with Denver, and now Iverson has taken a leave of absence with Memphis, where he came off the bench against his wishes. "Certain things are out of your control, and it's one of those things where he wants to play," said Martin, who recently spoke to Iverson on the phone. "I wouldn't say he sounded defeated — he's a great competitor — but he's up against some odds and it's tough. If (retirement) is what he's leaning toward, then everybody has to respect his decision. He's a man and is going to make the best decision for himself." Denver Post

Wallace, though, can’t speak for his former Detroit teammate. “I haven’t talked with him since this summer,’’ Wallace said after today’s practice. “But I’m pretty sure that it’s tough for him.’’ The key to moving from starter to reserve, according to Wallace, lies in accepting the decline in one’s abilities. “I’ve already accepted that I can’t jump no more,’’ he said. “I’m not as athletic as I used to be. “But when you lose that step or two, you have to pick up that step or two in your head,’’ said Wallace. “It’s an adjustment, but one that I’ve made before. It depends on the mentality of that person. It can be an advantage or a disadvantage. You have to be able to step into a game and catch that flow.’’ Boston Herald

It has been reported that free-agent guard Antonio Daniels was in Cleveland to work out for the Cavs over the weekend. A source with knowledge of the situation said that no move regarding a contract for Daniels would be made in the next couple of days. Akron Beacon Journal

The Cavaliers worked out veteran guard Antonio Daniels on Sunday at Cleveland Clinic Courts. However, a source said they are not on the verge of signing anyone in the near future. The Cavs are continuing to look around and study all their options. They have some wiggle room at the end of the roster with guard Coby Karl and forward Jawad Williams not having guaranteed contracts. Daniels, a 6-foot-4, 215-pound combo guard, is someone they've had interest in since the beginning of the season. The 34-year-old Daniels might have trouble finding minutes ahead of current guards Delonte West and Daniel Gibson. That's why Daniels might remain on their emergency list in case there's an injury. Daniels was bought out of his $6.6 million contract in Minnesota at the end of October. He wants the veteran's minimum of $1.3 million to sign. If he signs with a team, he'll be getting paid twice to play this season. Not a bad gig if one can get it. Morning Journal

Freddy (Los Angeles): With Chris Bosh playing the best basketball of his life, shouldn't Colangelo try to capitalize and trade him sooner rather than later? Chris Sheridan: They are only going to trade him if they are convinced he is going to leave them, and even if that is the case, it behooves both Bosh (who can get a six-year deal with 10.5 percent raises) and the Raptors (who would get something back) to wait until after July 1 and do a sign-and-trade. In the meantime, they're trying to get to the point where they can challenge the top 3 in a best-of-7 series. They're not as far off as people think (I had them and the Thunder as my preseason Most Improved teams), but they need a lot more out of their two guards right now, with DeRozan doing little and Antoine Wright not providing the scoring punch they often need. ESPN.com

Spartak SPB inked for the season James White. The American player spent last season in USA with Anaheim Arsenal in NBDL (25.9ppg and 5.1rpg) and Houston Rockets (2ppg in 7 games). White is expected in Russia as soon as his visa has been taken care of later this week. Sportando

Etan Thomas: After seeing seven NFL players, league commissioner Roger Goodell and Colts CEO Jim Irsay stand up against Limbaugh, I wonder… Who in the NBA will have the moral courage to publicly denounce Donald Sterling and his practices? HoopsHype.com

Etan Thomas: Would it be possible for the NBA to instill a rule for which reporters covering the league would be fined if they misreport, contort facts or simply write blatant lies? Are the fans not deserving of accurate, factual reporting, instead of articles laced with anonymous sources, embellishments and overall inaccuracies? HoopsHype.com

Etan Thomas: While on the subject of team trainers and doctors, is it possible to impose a fine or forced firing when a team trainer or doctor consistently misdiagnoses numerous players? Not to call out any names but certain teams (not here with the Oklahoma City Thunder) employ trainers and doctors who regularly make medical mishaps (if that’s a politically correct way of saying it). HoopsHype.com

Butler has appeared out of sorts in Saunders's new scheme, and he has been more aggressive the past two games. The problem is, his shots haven't been falling. Butler is shooting just 38.3 percent from the field and joked that the new rims are to blame. "That's what it is," Butler said with a grin. "Them rims are more narrow than the last ones." Butler said the Wizards have too much talent to not turn it around. "We've just got to get better acquainted with one another and believe in one another," Butler said. "It'll come around full circle. You've got to remain positive. We'll be all right. . . . We'll bounce back. We got like 70-something left." Washington Post

The NBA will unveil the All-Star ballot Tuesday in Dallas, with the Mavs serving as the hosts of the event ... and five Mavs in particular participating in the luncheon/press conference … and for a darn good reason: The Mavs’ “Fave Five’’ -- Dirk Nowitzki, Shawn Marion, Jason Kidd, Jason Terry and Josh Howard – are apparently on that ballot. The details: The gimmick is this: Those five players will “cast the first votes’’ during the event, which is scheduled for 11:30 a.m. on Tuesday at the AAC. Among those present will be Mayor Tom Leppert, Mavs owner Mark Cuban and emcee Mark Followill, all there to of course commemorate the fact that North Texas is hosting the Feb. 10, 2010 NBA All-Star Weekend. DallasBasketball.com

It doesn't take a genius to figure out that the Mavericks will have five players on the NBA All-Star ballot. They'll be the five at Tuesday's news conference and they will be the first voters in the fan balloting that will select the starters for the game Valentine's Day at Cowboys Stadium in Arlington. Dirk Nowitzki, Jason Kidd, Jason Terry, Shawn Marion and Josh Howard will be on the ballot. Erick Dampier was left off, according to folks with knowledge of the ballot. Dallas Morning News

As Los Angeles Clippers center Chris Kaman strolled into the locker room after pre-game shootaround Monday night, teammates greeted him with congratulatory daps and salutations. "Player of the week!" Baron Davis shouted, alluding to the award handed down to Kaman by the NBA on Monday -- Western Conference Player of the Week. Kaman, who has long been the Clippers' leader in verbiage per minute, was uncharacteristically subdued about the whole thing. He sheepishly thanked the guys then stared down at the floor with a smile while removing his practice shoes. It isn't as if Kaman hasn't won awards before. "For shooting stuff?" Clippers forward Steve Novak asked facetiously (Kaman is an avid outdoorsman). "What are you talking about?!" Kaman snapped back. "I was college player of the year in [the Mid-American Conference]!" ESPN.com

What is fresh is going against a rising star in Howard, who shares Shaq's Superman nickname. Though O'Neal refused to be drawn into that discussion on Monday, he did talk about Howard's skills. "He's more of a pick-and-roll guy," O'Neal said. "If I take my body off him and he's loose, he could probably score that way. We just want to play. I've been around a while. I've played against the best of them, and he is pretty good. He's young, agile and active. But it's nothing that I haven't seen before." Another active ingredient is a feud between O'Neal and Orlando coach Stan Van Gundy, ignited last season when Van Gundy accused O'Neal, then with Phoenix, of flopping. Responding to that last season, O'Neal referred to Van Gundy as the "master of panic" and a"front-runner" and said he "despised" front-runners. "I've never been critical, but I will defend myself every time," O'Neal said Monday. "It's not my style to call people out, but if people call me out, I will defend myself. You smack me, I'll punch you every time. I don't care who it is." Cleveland Plain Dealer

When Van Gundy mentioned it after the game, O'Neal responded by calling him the "master of panic." "I've never been critical," O'Neal said on Monday. "I will defend myself every time. It's not my style to call people out. If you smack me, I will punch you every time. I don't care who it is." He's also bashed Howard in the past for adopting one of his former nicknames, "Superman." Asked if there's room for two Supermen in the NBA, O'Neal begged off. "I don't know," he said. "My only concern is winning a championship. I'm not worried about all that other stuff. I've been there, done that." News-Herald

Howard said that having to incorporate five new players into the system takes time and has a domino effect. Lost in the Carter trade this summer were shooting guard Courtney Lee and forward Tony Battie, active defenders. Of the newcomers, only Barnes is considered to be an above-average defender. Van Gundy has said that young forwards Brandon Bass and Ryan Anderson are struggling mightily. "The new guys are learning the way we play defense. It's not the same team," Howard said. "We have to get those guys accustomed to where they need to be. But we all have to do the job." Orlando Sentinel

If Casspi bothers Jackson after two meetings, one in the preseason and Sunday's game, it the rookie is already a factor. I asked Casspi today if he had fun playing against Jackson. Casspi said he has "fun playing basketball" but didn't seem bothered that Jackson doesn't seem to like him. Casspi addressed the situation with a grin. "Both of us played hard," Casspi said. "I like him as a player, he's a good player. I got a chance to compete and I like to compete. He's a great player. I'm happy that I made a difference." Sacramento Bee

Casspi doesn't know if his style just annoyed Jackson, but he has no plans to stop. "I'm not sure about (Jackson) but need to keep it up like this," Casspi said. "Sometimes I got down and wasn't playing as aggressive ... I've got to be more consistent." Sacramento Bee

Huge surprise that Howard isn't the one leading the league. That would be Bobcats small forward Gerald Wallace, averaging at least two more rebounds than anyone else. The kicker is Wallace, a 6-foot-7 wing player, believes he can sustain this 13.8-rebound pace throughout the season. "Why not?'' Wallace asked Monday, sounding matter-of-fact rather than boastful. "God willing, if I stay healthy, I think I can." Charlotte Observer

Wallace admitted that he had to adjust to losing some of his physical capabilities. "I've already accepted that I can't jump no more," he said. "I'm not as fast as I used to be. I accepted that already. That's where you become more smart, make that first step or two before that first player could get there. Or I got make this jump shot; give him a little pump fake because he can jump higher than me. So to me, once you lose that step or two, that's when you pick up a step or two with your head." Boston Globe

"One thing my high school coach told me was the day you stop learning about the game of basketball is the day you need to go ahead and hang them up," he said. "So with me coming off the bench this year, it's an adjustment for me having started the last 13-14 years, it's an adjustment but one I have made before in my career with (North) Carolina, I didn't start there right away and the same thing in high school. Sometimes, depending on the mentality of that person, it can be an advantage of disadvantage." Boston Globe

Gadzuric drew laughter from the crowd at the Bucks’ tip-off luncheon a few weeks ago when he said he was going back to his old self and being a little crazy on the court. But he meant it. “I don’t really read about all that stuff; I barely hear that,” Gadzuric said of talk about his six-year deal. “I got the contract, and that’s what I worked for. There are certain situations where I don’t play a lot. That’s just the way it is. “That’s what made me; the energy game, the hustle game. That’s why I got paid. The fans get into it, teammates get into it and it changes the game a little bit. I don’t need to score. I can dive on the floor, and that jumps over to the next play.” Gadzuric has become the primary backup to Bogut, although the 37-year-old Thomas might be used against more physical big men. “He’s running the floor very hard, and he’s rebounding the ball,” Bucks coach Scott Skiles said of Gadzuric. “He’s on the offensive glass. He’s defending his spot. When he catches it, he’s not trying to do too much with it. “He’s keeping it simple. If he’s down low, he puts it up. Otherwise he passes it and is looking to go screen for somebody. “He really runs the floor end to end, and I don’t feel there’s been any downturn in that for him.” Janesville Gazette

Back in those days, Gadzuric was slamming home alley-oop passes from Toni Kukoc and generally enjoying life in the National Basketball Association. "I feel like I need to go back to how I was in the beginning," Gadzuric said after the Bucks' practice session Monday, as they prepared for Wednesday night's matchup with the Denver Nuggets. "Run like I don't know what's happening. "I've been trying to learn the game and I've learned a lot. I've been soaking it in, and maybe in the course of that, I kind of played more laid-back. "It could be good, but I think it's not what the team needs from me. The team needs what I did in the beginning, hustling and the stuff I love to do anyways." Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel

Nash recorded two 20-assist games faster than any player in NBA history, with his second coming Monday night in the Suns' eighth game. Magic Johnson previously had done it in 14 games. Arizona Republic

But there is a chip among these players. It's not about proving people wrong. It seems to be more about proving the 2008-09 team wrong. "It stung last year not do to well," Nash said. "That's why you saw a lot of guys in Phoenix in August trying to get ready for the next season. No one wants to be a loser and not make the playoffs. We're motivated to be as good of a team as can be. I'm sure we're not one of the top talents in the league, but we've got good depth and grittiness that has made all the difference in the world along with having a singular vision from the start." Arizona Republic

While Hill filled in ably for Parker, Ginobili pulled a page from his pre-injury past, totaling 36 points, eight assists and four blocks to lift the Spurs past the Raptors 131-124. The victory was a much-needed one for the Spurs, who averted their first three-game regular-season losing streak since starting last season 0-3. It came with them doubly short-handed. Tim Duncan was a late scratch, joining Parker on the inactive list with a swollen left ankle. When the Spurs required it most, Ginobili saved them. He scored 12 of his points in the fourth quarter, all on 3-pointers, to lead a finishing kick that took the Spurs from trailing 104-100 with 9:17 to play to ahead 123-112 with 2:41 left. He hit six of eight 3-pointers on the night. “I was really needing it,” said Ginobili, who was shooting 39.2 percent heading into the game. “I needed to get hot, make shots and begin feeling good about myself. It hadn't happened yet.” San Antonio Express-News

In the first quarter, Raptors G Jose Calderon eclipsed the 2,000-assist mark in his 298th NBA game. He is Toronto’s all-time assist leader. Toronto Globe and Mail

By the time it thankfully was over, the Wolves had tied franchise records for points allowed in a game and biggest margin of defeat. "I don't think any of us have been beat this bad in any of our days of playing basketball,'' Ryan Gomes said. ''So it's got to become personal. You have to do something about this individually and challenge ourselves individually, then the team ultimately will become better. We cannot let this happen again." ''It's an embarrassment,'' said Al Jefferson. "We just got embarrassed.'' Minneapolis Star Tribune

This also was the most points allowed by a Wolves team since Golden State torched them for 146 on the same court on April 1, 1994. The landmark defeat extended the Wolves' skid to seven games since an opening night victory over New Jersey. "No one's going to feel sorry for us, for this game or losing seven in a row," forward Ryan Gomes said. "We've got to do something in this locker room. We have to take it personally and make sure it doesn't happen again." St. Paul Pioneer Press

The Jazz also fell apart with their pick-and-roll defense in the closing minutes. Toney Douglas drove for not one but two layups in the last 2:15, though the Knicks opted not to have Douglas come off a pick on his final drive against Williams. “A couple times we did a poor job of coming over and giving help and Douglas got right down the middle of the lane for layups,” Sloan said, “and we stood and hugged our man out on the perimeter. It looked like we were glued to them.” Salt Lake Tribune

But the most perplexing development may be the contrast between their big-money big man Elton Brand and second-year phenom Marreese Speights. Through the admittedly young season, Speights is not only outscoring and outrebounding Brand, but he's doing it in six fewer minutes a game. Brand has looked sluggish as if he has yet to even comparably bounce back from last year's injury. Speights showed off not only the set of freakish tangibles that earned him his draft selection, but an impressive range of 15-to-18 footers. There's no stop button on his control panel, and he was a huge reason that the Sixers managed to hold off the Suns in the fourth quarter for as long as they did before eventually falling to Phoenix's barrage. Speights opened the fourth scoring 11 points in the first six minutes of the quarter and snagged five boards. Brand did not play the entire fourth quarter, so at least he can't be tagged with even more responsibility for the Sixers falling to 16-20 with him in the lineup. One thing is for certain, If Iguodala is the assumed asset for the Sixers, it may be Speights, not Brand, that the Sixers need to turn to if they want to get this early season on track. ESPN.com

In five of the Lakers' seven regular-season games, veteran guard Derek Fisher has played way too many minutes for Coach Phil Jackson's liking. "Fish, I'm trying to keep his minutes under 30 and want to keep him under 25," Jackson said recently. "Because we're not playing well in the other areas, we're going to have to work that out a little bit as we go along." The Lakers bench has sometimes struggled this young season, and backup guards Jordan Farmar and Shannon Brown weren't performing to Jackson's standards, so Fisher logged a lot of minutes early on. He averaged 32.2 minutes per game in the first five games. Two of those games went into overtime, with Fisher playing a season-high 35 minutes in one of them. "I don't work as hard as I work in the summer to sit on the side," Fisher said. "But whatever it takes for us to be successful is what I'm prepared to do." Los Angeles Times

The rookie guard drew high praise from coach Paul Westphal for his defense seven games into his NBA career. Westphal already has no problem asking Evans to defend point guards, shooting guards or small forwards. "Honestly, Tyreke's one of the better defensive players in the league already," Westphal said. "He is very, very solid. He's got great defensive fundamentals, and he can guard ones, twos and threes. He's pretty much our best defender at any of those positions." Sacramento Bee

Few players are as interesting as Shane Battier, and thus, people just keep wanting to write about him. Chris Ballard of Sports Illustrated has dedicated a chapter of his new book, entitled The Art of a Beautiful Game, to picking Battier's brain. I was able to obtain an advanced free copy of the book, and enjoyed reading it very much. While it's no masterpiece of any sort, the book accomplishes its goal of educating the reader on the mundane and often overlooked aspects of professional basketball. I found it to be as interesting as any basketball book I've read, and the Battier chapter was no different. The Dream Shake

Thabo Sefolosha is the Thunder’s unexpected leader in 3-point percentage after six games, shooting eight of 12, or 66.7 percent from beyond the arc. After going 3-for-3 Sunday against Orlando, Kevin Durant joked, "I call him Sniper now.” On Monday, Sefolosha said he can get used to the new nickname. "I like it,” Sefolosha said. "I’ve got to live up to it now. "It was just one good game. The shots were falling for pretty much the whole team but it was good. It was a fun night.” Asked what he thought of Sefolosha’s nickname, Brooks joked, "I like Thabo.” Oklahoman

Denver's J.R. Smith will make his season debut tonight, following a seven-game suspension due to a reckless driving conviction. Karl won't start Smith and said Monday he's unsure who will start at shooting guard, possibly Anthony Carter or Arron Afflalo. But Smith's minutes will likely be "in the low 20s," Karl said. How much time Smith plays in upcoming games will be determined by how well he plays, Karl said. "In J.R.'s first five to 10 games, if he's playing well, I won't stop him from being on the court," Karl said. "He was very athletic and energized today at practice. I think his rust will be with his playmaking and ballhandling. And our (team's) nightmare is with our turnovers." Denver Post

Kings guard Kevin Martin underwent "successful" surgery today to repair a hairline fracture of the navicular bone in his left wrist. He is expected to be released from the hospital today. Martin is expected to miss a minimum of eight weeks. Sacramento Bee

Tracy McGrady said Monday that he would make his season debut Nov. 18. But the Rockets said neither they nor McGrady knows when he would go through a full practice, much less a game. McGrady’s announcement was contrary to comments by Rockets general manager Daryl Morey, who had said earlier Monday that there is no timetable for McGrady to play and that he would not play until he can be checked out in the Rockets’ next full practice, Nov. 23. Houston Chronicle

The problem with that was that Rockets general manager Daryl Morey had already said on Monday that nothing had changed in McGrady's timetable, that he won't play until the team considers him to be 100 percent and that he would need to be checked out in a full practice before he will be permitted to play a game. Next full practice? Nov. 23. Houston Chronicle

But Morey said the Rockets had not set the Nov. 18 game, or any other date, as a target for McGrady’s return to the team. "Obviously, we’ll want the doctor to see him in a full practice, that situation," Morey said. "We’re sort of taking it day-by-day, how the team is looking, how he’s doing and what the doctor is saying. "I don’t think there is a specific day. We did announce that day because it was our best guess at the time. It could be earlier and it could be later. "It’s just when the doctors and everyone agrees he is 100 percent. He has been practicing off and on with the team. "Once the doctors say he is OK and is 100 percent and we feel he is 100 percent, he could return." Houston Chronicle

In his blog, McGrady praised his teammates' for their strong start to the season. But he had stolen the attention from their play and put it back on the guy who is not playing. Worse, while Morey has said McGrady is not going through full participation in practice, McGrady said in his blog "I have been practicing, training, and rehabbing hard for my return to the court. "I'm going full speed at practice and am not being held out of drills anymore. I'm hoping to get out there as soon as possible, and with everything that my doctors have been telling me, it sounds like that will be sooner rather than later." The Rockets refused to play along. Morey released a statement Monday evening saying "no timetable has been set for his return." In other words, this time, they will decide. And whether McGrady disagrees, if he was trying to pressure them on Monday, even if he believes he still calls the shots, won't matter. This time, despite McGrady's announcement, it's really not up to him. Houston Chronicle

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 / November 9

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. With his left hand covered in a black cast, James expressed his frustration to reporters with one loud curse word upon hearing the news. James said he injured himself last Saturday in practice and didn't think it was anything serious. Washington Post

Ric Bucher: Also, look for Antawn Jamison, and maybe even Mike Miller, to be back for the Wizards on Saturday vs. Pistons. Twitter.com

Ric Bucher: Caught up w/reformed Tweeter, current TWolf Kevin Love tonight. Says he'll be back in two weeks. Not a moment too soon. Twitter.com

Marcus Thompson: Biedrins is out at least two weeks with ... wait for it ... Osteitis Pubis. No, it's not what you're thinking. Get yo head outta the gutter. Twitter.com

Marc Berman: Eddy Curry has been cleared to practice tomorrow. Break out the champagne. Twitter.com

The bad news: Hamilton still walks with a noticeable limp. He walked with a severe limp as he made his way out of the practice gym Monday and will not play Wednesday when Detroit hosts the Charlotte Bobcats. "He's still getting treatment," Kuester said. "He's walking better, so that's the good news." Booth Newspapers

Jazz combo guard Ronnie Price exited after injuring his left big toe in the second quarter, and did not play in the second half of Monday night's win over the New York Knicks. "I don't know the correct term for it," said Price, who recently recovered from a preseason hamstring strain to take away Utah's backup point guard position from rookie Eric Maynor. "When I planted to take off into a sprint, I felt a pop underneath my big toe, and it's pretty bad," Price added. "The pain was there, and then 30 seconds later it just kept getting worse and worse and worse ... so I knew something was wrong." The Jazz were calling the injury a "sprain," and more about the injury's extent may be known Tuesday. X-rays were negative, but Price said he wasn't sure if he'd be out short-term or long-term. "I have no idea," he said. Deseret News

With a Twitter tweet reading something like a Marv Albert call might sound, Jazz swingman C.J. Miles revealed Monday — as expected would happen — that he had the cast protecting his left, shooting hand removed. "Yessssssssss," Miles, the Jazz's starting small forward last season, tweeted on his personal Twitter account. "Cast officially offfffffff." Injured while the Jazz were preparing for an early October preseason game in London, Miles underwent surgery Oct. 7 in New York to repair the ruptured ulnar collateral ligament in his left thumb. Deseret News

But Miles said before Monday's win at New York that his thumb was still swollen, and he has limited range of motion. "I can't really spread my hand all the way, or grab and grip anything," he said. He'll be limited to whirlpool work with the thumb for about a week, and hopes to progress from there while wearing either a splint or a soft cast. "Next week, maybe, hopefully," Miles said, "I'll start to be able to gauge the pain of it so I can judge what I can do and what I have to work through." Deseret News

Jazz reserve guard Kyle Korver also had a follow-up visit with his surgeon Monday here in New York, where he recently underwent arthroscopic knee surgery to remove a bone spur and clean up the joint. A Jazz spokesman said Korver, who wasn't available for comment, was "progressing" and ready for "increased activity." Korver, who missed all but one of Utah's preseason games, flew Monday from New York to California to begin a week's worth of rehab and conditioning there. No timetable for his anticipated return was available, Jazz spokesman Jonathan Rinehart said. Deseret News

Forward Tyler Hansbrough, who took part in the entire 12-minute scrimmage Monday, will continue to have his minutes monitored for the next few weeks. Hansbrough had 13 points and seven rebounds in 14 minutes in his debut against the Wizards. He is currently limited to 16 minutes a game. The team said Troy Murphy (back) and Brandon Rush (ankle) are day-to-day with their injuries. Indianapolis Star

Spurs captain Tim Duncan sat out Monday's 131-124 victory over the Raptors with swelling in his left ankle, the result of an injury suffered in a loss at Utah on Thursday. Duncan played 35 minutes and 27 seconds on Friday in Portland. It wasn't until early in the Sunday afternoon practice session that he began to experience discomfort in the ankle, affecting his play. He was sent for X-rays, which showed no damage, but he was a pregame scratch Monday. “It's sore, and he can't play,” Spurs coach Gregg Popovich said before the game. Duncan joined Tony Parker, also suffering with a sore left ankle, on the inactive list. Parker's injury is not serious, and he may suit up for Wednesday's home game against the Mavericks. San Antonio Express-News

Ariel (Albany, N.Y.): Right now, through 3 games, Ricky Rubio is averaging 6.3 points, 6.3 assists, 3.7 rebounds and 1.7 steals in 23 minutes per game. Is it a good thing he didn't come over this year? Chris Sheridan: Euro stats aren't always a good measure of a player's worth because the game is played so differently over there (Exhibit A: Compare Brandon Jennings' stats with Milwaukee and with Roma). I think it is a bad thing for the NBA that he didn't come over because I think all the world's best players should play in the world's best league, and I've seen him play a lot, and he's worth the price of admission. But I also think it's a good thing for the ACB, and I look forward to seeing how he blends with the national team next summer in Turkey. Spain is clearly the No. 1 threat to Team USA once again. ESPN.com

Given the SAT turbulence and the fact Arizona was imploding, Jennings had no option but to play in Italy. In April, '08, Bill Feinberg, a friend of the family, broached Brandon's mom, Alice Knox, about him playing in Europe. She told Feinberg he was crazy. But when Sonny Vaccaro -- sultan of the sneaker business and an outspoken critic, as I am, of the NBA's 19-year-old rule concocted by Commissioner David Stern and approved by the Player's Association -- got involved, it became an overnight reality. Vaccaro envisioned Jennings as an ideal trend setter, an extrovert with unshakable confidence, maturity, toughness and spirit who had all the right skills as well as an especially high basketball IQ. Outwardly, Brandon was the textbook, test-tube (high school) baby to send overseas to play pro ball. It also took a brave parent to green-stamp her child making such a brazen move. New York Post

At Brandon's New York City draft party at the Maritime Hotel, Feinberg and Jennings spoke for a few minutes. "I congratulated him and asked if he was happy," Feinberg recalls. "He was a bit down and shook his head. He said he was excited to be drafted, but wondered if going to Italy caused him to be drafted lower." Feinberg told him to disinfect his mind. "Those were choices made by executives in the lottery. There's a reason that most teams are in the lottery -- bad management decisions. "I told him his choice was absolutely correct. He improved as a player, provided a stable financial boost for his mother and brother, and made a statement to the NCAA and NBA; he got an Under Armour sneaker contract worth $1.2 million and an $800,000 salary. There's nothing to feel bad about. "Now he has a coach who appreciates everything he has to offer and puts the ball in his hands. Not too shabby." New York Post

The Maryland GreenHawks announced today the signing of forward Daniel Artest. "We are very excited to have Daniel on our team," said General Manager Adam Dantus. "Daniel is a skilled big man that brings a lot of strength and energy to our frontcourt." Our Sports Central

Do you think you’re the right coach for this team? -NELSON: I think so. What do you think? -Q: I think the last two games have been pretty bad. -NELSON: They have. -Q: Do you think you’re communicating with them? -NELSON: I think so. You can ask them. You can ask Jack to start with. That’d be a good place to start. San Jose Mercury News

"I’m not surprised," said Ramsay, 84, when told Adelman matched his win total. "Rick has proven to anybody who will look and pay attention that he’s one of the top coaches in the game. He just takes the talent he has and finds a way to win with it." There are stories that make Adelman smile, from the time Ramsay had Sam Bowie walking through plays with summer campers who barely went up to his waist to the times Adelman sat on the beach while Ramsay swam in the Pacific Ocean. Adelman said he reaches out to Ramsay beyond the pregame sessions when Ramsay is in town for ESPN Radio broadcasts. He is 71 wins from tying his former coach, Dick Motta, for 10th all time at 935. But for now, Adelman is proud enough of the milestone he reached. "I knew I was getting close, but having the same number of wins as Jack, that is a meaningful thing for me," Adelman said. "I just thought he was one of the best coaches ever. To have the same number of wins as him, that does say something to me." Houston Chronicle

Mavericks owner Mark Cuban said a story in Los Angeles linking him as a potential buyer of the Dodgers has "no substance." The Dodgers are not for sale, but the divorce between Frank and Jamie McCourt raises questions about team's future. Cuban has said repeatedly in recent months that he has no interest in adding any sports franchises to his business portfolio. Cuban indicated it would take a unique set of circumstances to have interest in the Dodgers. "Read the text of the e-mail I sent," Cuban said. "It's all headline and no substance." Dallas Morning News

Mark Cuban has said often in the last few months that he's not interested in adding sports teams to his many holdings that include the Mavericks and HDNet. That's just one of the many things that makes speculation about him buying the Los Angeles Dodgers pretty farfetched. First of all, the Dodgers are a laughingstock in the ownership circles with their owners going through a nasty divorce, one saying the club isn't for sale and the other saying, well, we're not really sure. But until all that gets settled, the Dodgers are going nowhere. Fort Worth Star-Telegram

If the famous Red Telephone between Russia and the United States still existed, New Jersey Nets fans would probably like to see Mikhail Prokhorov and NBA Commissioner David Stern on it. Considering the 0-7 emergency that Nets are currently in, it seems appropriate to use the secure telephone line to hurry up the sale of their team to the Russian billionaire and see how the Nets' basketball fortunes may change. And if Stern and Prokhorov shake hands on the deal, chances are that Prokhorov and Andrei Kirilenko -- currently the only Russian player in the NBA -- will shake hands, too. "I talked with Prokhorov while he was making the decision", explained the Utah Jazz forward during his team's recent stop in Dallas. "It's a great thing for the Russian people and for Russian basketball. I want to help him because I think NBA scouts are going to pay more attention to our players now. They will look differently at Russian basketball. It will also help inspire and bring more young Russian guys into the NBA. This can be sort of their back door into the NBA." HoopsWorld

"I am a big fan of Mark Cuban, he puts so much heart in this team and he really loves the Mavericks. I think Prokhorov will do the same thing for the New Jersey Nets because he is a big fan of basketball. I think there will be big similarities between the two of them. Just like Mark, he will definitely try to make it as successful as possible, he is a good businessman." But, Kirilenko warns, it's not going to be easy, and for a good reason: Basketball business models in the NBA and Russia share very different histories. Even with the increasingly impressive basketball talent coming out of Europe, their basketball leagues are still financially lagging far behind the NBA. It is commonly accepted that the NBA -- with David Stern at its helm -- is still the only profitable league in the basketball world. "NBA is not just an American product any more. I think David Stern should be supportive of the idea, he is a smart guy. There are more and more international people involved. You can see the Chinese impact with Yao and Yi, more and more players from China are probably going to come to the NBA. And I think that selling the Nets to Prokhorov can inspire new Russian players and also bring in a lot of new Russian fans." HoopsWorld

Only a small percentage of Russians are very wealthy, explains Kirilenko, while invoking a statistic that probably holds true for any country. But Russia is specific in that it separated from a larger country -- the Soviet Union -- and the economic turbulence caused by the very split made some people instantly much poorer and others wealthier. "Most of the rich guys were at the right place and the right time when the Soviet Union collapsed. It was hard for regular people to understand that. Some people get jealous, and some people understand it. But people that are into basketball understand this opportunity and want to support Prokhorov." HoopsWorld

It's uncommon for visitors to play both L.A. teams on a single trip. These games seemed to portend a concession to the league's changing economics -- staying in L.A. for an extra day means one fewer flight to charter -- and actually made a lot of sense. Yet it won't be repeated for the rest of the season. And Matt Winick, the NBA's senior vice president of scheduling and game operations, insists this was a fluke. "It just happened," Winick said. "I'm not that smart." Winick said it was a result of trying to fit games into an incredibly busy arena, which also is home to the NHL's Los Angeles Kings and hosts events such as the Grammy Awards and the Pacific-10 Conference men's basketball tournament during the NBA season. ESPN.com

"The college fans are great and I love the sayings they come up with," he said. "I was walking down the sidelines and all I heard was, 'Magic, Magic' (a reference to Magic Johnson's recent book that takes issue with him). You can't beat it, right? I gave them a nice salute. I started to blow them a kiss but I didn't want to do that." Thomas appeared happy to be back, even though he knows this season will be an uphill climb. "I love basketball," he said. "There are wants and needs and I need basketball, no matter whether it be NBA, college or high school." New York Daily News

His 86-year old mother, Mary, was in a Chicago hospital room, awaiting heart and kidney surgery. Thomas was at the hospital all day Sunday before flying in here Monday for the game. "She was a role model to an entire generation of single mothers," Thomas said. "She mothered the mothers. My mom raised me (in Chicago) to basically fight and that's what I'm trying to instill in our team. When I was speaking to her Sunday night, she said she doesn't want to die. And she's going to fight to live. Then she told me to go to work and fight for our team. My mom (put) a lot of fight in me and she's fighting for her life and I'd appreciate everyone saying a prayer and - knock on wood - it'll work out." New York Daily News

Thomas is trying to start a new life in South Florida after his plans to rebuild the Knicks turned to dust. He never got a chance to romance LeBron James and left town two years ago following an ugly sexual harassment trial. "New York didn't see me at my best," he admitted. "There's probably one or two trades I wouldn't have made, but the thing with the Knicks is that we had a lot of talented, smart people come through our organization, from Don Nelson to Larry Brown to Lenny Wilkins to myself to Pat Riley to Jeff Van Gundy - smart Hall of Fame basketball people - and all of us have tried to fix it and we just haven't been able to."
New York Daily News

Sloan recalled playing for the Chicago Bulls against the Boston Celtics in the first game of a doubleheader when a piece of metal suddenly dropped from the ceiling and landed on the Celtics' trainer's chair just after that trainer had stood up during a timeout. "Metal pieces at the top of the building just came out. It wasn't a bolt, I don't know what exactly it was, just look straight up, it's that same metal. (Bill) Russell and Sam Jones were standing back here in the tunnel, and a piece of metal hit the floor and bounced up." Sloan also told another old sky is falling tale from the Garden's early days. "We were here watching NYU play Notre Dame, (Tom) Boerwinkle and a couple of others, and one of the lights blew out, and kind of like a falling star it landed on a guy's shirt or sweater," Sloan said, remembering how the spectator's garment caught on fire. "We were on the opposite side. We felt safe." ESPN.com

Tribune columnist Rick Morrissey showed up at practice carrying an old copy of his sports section and a jar of salsa. Apparently on draft night 2007, he wrote that if Joakim Noah becomes a useful player within three years, he’ll eat his column with salsa. Well, Noah had 21 points, 16 rebounds and 4 blocks in Saturday’s win over Charlotte, so Morrissey actually showed up to eat the column. I didn’t see it happen, but the stunt was videotaped and I’m sure the two-year old newsprint was delicious. Arlington Heights Daily Herald

During a 20-year N.B.A. career that included six championships and six Most Valuable Player awards, Abdul-Jabbar had one serious injury, a broken wrist. Other than that had enjoyed a healthy career. So the news Monday that the 62-year-old star athlete turned writer and coach was battling leukemia came as a stunning revelation. “Imagine how I felt,” he said in an interview in Manhattan. “It was frightening. You hear the word leukemia and it’s something that really affects you.” Especially when there is a history of cancer in the family. Abdul-Jabbar had a grandfather and an uncle who died from the disease. “And my father almost died,” he said, “so it’s something that really got me going.” New York Times

“It’s been almost a year now since I’ve been diagnosed,” Abdul-Jabbar said. “My first reaction was to deal with it, make that fight for my life.” Like many patients found to have this particular strain of leukemia, Abdul-Jabbar learned he had the disease while it was in its early phase. “In order to really deal with this situation, you have to find a specialist and follow their instructions,” he said. “You have to take your medication; you have to get your blood checked regularly so that you can be monitored.” New York Times

Through all his accomplishments — at Power Memorial High School and U.C.L.A. and with the Milwaukee Bucks and the Lakers, Abdul-Jabbar has kept largely to himself. So why such a public disclosure? “I think that someone like me, who has a public presence, because people pay attention to what’s going on in my life, can help save some lives,” he said. “I want to get the message across: this condition is treatable. I want to get people to go to doctors, take the medication. This disease can be managed and you can continue to live a very meaningful life.” A related objective is to encourage people, especially men, to take better care of themselves. This means making more frequent trips to the doctor for checkups. “You’ve got to be proactive about your health,” he said. “You can’t just sit back. If I can affect that condition, I’m a very happy guy.” New York Times

“I’ve been a student of the martial arts my whole life,” Abdul-Jabbar said. “The whole idea of facing death calmly and doing all you can with your life up to that moment and to keep your objectives — that’s been the part of this that has made me.” In his sport and in his day, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar was a true King of the Hill. Two decades after his retirement, he still holds the N.B.A. career scoring record. The diagnosis of leukemia is one more mountain to climb, one more season to negotiate. “I’m going to be able to do the things that I love to do,” he said. “Deal with my children, write, coach. I can still live a meaningful life and manage this disease. “I’m going to continue being me. I can’t stop doing that.” New York Times

The disease was diagnosed in December. But Abdul-Jabbar said his condition can be managed by taking oral medication daily, seeing his specialist every other month and getting his blood analyzed regularly. He said he expects to lead a healthy life. Abdul-Jabbar acknowledged he was scared after visiting his doctor and learning of the diagnosis. "The word 'leukemia' is a very frightening word," he said in a phone interview from New York. "In many instances, it's a killer and it's something that you have to deal with in a very serious and determined way if you're going to beat it." Los Angeles Times

Abdul-Jabbar said he is being treated with a medicine that specifically targets the abnormal protein that causes leukemia. "I responded well to the treatment," he said. "I just want that to continue to keep happening." Abdul-Jabbar said he wasn't feeling particularly ill last year, but was having frequent hot flashes and was sweating constantly. He said his doctor told him to get some blood tests. "By having the hot flashes, I knew something was up. But I didn't think that it was going to be something as serious as leukemia," Abdul-Jabbar said. Los Angeles Times

Abdul-Jabbar said he spoke out about his disease because he wants to shed light on leukemia. More information about the condition is available on his Facebook page, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Patient Advocate, including links to websites providing details about the condition. "The fact that you can manage the disease means that you can live your life," Abdul-Jabbar said. "The fact that you have to go and get your blood analyzed and consult with your doctor might be a minor inconvenience, or you have to take your medication every day. But if you do these things, you can lead a normal live." Los Angeles Times

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