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Wednesday, November 11

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Marc Stein: This just in: Earl Boykins on the verge of return to the NBA with the injury-ravaged Washington Wizards after spending last season in Italy. Twitter.com

What about this tantalizing notion of Heat star Dwyane Wade and Cleveland Cavaliers star LeBron James playing together next season? Wade said Wednesday ``it really could'' happen, though he cautioned the odds are against it even though both can be unrestricted free agents next summer. If it did, it would be far more likely to happen in Miami than in Cleveland -- because the Heat has the cap space to sign two maximum-salary free agents (Wade and another player) in 2010, and Cleveland would not without dumping several multiyear contracts. ``It's something we've talked about, of course,'' Wade said of playing for the same team. ``No question, it's a long shot. He's put in position in Cleveland where he has the opportunity to compete for a championship now. I'm in Miami, where I've won a championship and this is where I love to be. So it's not like we're both looking over our shoulders saying we want to get out of here. So it's a long shot. But at the end of the day, it is a shot.'' Miami Herald

``He's one of my good friends and we both decided at the same time to sign that same contract to give ourselves the ability to control our own destiny,'' Wade said. ``If we want to, we can team up. If not, we can stay separate and compete against each other for years to go.'' Asked if he believes playing here appeals to James, Wade said, ``I know the city appeals to a lot of guys, but I don't know, in his heart of hearts, how it appeals to him. I know LeBron really enjoys being the quote-unquote savior for Cleveland, a place that he grew up.'' Does Wade ever think about how it would work playing with James? ``I've seen that on Olympic teams,'' he said. ``I've had that experience of playing with [Kobe Bryant], LeBron, Chris Paul, Carmelo Anthony. But I don't go to sleep thinking what if I played with them and they had the same Heat jersey I had on, because that's so far out there.'' Miami Herald

Wade plays shooting guard, while James is used primarily at small forward. Wade was asked if two superstar wing players could thrive together, or does a team need better roster balance? ``I don't know,'' he said. ``History shows you need a big man to win championships. Guards don't win it, certain offenses don't win it. But you don't know until you do it. You need leaders, you need good players to win, no matter what position they're in.'' Miami Herald

Don Nelson: “We know Jack wants out, we’re trying to accommodate him. That’s not gonna help. It’s harder than hell to trade that guy. He’s got his history; he’s got a long-term contract. We’re trying.” Sports Radio Interviews

Don Nelson on playing the way they did amongst the controversy with Stephen Jackson: “I told the guys after the game, I said if Jack’s (Stephen Jackson’s) agent wants to say all these terrible things about me, he can do it as long as Jack plays like that I don’t care. He played pretty well. I wish he played like that every night, but anyway he must’ve felt embarrassed about the whole thing and he played a heck of a game.” Sports Radio Interviews

Don Nelson on the things that Stephen Jackson’s representatives have said about him: “Yeah, that’s really below the belt. I’ve never met the guy. He doesn’t even know me. I wouldn’t know what he looks like. I thought Dan Fegan was Jack’s agent. What did I know.” Sports Radio Interviews

Citing his family and the international makeup of Canada's largest city, including a large Turkish population, Turkoglu reversed ground. He hasn't looked in the rearview mirror since. "I never look back on anything I did in my life, good or bad decisions," he said. "This was my decision and I have to deal with what happened. I made my decision and I'm happy about it. I just have to focus and keep doing my best." NBA.com

"I didn't do it on purpose," he said. "I appreciate all the hospitality they gave to me, it would have been nice [to go to Portland], but in the end I had to move on with my life and make the best decision for me and my family and basketball-wise. I have to continue doing what I've been doing and hopefully this will be the best situation." NBA.com

Kleiza wound up signing a two-year, $12 million contract with Olympiakos. He can opt out by mid-July if it looks like there is an opportunity for him to cash in on the expected free agent bonanza of 2010. But with the American economy slumping, the dollar worth less than the euro and the NBA’s salary cap declining it’s possible we will see other plays coming Kleiza’s way. “It will continue,” said Kleiza’s agent, Bill Duffy. “I think the top tier clubs in Europe will continue to pay aggressively. You’re going to see more of an exodus.” “Europe is a great opportunity,” Kleiza said. “Especially these days, when money is so big here and teams are at a high level. Back in the day, players went over to Europe when they couldn’t play in the NBA any more. But now it’s a good opportunity.” ESPN.com

Where is Allen Iverson: Chris Wallace: “Allen Iverson, I am going to venture guess here, is probably in the greater Atlanta area. I don’t have a GPS on him at this point in time. He went back to Atlanta to attend to some personal business on Saturday and as far as I know he is still there.” Sports Radio Interviews

Whether there really is a personal matter that Allen Iverson is taking care of: Chris Wallace: “I am not going to comment on his personal business that is his. Allen was outspoken after his initial game with us last Monday night against Sacramento about his preference of not coming off of the bench. He made that statement. Let me say this, I think Allen in the three games back that he played over a five day period on our road swing out west, was perfect for being in line in how you use a player that is new to a team that is coming off a month of inactivity except for rehabilitation due to a hamstring injury. Unfortunately in the NBA, unlike the sport of baseball, we don’t have a minor league assignment where you can send guys down to get in shape. (Host: You can send him to the D-League Chris.) No you can’t. No you can’t. After two years in the league they are not eligible. So we have to bring our guys who are coming back from injury, that are in sort of a ramp up period, we got to bring them back into the real thing in addition to practice. Allen came back and he played seventeen minutes and then he played twenty-seven minutes and I don’t know the exact number against the Lakers but it all averaged out to about twenty-two minutes so I think this was sort of a normal process considering the circumstances with Allen’s physical situation and the fact that he was new to the team.” Sports Radio Interviews

Whether Allen Iverson is going to be a Grizzly again: Chris Wallace: “I am not going to rule that out. I mean he is a Grizzly right now. He is under contract with the Grizzlies. He is on our 15-man roster so he is currently a Grizzly and let me say this it is not uncommon throughout the NBA in a 82 game schedule that players from time to time leave the team for quote unquote personal business. If you pick the boxscore up after the game you till see ‘NWT’, Not with Team. That happens to every team at some point in time with one or more of their players.” Sports Radio Interviews

Is it true that you never had a conversation with him, as he suggested? Lionel Hollins: Let me say this to you: I don't want to get into - see, I got taken to task for saying this to the national media, too. I don't want to get into he said/she said with Allen Iverson. Allen has his own interpretation of things. I know the truth. He knows the truth. And what I would like to do is let Allen handle his issues, make a decision on whether he's coming back or not and concentrate on what we have to do as a team, both if he's not here and if he's here. I don't want to - 'He's a liar or I'm a liar.' You know, I don't want to do that. That's not who I am. And I can take the weight if everyone thinks whatever they want to think. I can take that weight. I can be criticized, I can be at fault. I can tell you I would never tell you what was said in that meeting that we had in Atlanta. And I would tell you we are not naïve to think that every aspect of Allen's past wasn't discussed. And go from there. I mean, people have indicated that we didn't tell him this and we didn't mention that and we didn't ask him this. Every detail that needed to be asked was asked. Memphis Commercial Appeal

Is there a timetable for his potential return? Can you have this hanging over the team for a month? Lionel Hollins: I don't really know. That's an interesting question. I'd like it to be sooner than later, but I don't know what the extent of his personal issue is. or how large it is. And as I said to someone before, Allen left during preseason and nobody knew of it because he wasn't playing. But he left he team, didn't go to Miami with us, met us in Charlotte. So it's not like people - he left before. And he hadn't had any issues before, and he still left. Memphis Commercial Appeal

If he does come back, are you worried he'll ruin some of the team's progress? Lionel Hollins: That's very very possible. I'm not concerned about it at this time, I'm just trying to get us to a certain place and if we get to that certain place and it's good -- If Allen does come back, obviously he has to fit into that place. I think that too much has been said about starting, not starting. I think that what we have to do is find out where he best fits. As he said, he doesn't have to fit anywhere. But we have to find out where he best fits. Memphis Commercial Appeal

“A.I. is a future Hall of Fame player and a former MVP,” Finley said. “For him to go to a bench role is difficult. That being said, from the outside, looking in, I thought he knew the situations he was getting into. But when that ball goes up, that competitive instinct takes over, especially when your team's not winning.” San Antonio Express-News

Rationalizing his pique, Iverson asked anyone questioning his anger to check his résumé. “His résumé says he's put in a pretty good NBA career,” Finley said. “For him to take less of a role on a team with young guys who haven't even established themselves in the league is a hit to his ego.” San Antonio Express-News

The NBA says the review that overturned a winning shot by Chicago's Brad Miller was correct and handled appropriately. Referees looked at video replay for about three minutes before determining that Miller's shot came after the final buzzer, giving Denver a 90-89 victory on Tuesday night. Though a review is supposed to be completed in a two-minute period, crew chief Mark Wunderlich then asked the truck if there were any additional angles. AP

Just in time for Wednesday's big nationally televised game at Orlando, the guard has shaved onto the left side of his head a big map of Texas with a star on it. While it is the Lone Star State, Gibson, who is from Houston and a big baseball fan, calls it an "Astros star.'' "I'm the first one,'' Gibson claimed about being the initial NBA player with a state shaved onto his head for a game. FanHouse

"I always do different designs,'' said Gibson, who got the Texas outline shaved onto his head Tuesday in Cleveland shortly before the team flew to Orlando. "It's just something I like doing... I always try to do something different to bring some fun and excitement to the game. Everybody loves it. They say it's the best one. "Everybody loves Texas.'' FanHouse

You never know sometimes with Lakers coach Phil Jackson, but today he said it might Christmas before Pau Gasol is ready to play again. Gasol has a strained right hamstring and will miss his eighth game of the season when the Lakers host the Phoenix Suns on Thursday. Anyway, judge for yourself. Here's what Jackson said after practice: TV guy: It seems like he's a little uncertain and maybe the rehab has taken a step backwards. Jackson "I find that hard to believe, that it's gone backwards. ... Right now, he's capable of doing only so much and nothing else. But it is mysterious, no doubt about it." Los Angeles Daily News

Newspaper guy: Do you know when he'll practice again? He thought maybe in a few days, after some treadmill running? Do you have a target date? Jackson: "No. We're starting to look toward Christmas, though. Some time out there." Los Angeles Daily News

The Jazz are preparing to be without Deron Williams for tonight’s game against the Boston Celtics after Williams sat out the team’s pregame shootaround Wednesday morning and said his strained back had gotten worse. The Jazz already have ruled out Ronnie Price with the sprained left big toe he suffered in Monday’s victory over New York. Without Williams or Price, the Jazz would be down to just one point guard in rookie Eric Maynor and nine total players. The Jazz end shootaround by dividing into big men and guards to shoot at opposite baskets. With Williams and Price both sitting along the baseline in warmups, the guards numbered just three in Maynor, Wesley Matthews and Ronnie Brewer. “That’s why I might play,” Williams said. He will see a chiropractor this afternoon, but said the tightness had moved up his back. Asked if he would play if he felt the same tonight, Williams said, “No, probably not.” Salt Lake Tribune

Josh Childress: Thanks to everyone for their well wishes. Just wanted to let you all know I'm doing much better! Twitter.com

Don Nelson on what keeps him motivated coaching this young team: “Well its not easy all the time because you have to understand going in that we are not a powerhouse, we’re going to take a licking once in awhile and we’re not going to play up to our potential that I see us playing. Going in, I have to be patient and understand it’s going to be a hard year that way. Kinda like Jack, I’d rather go to a winner and coach a bunch of veterans that know what they’re doing and win two out of three and three out four every time you go out. (Host: Packaged deal since you love Jackson as you’ve said on the show, you can go with him.) No thank you, no thank you (Laughing).” Sports Radio Interviews

John Lucas thought he was coming back to the NBA to be an assistant coach for the Clippers. He liked the opportunity, especially liked working for long-time friend Mike Dunleavy and liked the possibilities of a team on the comeback. He didn't see it as clouds parting before him. A few months later, training camp and preseason are over. The first 10 percent of the schedule has passed. Entrenched as a Clippers assistant, he now sees it clearly. Lucas wants to be a coach again. "Now that I've gotten back," he said, "I see how much I really missed it." NBA.com

In an interview with NBA TV last night, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar said he "probably" will stay with the Lakers rather than move on to Memphis to work with the Grizzlies' young centers. The Grizzlies had recently received permission from the Lakers to speak with Abdul-Jabbar and reportedly were close to offering him a job. "I'm not really going to try and change my situation at this point," said Abdul-Jabbar, who is still under contract with the Lakers. "I'm still with the Lakers and I'm probably going stay there because that's the best situation for me. I had to alter things a little bit to deal with what I had to deal with, but it's a great situation in Los Angeles. They've got a great chance at repeating." Riverside Press-Enterprise

When Lopez asked the audience whether it had any questions for Bryant, Derek Fisher stood up and asked Bryant, who is an Eagles fan, "Do you remember which team won the Cowboys and Eagles game last night?" (The Cowboys defeated the Eagles, 20-16.) After cursing at his teammate in Spanish, Bryant said, "You know what, I have convenient amnesia." He added, "But I can remember the last time you all won a playoff game." Los Angeles Times

Isiah Thomas' mother is recovering from surgery in a Chicago-area hospital. "Mom came through like a champ," the NBA Hall of Famer and first-year Florida International University coach told FOXSports.com. FOXSports.com

Through seven games this season, in which the Sixers are 3-4, Brand is playing 27.6 minutes a game. He's fifth on the team in scoring with a 10.1 average, shooting 45.2 percent. "Of course there's a level of frustration creeping in, being 3-4," Brand said after yesterday's practice at the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine. "We're close to being 5-2 and it's all smiles around here, but being 3-4, it's frustrating, absolutely." Philadelphia Inquirer

Brand is sitting at the end of close games. He's become a very expensive fifth option. And Jordan seems less concerned with how to incorporate Brand and more concerned with Brand accepting the situation. "I look at how you play in the game," Jordan said. "It's not all about stats; anybody can get stats and lose. There are a lot of good stat players on losing teams that when you put them on winning teams, they're not good players. Not to say I'm talking about our guys." Philadelphia Inquirer

Third-year forward Thaddeus Young has struggled thus far this season, especially after dropping 25 points against the Knicks in the third game of the season. Since then, he's shot just 16 of 48 (33 percent) from the floor. Most of those makes have come from close to the basket. He seems terribly out of rhythm shooting the ball from the perimeter. "When shots aren't falling you try to get in closer to the basket and try to get other guys involved and try to pass it a little bit more and try to rebound a little bit more and try to create havoc on defense," Young said. "There's many other things you can do to make an impact on a game. "It's only seven games into the season, so right now I'm just trying to get into the gym and trying to work on everything and get back to where I was last year and try to get better." Philadelphia Daily News

One league executive believes, off the record, that the Cavs' front office already knows what LeBron is going to do; Cleveland insiders say that's not the case. Money isn't the entire issue with James, an endorsement darling. In fact, he recently said that he'd play for less than the maximum for a chance to win a title --- opening the door for others with little cap room. LeBron to play for the Magic for the minimum? Yeah, right. Orlando Sentinel

While downplaying 2010 free agency as a subject that he believes has overwhelmed the significance of the current season, Arison also said he believes he will retain his star guard during that phase of the offseason. "I have every indication from Dwyane that this is where he wants to be," Arison said, with Wade holding an opt-out clause at season's end. "He loves Miami. He'd like to spend his whole career. "But the reality is I don't have a signature on a contract. Obviously we talked about an extension this summer. I was disappointed we couldn't come to an agreement, but that was Dwyane's right. . . Every indication I have is that this is where he wants to be." South Florida Sun-Sentinel

Rashad McCants: I can say I'm 100% and Ready to roll! But don't expect much to change. I had an Injury on top of bein a FA all summer, w/ a rep! Twitter.com

Kahn stressed that eight games into the NBA regular season is too soon to make "sweeping judgments," but he did not rule out the possibility of roster moves if the team fails to become more competitive. St. Paul Pioneer Press

"I don't want to sugarcoat what I feel was a lack of fight from our team Monday night," Kahn said of the Wolves' 146-105 loss. "It's inexcusable and unacceptable, for any one game, for us not to put up the requisite fight. I hope it does not become a pattern. If it does, it will be remedied. We will not spend an entire season tolerating that." St. Paul Pioneer Press

Among other things, Hollins said he was caught by surprise when Iverson complained so openly -- and loudly -- about his lack of playing time against the Sacramento Kings on Nov. 2, which was his first game in the lineup after tearing his left hamstring during the preseason. "I wasn't in the locker room when he said what he said, but surprising is a good word," Hollins said. "You think about it, he'd been out that long a period of time and to be back for the first time and be back from a fairly seriously torn hamstring, you personally would think (he'd say), 'OK, I'm back, I'm healthy, I felt good out there in the little bit of time I had and let's go forward.' So obviously the comments were surprising." Memphis Commercial Appeal

Hollins acknowledged that he also was upset that Iverson, more or less, threw his teammates under the bus by expressing his frustrations so publicly. "The comments that were made certainly reflect on your teammates," Hollins said. "When you say, 'I'm this and I'm that, there's no way I'd do this or do that,' then you're saying that those guys that are in there with you are not I don't know how to say it, so I'm not going to say it. But you can understand what I'm saying." Memphis Commercial Appeal

Former Lynn Tech star Antonio Anderson will be headed out to Texas Thursday to play for the Rio Grande Valley Vipers in the NBA Development League in McAllen, Texas. Anderson played his college basketball at the University of Memphis, and he was on the team that lost to Kansas in the 2008 national final (the regional championship the Tigers won was vacated this past summer by the NCAA because Memphis had an ineligible player -- believed to Derrick Rose -- on the team). The Daily Item

Nope, Steve Nash re-upped with the Suns last summer for two additional years on top of this one, taking himself out of the 2010 drama and reaffirming his commitment to the franchise that drafted him and brought him back. That's not the move we expected. "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 / November 10

Nash admits there was an allure to New York, but it wasn't about joining LeBron or D-Wade in some super free-agent class of 2010. Nash was intrigued by the possibility of being part of a new "project," helping build something sustainable with Mike D'Antoni that may lead to a title down the line. Maybe even after he's hung up the recycled sneakers. NBA.com / November 10

"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 / November 10

"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." NBA.com / November 10

Curry says he does not rue the way the picks fell in the draft. Well, maybe a wee bit. “Playing in Madison Square Garden every night, living in New York, that would have been fun,” Curry said after a recent practice, looking ahead to Friday’s game at the Garden against the Knicks. “But I think it’s going to be like a normal game for me on Friday. I’m going to talk to the coaches, and there’s going to be that exchange — ‘I wish I had you.’ ‘Yeah, but I’m happy where I am right now’ — and then we’ll just get back to the basketball.” New York Times

Orlando Magic center Dwight Howard has been fined $15,000 by the NBA for publicly criticizing officials on his blog. The league made the announcement Tuesday. The comments were posted on Howard's blog after the Magic's loss to Detroit last week. Howard fouled out in the game after playing a little more than 16 minutes. He wrote on his blog: "How can that be, ya'll? It was crazy. They called me for a charge on a flop, a push off when the defender was on me and two fouls on blocked shots." ESPN.com

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Nuggets guard J.R. Smith made a big proclamation Tuesday morning — from now on, he wanted to be called by his given name, Earl. But by game time Tuesday night, he was back to being J.R. "There was too much controversy with the switch," Smith said after Denver's 90-89 win in Chicago. "I got a lot of calls and text messages and e-mails. It wasn't a good move." Denver Post

Having served a seven-game suspension for his reckless driving charge this summer, Smith played against the Bulls at the United Center and finished with five points and five assists. He hit 1-of-9 shots. His given name is Earl Smith III, but "J.R." came from people calling him "Junior." "I just felt like changing it," Smith said Tuesday morning. "It's been a long time and J.R. has no significance to my name. My name is Earl, so I figured, why not?" Denver Post

Smith, 23, has changed his game in his sixth season -- with an immediate payoff. A career 27 percent shooter from beyond the arc, he hasn't attempted a single three-pointer during Atlanta's 5-2 start. (Even Joe Smith has taken three.) As a result, Smith is connecting on 57.3 percent from the field, well above his career mark of 45.6. He's also cut down on his turnovers and nearly doubled his assist average from last season (4.4 from 2.4). Combine those numbers with his 6.6 rebounds and 2.9 blocks, and Smith ranks among the NBA's 20 most efficient players. "I don't feel I have to shoot threes," said Smith, who averaged 1.2 attempts per game before this season. "I have teammates who can stroke the ball from outside, so there's no need for me to shoot threes. I can concentrate on the inner part of the court near the basket." SI.com

"Josh is more focused this year," Horford said. "You can just tell by looking at him and the way he's playing. I also think Marvin has expanded his range from my first year where he's now a three-point guy if they leave him open. That makes a big difference for our team and what we do if he can hit those shots consistently." SI.com

More than half of his shots -- 51-of-93 -- have been behind the line. He leads the NBA in 3-point attempts per game at 10.2, but is making just 29 percent. "Honestly, I'm not worried about it. My shot won't disappear overnight," said Granger, who is shooting 39 percent overall. "I don't think I'm in a funk or anything. I really don't." Indianapolis Star

I asked Dwyane after the game, his second 40-point outburst in a week against the Wizards, if this was a coincidence or whether Washington's defense was simply accommodating. "It's Caron," Wade said, jokingly, of former Heat forward and close friend Caron Butler. "He brings it out in me." Miami Herald

The Blazers are a talented team that took advantage of all the turmoil — and Memphis’ general malaise — in a 93-79 victory that sank the Grizzlies closer to rock bottom before an announced crowd of 10,589. “We need to keep working,” said center Marc Gasol, who finished with 20 points and eight rebounds. “Stick to the plan, do what Coach tells us, that’s it. We can’t try to do it on our own. We need everybody.” Memphis Commercial Appeal

"It's not been easy," said center Marc Gasol. "Nothing has come our way." Memphis Commercial Appeal

To Celtics fans, he is known as “E-House.” To Channing Frye, Eddie House has another nickname. “I call him the ‘Cheat Code,’ really because every time he shoots you think it’s going in,” Frye said. “Like in a video game, a basketball game, you put one person into one spot and they’re going make it every time. And that’s him. Yeah, he’s the ‘Cheat Code.’” WEEI

“That’s the best runs that you can get in Arizona,” House explained. “So as soon as those guys start getting into town, I go up there and we get some runs.” WEEI

Joakim Noah can play. In that ill-fated jumble of words from June 29, 2007, I wrote that if in three years I realized I was off-target about the University of Florida center, I would drizzle salsa on the column and eat it. I wrote it never expecting to do it. On Monday, I showed up at the Berto Center with the offending column and some hot sauce, and ate my words, with Noah watching at my side and rookie James Johnson looking on. It tasted like a crow enchilada. Chicago Tribune

"It feels great," he said. "I'm not going to lie. It feels great. But I'm also enjoying the fact we're becoming a better team every night. We're competing every night. Shutting up all the doubters is motivating." Chicago Tribune

I talked to several NBA personnel guys Tuesday and all said they’d still go with Oden given he is improving and has missed so much time. But all didn’t answer so quickly. The fear—or belief—as it was then that Oden could become the next Bill Russell. I think we are done with that possibility, and as one personnel guy said Noah struck him as the kind of guy you’d want in the foxhole with you if you went to sleep. Oden? He might be sleeping as well. Bulls.com

Shooting coach Mark Price says don't expect things to change over night and don't expect miracles. But he says by the time the playoffs come around in April, you should expect Rajon Rondo to shoot the ball better than he ever has before. Price is a former NBA player — 12 seasons, nine with the Cleveland Cavaliers — who has is now a shooting coach for the Atlanta Hawks. The Georgia Tech alum also has his own shooting clinics and camps for players of all ages and levels. Price averaged 15.2 points per game over his career and an astounding 40 percent from beyond the 3-point arc. He says he can teach not-so-good shooters and turn them into good shooters. "My theory is you can make yourself into a good shooter," said Price. "You can't make yourself a great shooter. I think some guys have a knack and feel that other guys don't have. But everybody can work and improve and become a better shooter with the right technique and work ethic. Eagle Tribune

"Rajon brings the ball back behind his head a little bit. Good shooters should keep the ball out in front a little bit," said Price. "The other thing is his elbow has a tendency to fly out a little bit. We tried to keep his elbows in. He also has a tendency on 'the catch' to throw his elbows out. When you do that, you have to move them back in to get the shot up. That was one of the things slowing down his release a bit." Eagle Tribune

"We're not going to double (Howard)," O'Neal bragged to a group of reporters in Cleveland earlier this week. "I'm sure they (Magic) are going to double (me). We've just got to play hard." FanHouse

Howard was smart enough to stay away from verbal exchange. Mostly, Shaq's resentment just puzzled him. After all, Howard is the first to admit that he is envious of O'Neal's four NBA titles. He wants one of his own, and if it comes this season, it will come by outplaying O'Neal. "I've played against the best,'' O'Neal said. "He's pretty good, He's young, agile and accurate. But it's nothing I haven't seen before.'' FanHouse

Chauncey Billups didn't just sink the game-winning free throw with 0.6 seconds left Tuesday night at the United Center. The Nuggets' guard also offered up a quote-of-the-year candidate when he colorfully dissed the Bulls' reaction to Brad Miller's subsequent game-winning shot attempt, which officials ruled came after the buzzer following a lengthy video review. "I was laughing because they were dancing and jumping around like they had just made the Sweet 16," Billups said. Chicago Tribune

The Bulls spent five minutes celebrating what they believed was an unlikely victory after taking possession at halfcourt with 0.3 seconds left when Billups purposely missed the second of his two free throws. Miller caught the inbound pass from Kirk Hinrich, pivoted quickly and rushed up an awkward-looking jumper from the top of the key that found its mark. On the court, official Eric Dalen signaled two points. "(Officials) told us in the huddle you can catch and throw one up there because I asked," Hinrich said. "I wanted to know if my only option was to throw it up to the rim and have somebody tip it in or throw it to somebody else and have them quick-shoot it." Chicago Tribune

Bosh believes the Raptors defensive failures thus far have little to do with the system itself. It's the players' lack of execution that is to blame. "We're talking about trying to be a good defensive team but we're not putting in consistent effort," Bosh said after he and his teammates were abused by a San Antonio team that was without it's top two offensive performers in Tim Duncan and Tony Parker. "I'm not questioning the scheme," Bosh said. "We could talk about schemes all day -- he's supposed to be here and he's supposed to be there. It's just about getting the job done." Toronto Sun

"Anybody -- the greatest defensive coach ever -- could come in here but unless you execute it with some passion, it's probably not going to work," Bosh said. "It's up to the players. All the coaches can do is put the system in and tell us to go do it. Eventually, we're going to have to become real savvy when we're on the court and get the job done, make quick decisions and stop teams. That's all it is." Toronto Sun

A leftover quote from the other night, courtesy of Chris Bosh, that’s a bit interesting and goes to the heart of the matter with this team: “A wise man once told me a long time ago, I wanted to know the secret and art to rebounding. He’s like ‘You know what is? Just go get the ball.’ That was it, three’s not much you can say, there’s no science. We can sit here and break it down all day and whatever, whatever but it just comes down to who wants the ball the most.” Toronto Star

If he weren't such a good guy, Jason Terry's act would wear thin quickly. He poses his way around the court, doing that arms outstretched, jet plane thing of his. He does a whole lot of cheerleading with the crowd. It is a pretty extreme bit of look at me. Terry, however, is such a likable guy the rest of the time it is easy to overlook all that nonsense. In a long playoff series, however, figure for opposing teams and their fans to grow very tired of seeing him strut around. Houston Chronicle

Matt Bonner was still being asked about his drive from the foul line for an almost-double-clutch power dunk in the face of Raptors center Andrea Bargnani in the first half of Monday's victory over the Raptors. “I'm really happy that was caught on film,” said Bonner, whose game is predicated on his perimeter shooting rather than athleticism. “I have something to show my grandkids someday.” Unfortunately, the look of astonishment on the face of Duncan, inactive and seated behind the Spurs' bench, was not caught on tape. San Antonio Express-News

It appears likely the Spurs will face the Dallas Mavericks at the AT&T Center tonight without All-Stars Tim Duncan and Tony Parker. Neither player participated in the Spurs' light Tuesday afternoon practice session and were officially listed as doubtful for tonight's game. Both are nursing left ankle injuries suffered in last Thursday's game against the Utah Jazz in Salt Lake City. San Antonio Express-News

Arenas originally was scratched from the game with a strained left calf muscle, which he said he developed after the Wizards lost to Phoenix on Sunday. "I didn't feel it until the night, after the game, and it was bothering me the whole night," he said. He didn't practice on Monday and didn't participate in shootaround. Arenas said his leg felt loose so he decided to give it a go -- about 10 minutes before the game. He thought Saunders was going to bring him off the bench since he decided to play so late, but Saunders started him since he was feeling better. "Gil has heart," DeShawn Stevenson said. "I know he's had knee problems in the past, but at the end of the day, he has heart. Gil does stuff like that. He's a warrior." Washington Post

Mike Jones: Arenas changed his mind during the team meeting less than 20 min before tip. Wiz PR guy had to run to PA announcer just before introductions. Twitter.com

Arenas played, but what if he hadn't? In another troubling development, Randy Foye sprained his right ankle and left AmericanAirlines Arena wearing a walking boot. With Javaris Crittenton out at least another month and Mike James out five weeks, the Wizards were left to rely on Arenas and Stevenson as the only ballhandlers. We've been joking about signing Sam Cassell all season, but the Wizards might have to address the backcourt situation. Remember when they had too many guards? Not anymore. "Randy's probably going to be out for a while with a sprained ankle. I've never been in a situation where I've lost three point guards. And the one that was hurt the most coming into the season, is the healthiest of them all," Saunders said with a laugh to keep from crying. "So we're going to have to do something there too I'm sure." Washington Post

Give Carter credit for not wanting to mess up the Magic’s mojo after being unable to make it though practice on Monday and skipping Tuesday morning’s shootaround to get treatment on his ankle. Said Carter: ``I wasn’t in shootaround. I didn’t want to disrupt what was going on, especially since I wasn’t out there.’’ But he made his presence felt not long after getting into the game, hitting a 3-pointer just two minutes after coming into the game. Carter had three 3-pointers in the second period. And after Charlotte got within 79-71 by the start of the fourth period, Carter pumped in consecutive jumpers and found Marcin Gortat for a three-point play off a pick-and-roll play. ``If we want to be the team that people are talking about and perceive us to be, we have to go out there and prove it,’’ Carter said. ``It’s not just going to happen.’’ Magic.com

"We just keep getting hit," Arenas said. "I don't know what the hell is going on around here. I don't know if some old player put a curse on us back in the day. I have no idea." Washington Post

There was a good development for the Rockets. Tracy McGrady apparently really is in pretty good shape. The way he was back-pedaling on Tuesday, he might be close to playing, after all. Actually, he did not say he was changing his story. He said on Tuesday that he never said he would return Nov. 18, but that he was 'targeting' Nov. 18. Rockets coach Rick Adelman, like Daryl Morey the night before, said there is no timetable. No one seems to think McGrady has gone through practices without limitations as he said he has in his blog. Houston Chronicle

Basically, he looks fantastic for a guy that had microfracture surgery eight months ago, pretty bad for Tracy McGrady. As with the Rockets plan to bring him back, nothing has changed. Houston Chronicle

Andrew Bynum practiced with his teammates today and said he would play in Thursday's mega-showdown with the surprising Phoenix Suns. Bynum sat out the last two games because of a strained right elbow suffered when Houston's Chuck Hayes smacked him late in the Lakers' victory over the Rockets last Wednesday. Meanwhile, Pau Gasol isn't ready to go through a complete practice let alone play in a game. He won't play Thursday. Los Angeles Daily News

The Clippers' seemingly unending injury issues became even more acute Tuesday, when they learned that Eric Gordon would be sidelined for at least 10 more days because of a strained left groin muscle. Gordon, the second-year shooting guard, suffered the injury Saturday against Memphis and sat out the Clippers' embarrassing 112-84 loss to New Orleans on Monday. He will miss a minimum of six more games and won't return until Nov. 23 against Minnesota at the earliest. Los Angeles Times

Center Chris Kaman said he considered Gordon's absence "a tougher loss" than that of rookie forward Blake Griffin, who has not played this season because of a stress fracture in his left kneecap. "You lose someone like that, it's tough to know where to pick it up from," Kaman said of Gordon, who is averaging 18.9 points, 4.0 assists and 3.3 rebounds in 38.4 minutes per game. "Guys aren't sure what to do or when to do it. Los Angeles Times

The Clippers received better injury news regarding forward Craig Smith, who sustained a lacerated right eye in the fourth quarter Monday when he was poked in the eye by New Orleans' Hilton Armstrong. Los Angeles Times

Chris Herrington: Thabeet injury not as bad as first thought. "ridgeline fracture of the mandible" Griz source says absence should be days not weeks. Twitter.com

Now, Calipari. They vacated his Final Four with Memphis and I think that’s a crime. I don’t think that should be vacated. On three occasions, the NCAA clearinghouse was there in Memphis and cleared Derrick Rose to play. Flat out said, ‘play him, he’s eligible.’ Why have a clearinghouse? If they tell you somebody is eligible … don’t you have to take some responsibility as the clearinghouse? I don’t think they have any right to take away that banner. You said he was eligible. The Big Lead

One-and-done seems to be a problem plaguing college hoops right now - the latest ESPN 2010 mock draft has seven freshman going in the lottery. What needs to be done? Dick Vitale: I don’t like the one-and-done. I think it’s a disgrace to the game. I think it embarrasses the term “student-athlete.” It makes that a farce. Kids like Rose and Beasley - there’s no way in the world those kids wanted to be in college. Why should we deny them the NBA? I’d like to see this plan, we can call it the V Plan - I would love to see a panel of experts - Jerry West, Larry Bird - guys that are GMs and presidents in the NBA and have great knowledge of players’ ability - designate 5-6 kids a year that they think are legit 1st round draft choices. Those kids should have an option - college or pros. But if they go to college, they should not be allowed out until they complete their 3rd year. One and done is a joke. The Big Lead

How much longer do you want to work? You just turned 70 this summer … Dick Vitale: My idols are people like Vin Scully and Ernie Harwell. You work as long as you possibly can. Physically, emotionally, if you can handle the travel … Obviously ESPN has become a big-time player in all sports now, but I think it’s going to be really tough for CBS to give the NCAA tournament up. The Big Lead

This summer, two coaches dominated the headlines - Pitino and Calipari. How damaged are their legacies after Pitino’s sex scandal and Calipari had another Final Four scrubbed from the books? Vitale: It certainly doesn’t help their image, or their resume, and it brings the doubters out in full force. However - remember this - Rick Pitino has said it once, twice, 20 times, 50 times: He made a mistake. He made an absolute mistake. No doubt whatsoever. What he did, as a married guy, he knows was wrong. However - saying all that … he was a victim of an extortion attempt. The trial is coming up. This woman has been charged with extortion, which is a criminal offense. Rick, when I talked to him [Friday] … is so dedicated to two factors: Family and Louisville basketball. That’s all he wants to concentrate on and that’s all he wants to do. As long he has admitted to his wife and kids what a mistake he made … you know, people make mistakes. The Big Lead

When we sat down to chat with Tyler, he was very likable, though, and had the charm that one day could pay big dividends alongside NBA successes on the court. He came off as a bright, personable high school kid. But he was just that — a kid. And he still is. Except he has a $140,000 contract to play a game in a foreign country without the benefit of informed, trusted people looking out for his best interests. San Diego News Network

After the Houston Rockets roared to 61 points in the first half, Carlisle unleashed a tirade that Dirk Nowitzki compared to some of Avery Johnson's antics in the home locker room at the American Airlines Center. Carlisle booted a blue laundry bin -- "Almost broke his toe," Dirk said -- then tried to pick it up and toss it. The usually mild-mannered coach's dress shoe also made contact with the white grease board, on which he had scrawled "11," symbolizing how many consecutive possessions the Rockets scored against the Dallas Mavericks' despicable defense. ESPN.com

During Carlisle's postgame press conference, he used words such as poor, embarrassing, horrendous, terrible and abysmal to describe the Mavericks' performance for most of the first half. The words he used while battering the laundry bin are probably best left in the locker room. "He moved some of the furniture around," point guard Jason Kidd said. "And it was well-deserved. We all took notice of that." Just imagine how mad Carlisle would have been if the Mavericks didn't finish the first half with a 10-0 run to get back in the game. "There would have been more than furniture moved," Kidd said. ESPN.com

Kuester worked several years as an assistant coach under Larry Brown. But they will be on opposite sides when Brown coaches the Hornets against the Pistons. "Coach Brown has meant so much to my life," Kuester said. "He's been very special to not only me, but to my family, and I'm very appreciative of everything he's done for me. He's a competitor. He's somebody I've learned so much from. "I'm looking forward to seeing him." Booth Newspapers

The owner has no concerns that Heat president Pat Riley will soon leave the franchise either, saying "Pat can be here as long as he wants to be here.'' Arison acknowledged Riley said five years ago that five more years "might be enough,'' but there are no imminent plans for the Hall of Fame coach to depart. SI.com

Arison confirmed premium-seat and season-ticket sales are suffering, part of the economic downturn that also prompted the franchise to cut some jobs in its business operations side and trim salaries on the basketball operations side, issues that are widespread around the NBA. Some sponsorships, though, have helped more than Arison anticipated, and other fan-friendly initiatives (like a mesh video screen on the outside of the arena) have proven to be helpful to the bottom line as well. "We've never made money here,'' Arison said. SI.com

Charles Smith played nine N.B.A. seasons, but for Knicks fans his name often conjures a single portrait of heartache: Four attempts near the basket, four rejections, a blur of red Chicago Bulls jerseys and, finally, a Knicks defeat in Game 5 of the 1993 Eastern Conference finals. It was the defining moment of the series, won by the Bulls in six games. But its meaning is in the eye of the beholder. The fan sees failure. The player sees determination, a refusal to give up. “You’re always driven,” Smith said, “to get that next shot.” New York Times

Smith retired 12 years ago, but he has never shied from discussing the play, nor ceased pursuing the next shot, the next opportunity, the next chance to reshape his surroundings. Last December, after more than a decade as an entrepreneur, philanthropist and motivational speaker, Smith became executive director of the National Basketball Retired Players Association, where he is taking on perhaps his greatest challenge to date: the welfare of former players. New York Times

Smith began developing the transition assistance program six months ago, but its creation never seemed more timely. “It’s something that’s needed,” he said. “They’re hanging onto that end of the rope, and I might be their last-ditch effort.” The goal of the transition program is to reach players long before trouble arises. Smith said he aimed to connect with players in their last two years in the league — while they are still drawing paychecks and have time to plan their future. Although the N.B.A. and the players union both do work in this area and are partners in this effort, “We’re a one-stop shop,” Smith said. New York Times

Smith spent most of his N.B.A. career as a rugged role player, but jokes that he “networked my butt off while I played.” He met with business executives, attended conferences and interned with the N.B.A. “I’m blessed and fortunate to run into the right people who have my best interests at heart and show me the way that they did it,” said Smith, who is working to complete his M.B.A. at Seton Hall. “That’s what I want to give back.” New York Times

The intensely private Abdul-Jabbar found out last December that he had a rare form of leukemia, though he shared it with only the smallest of circles. He waited five months before telling Lakers Coach Phil Jackson that he had Philadelphia chromosome-positive chronic myeloid leukemia, Jackson said Tuesday. The disease is a cancer of the blood and bone marrow that produces cancerous blood cells. Abdul-Jabbar only recently alerted other Lakers officials, informing them late last week that he would soon go public with the disease in an effort to draw attention to it. Los Angeles Times

Ramona Shelburne: Lakers GM Mitch Kupchak said Kareem's publicist told team last Thursday. Phil Jackson said Kareem mentioned it briefly last April. Twitter.com

"It's shocking," Kupchak said. "I didn't know about it. Ownership didn't know about it. I'm not surprised he kept it quiet, but I'm also not surprised after a year he'd go public with it because my understanding is he wanted to create awareness about the illness." Riverside Press-Enterprise

According to the National Cancer Institute, the five-year survival rate from 1999 to 2005 for people with chronic myeloid leukemia was about 56.1 percent. Hildy Dillon, vice president of patient services at The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, said Abdul-Jabbar's prognosis may be even better because preliminary data suggests patients taking the new oral medication have a five-year survival rate of close to 90 percent. "Since the advent of the oral medication, people are living a relatively normal life," Dillon said. "Most of them can go on with usual activities and leukemia is kept under control. They're essentially able to live with disease." Riverside Press-Enterprise

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar: Last year, I was diagnosed with Philadelphia chromosome-positive chronic myeloid leukemia (Ph+ CML), which is a deadly type of blood cancer. By working closely with my doctor, I was diagnosed early and immediately prescribed an FDA-approved treatment targeting the cause of my disease, the abnormal protein called Bcr-Abl. I am happy to say that I am responding well to treatment and looking forward to the future. Facebook

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar: My goal now is to 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. Do everything in your power to get healthy – take your medicine, get your blood levels tested to know your response to treatment, and see your doctor regularly. Facebook

Tim James used to stay in four-star hotels and ride in luxury SUVs. At the start of a long road trip, a staffer would hand him a per diem check for $1,300. That's about half of what he makes an entire month now as a solder in Tikrit, Iraq. A former first-round NBA draft pick, James shares a 500-square foot living space with another soldier and eats plastic-wrapped MREs (ready-to-eat meals) Instead of an SUV he rides in a Humvee. Instead of pregame fireworks, he deals with mortar fire. "I do get a lot of, 'What are you doing here?' " James said by phone this week. USA Today

James, 32, is a member of the Army's Task Force ODIN, which is short for Observe, Detect, Identify, Neutralize. He's part of a unit that tries to stifle the enemy's use of improvised explosive devices (IEDs). "I could understand him playing with the All-Army basketball team," Capt. Curtis Byron said via e-mail. "But a situation like this is somewhat unheard of. He's set a great example as a former NBA player representing those in his former profession through his transition to a soldier and leader of others. We're all very proud of him as well as every single one of our soldiers for their personal and family sacrifices." USA Today

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