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Thursday, January 7

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Trail Blazers practice on Thursday was halted nearly 60 minutes into the workout when veteran point guard Andre Miller and coach Nate McMillan engaged in a shouting match that lasted for nearly 30 minutes. Miller shouted throughout the exchange, and McMillan mostly listened, but at times broke in with shouting of his own. Oregonian

One of the topics discussed was an incident late in Tuesday's game with Memphis, when Miller told Jerryd Bayless to make his second free throw with 4.3 seconds left and the Blazers trailing by two. The coaching staff and team captain Brandon Roy told Bayless to miss the free throw so the Blazers could attempt to rebound and make a tying basket. When practice was opened to the media, Miller and McMillan were not on the court. Oregonian

General manager Kevin Pritchard was on hand for the incident and said he was hopeful that it could result in a positive. "I encourage open and honest dialogue, I think that is always good,'' Pritchard said. "I think it can be (healthy). We have the ability to take it one of two ways and I believe in the character of this team, and you know, I think we can come together.'' Pritchard said the exchange was "normal". "On every team I have ever been on ... guys have opportunity to speak what they feel. That's OK. The question is, can we become better because of it. Either you can or you can't. I'm hoping we can.'' Oregonian

Pritchard and McMillan both said there would be no punishment forthcoming. "Absolutely not,'' Pritchard said. "We don't muzzle people. It's like being in a marriage. If you don't say something it builds and builds, then it's said, and when it is and it is honest and open, you can get better from it.'' McMillan was sharp when asked about the exchange between he and Miller. "I'm not going to comment on my talk with the team. It wasn't with Andre, it was with the team,'' McMillan said. "We talked as a group.'' Oregonian

The conversation and actions of Miller and McMillan were not visible, due to the fact that practice was closed during the exchange. However, the voices of both could be heard carrying through a wood door that opens from the media room to the practice floor. "What the (heck) did I do?" Miller asked McMillan. Miller then said, "I ain't going to take this (stuff)." McMillan soon fired back: "I'm saying you don't make that call. You don't." And Portland's coach later added: "You don't play the way we want to play." McMillan's statement "you don't make that call" is believed to be directed toward Miller because he told guard Jerryd Bayless to attempt to make a free throw with 4.3 seconds left during a 109-105 home defeat to the Memphis Grizzlies on Tuesday. Columbian

Pritchard, though, attempted to unearth a positive from the heated conversation between Miller and McMillan. "I think you guys are making this more, and it's not," Pritchard said. Pritchard said the more open communication between the team and its coaches, the better. Portland's GM said he encourages an open-door policy, and that the best discussions lead the Blazers to "disagree, agree and unite." "We've all had girlfriends or been in a marriage and been in a relationship," Pritchard said. "And if you're quiet all the time, you don't know how the other person feels. If you can engage in that really open, honest discussion, then you have a chance to either get worse or get better. And I hope we get better." Columbian

I found Kevin Pritchard’s reaction interesting: “I encourage open and honest dialogue, I think that is always good,” Pritchard said. “I think it can be (healthy). We have the ability to take it one of two ways and I believe in the character of this team, and you know, I think we can come together.’ Man, that’s some real nice spinning there. Turning this into a positive wasn’t easy. All I can say is that I hope they didn’t keep Miller around so long that they have ruined any trade value he may have. He’s going to have to go and now, after this, the team is surely going to be dealing from weakness, rather than strength. It was obvious a month ago that the dislike for Miller, whether it originates from Brandon Roy, Nate McMillan, the entire team or whomever, is going to inhibit his ability to fit into this organization. At that point, there was no reason to delay his exit, once Dec. 15 came and went. Dwight Jaynes

Point guard Rafer Alston, who accepted a buyout from the New Jersey Nets on Tuesday, will be on a plane from New York to Phoenix Friday morning to join the Miami Heat before they open a six-game, nine-day Western swing. Alston is expected to sign a contract with Miami at 6 p.m. Thursday once he officially clears waivers. "It's going through,'' Alston told Fanhouse Thursday afternoon. "I'm excited. I just hope I can learn a play or two right away so I can be of some help immediately.'' FanHouse

After taking his buyout, Alston is signing a one-year deal for the pro-rated veteran's minimum. He played with the Heat, as a backup to Dwyane Wade, during the 2003-04 season. He worked closely that season with then-assistant coach Eric Spoelstra, now the head coach of the Heat. The Heat have been using veteran Carlos Arroyo as the starting point guard and Mario Chalmers as the backup. "It will be great working with coach again. We used to work a lot on my balance and my shot. He's a big reason I wanted to go to Miami again,'' he said. "Everything is working out just fine.'' FanHouse

Although Alston played reasonably well as a starter in New Jersey when Devin Harris was out, he was dropped from the rotation when both Harris and Keyon Dooling returned. "I'm just waiting here for all the paperwork to go through,'' he said. "It's all but done. My only question is what time do I leave for Phoenix. Or do I wait and meet them at the next stop.'' The Heat will continue their road trip in Los Angeles (Clippers), Utah, Golden State, Houston and Oklahoma City before Alston actually with go to Miami. FanHouse

For a team in need of a bit of caffeination, Rafer Alston could not have timed his arrival any better. In the wake of Wednesday's staggering overtime loss to the Boston Celtics, when the Miami Heat was unable to maintain a two-point lead with six-tenths of a second remaining in regulation, Dwyane Wade embraces the return of his former teammate. "He's a general on the floor," Wade said, as the Heat turned its attention to Friday night's game against the Phoenix Suns. "He helps to lead his team." Alston cleared waivers Thursday, agreeing to a one-year, minimum-scale contract to return to the team he helped spark to the 2003-04 playoffs during Wade's rookie season. "We are thrilled to have Skip back in a Heat uniform, as he brings another set of skills and experience to the point guard position," Heat President Pat Riley said in a statement, with Alston best known by his "Skip to my Lou" street moniker. South Florida Sun-Sentinel

Rafer Alston is set to begin his reunion with the Miami Heat. Alston signed with the Heat for the rest of the season and is expected to join the team in Phoenix before Friday's game against the Suns. Alston became a free agent at 6 p.m. Thursday when he cleared waivers to comply with the league's 48-hour waiting period after the New Jersey Nets bought him out of the final season of his contract Tuesday. Miami Herald

Dallas Mavericks big man Drew Gooden became a little less tradable as of Thursday. But team sources insist that Gooden's trade-friendly contract was never intended to be more conducive to package in a deal. Only $1.9 million of Gooden's $4.5 million salary was guaranteed coming into the season. The rest of Gooden's contract officially becomes guaranteed Jan. 10, but the actual date of consequence was Wednesday, because that was the last day Gooden could be released in time to clear waivers to make the Jan. 10 deadline. ESPN.com

Because of the partial guarantee in the one-year contract, teams faced with worrisome luxury-tax bills -- such as New Orleans, Utah and Denver -- would undoubtedly be attracted to a contract like Gooden's before it became guaranteed. A team that theoretically acquired Gooden and then released him by Jan. 6 could have realized far greater savings than they could have by acquiring a standard expiring contract. The reality, though, is that the date hasn't been a matter of much focus in the Mavericks' front office. One source with knowledge of the team's thinking insists that the partial guarantee in Gooden's contract was essentially included to give both sides a natural early season bailout amount in case either party felt like the experiment wasn't working and wanted to sever ties. ESPN.com

It remains possible that Gooden, with an expiring contract, could still be thrown into a deal between now and the league's Feb. 18 trading deadline. But sources say that the Mavs' recent trade pursuits have mostly been end-of-the-roster discussions at reducing their luxury-tax bill, discussions which primarily involve little-used reserve forward Kris Humphries. Parting with Gooden would likely only happen if the Mavs get a big man in return who can immediately upgrade the position. Truth is Dallas had zero remorse seeing Wednesday pass and knowing the rest of Gooden's salary for the season would be guaranteed. ESPN.com

The Mavs have been pretty pleased with the center combo of Gooden and Dampier, who is basically in a contract year with next season's $13.1 million salary fully unguaranteed. "We haven't been this stable at the five spot in years," said one team official. ESPN.com

Early in the process of our coverage of this, colleague Marc Stein of ESPN noted that one motivation for the cleverly-written contract was to allow the two parties to part ways if for some reason the Gooden-Mavs union went sour. As true as that is – and it speaks to our reporting of the Mavs’ relationship with agent Dan Fegan – is would be inaccurate to suggest that Dallas wasn’t also fully mindful of the insta-expiring advantages here. Let me put it this way: If “the union went sour,’’ what would the Mavs have done? Traded him. To a team desperate for cap relief. In exchange for a player who could help the Mavs more. So the bottom line would’ve been the same. DallasBasketball.com

Two league sources said that Arenas and the NBA Players' Association would fight any attempt to terminate his deal. But I talked to a high-powered agent last night who informed me the Wizards would be well within their rights under the circumstances and that Arenas and the union wouldn't have much ground to stand on -- especially with Arenas admitting to breaking the law and violating league rules. Washington Post

The Wizards would have little choice if Arenas has to face extended jail time or Stern backs up the harsh words of his statement -- "The actions of Mr. Arenas will ultimately result in a substantial suspension, and perhaps worse" -- with a severe punishment. "Perhaps worse" can never be good, especially from a guy whom Arenas described as "mean." Washington Post

As the NBA waited for law enforcement to bring charges, league sources say Stern’s own investigation over a week ago uncovered the testimony The Washington Post reported on Wednesday night: Witnesses are testifying to law enforcement that Washington Wizards guard Javaris Crittenton(notes) loaded his own gun and chambered a round in the Dec. 21 locker-room incident with Gilbert Arenas. Stern had been waiting for the legal charges to be brought before he delivered crippling suspensions without pay for the players. “Stern’s jail is gonna be full,” said one NBA executive briefed on the investigation. Yahoo! Sports

Ok, it's not exactly kids toppling over a statue of Saddam or weary souls tearing down the Berlin Wall, but watching this video of the giant Gilbert banner being removed from the 6th street side of the Verizon Center feels like watching an icon crumble before our eyes. Washington Post

An NBA official says the Washington Wizards are planning to fine some players for participating in Gilbert Arenas' on-court antics that made light of his gun troubles. The official tells The Associated Press that the team will review details from the Tuesday night game at Philadelphia before determining who will be fined and how much. The official has direct knowledge of the team's plans and spoke on condition of anonymity because the review was still ongoing. AP

In an attempt to resolve conflicting accounts of whether Gilbert Arenas was the only Wizards player to possess firearms during the locker room dispute that led to his indefinite suspension, NBA security officials could begin conducting interviews with the players before the criminal probe is completed, CBSSports.com has learned. League investigators and attorneys would summon Arenas and teammate Javaris Crittenton for interviews as part of the league investigation if the players' attorneys agreed to the request, a person with knowledge of the situation said Thursday. Ken Wainstein, who represents Arenas, and Peter White, who is Crittenton's attorney, did not return phone calls Thursday. CBSSports.com

We're told the Washington Wizards have told D.C. cops they have locker room surveillance video but are having trouble downloading it. The Geek Squad -- aka computer-savvy detectives -- are going to the Wizards organization today to help. And get this -- a source connected with the investigation tells TMZ the Wizards have been "over cooperative" with cops -- as the source says, "almost as if they want Arenas to go down." The source says "there is a better than 50/50 chance the U.S. Attorney will issue a felony arrest warrant against Arenas." TMZ

Ben Golliver: Shavlik Randolph is "still on our radar" for a 10 day. -- Kevin Pritchard. Twitter.com

Pete Mickeal, a one-time Knick currently playing in Spain for FC Barcelona, posted a blog on HoopsHype.com claiming that the Knicks "have inquired" about my situation. Does that mean the Knicks are about to make a move for the small forward? Hardly. That's what teams do. They inquire about players. But I'll say this about Pete, as a player who came and went without making much of an impact on the court, he impressed his veteran teammates with his toughness and work ethic. New York Daily News

Aminu is intriguing thanks to his terrific size, length, hands and solid athleticism, and obviously has a great deal of upside to continue to tap into as well. With that said, most of the NBA scouts we talked to following this game sounded fairly skeptical about fully jumping on the Aminu bandwagon, citing his lack of productivity on the season (10 points, 5 rebounds per game) thus far. We’ll have to see if Aminu can manage to quell those doubts tomorrow with another strong showing. We’ve yet to see a better long-term NBA prospect in Boise thus far. DraftExpress.com

One source with knowledge of the Wizards' thinking said that Arenas' teammates who participated in the pregame gun simulation against Philadelphia have been told they will be fined. Two sources said the fines were expected to be in the $20,000 to $25,000 range. ESPN.com

Anyhow, Stackhouse does a weekly appearance on Sirius XM's Mad Dog Radio show, and this week he discussed Arenas. This came before the finger-gun episode, and it came before Gilbert's indefinite suspension, but it still seems apropos. "It's disappointing because that's not the guy, he's not the guy that should even be in this conversation," Stackhouse said. "Gilbert's just a happy-go-lucky [kind of person]. I know that he collects guns from back in Phoenix. He got with a collector there, one of the Arizona guys, and he kinda got into guns and that's how he has all these guns. But the fact that he brought them to the arena? That's just kinda, what are you doing, dude? You've got too much money. If you need to store a gun somewhere - the reports were he was taking them out of the house because he just had a young baby - okay, do that. But you have so many options other than bringing it to the arena." Washington Post

Stackhouse's co-host later asked for more impressions about Gilbert the person. "Gilbert is just, he's always doing something, you know what I'm saying?" Stackhouse said. "He's just kind of a pain in the butt sometimes. Because it was just like, this guy with so much talent, why is he always joking around and playing? And that was obviously quite a few years ago that we played together but that's what I saw in him....He was a handful, but his talent on the court is undeniable. "But he was really immature and I think this right now, he's still showing signs that he's immature. I like Gilbert a lot but I think that this is just immaturity. He's at the point now where he's looked at as a superstar in this league so he has to understand and know, or he needs to have people around him to help him understand and know, that he has certain things that he has to uphold within the community being the franchise player for the Washington Wizards." Washington Post

Prior to Wednesday's game, Van Gundy joked about his relationship with his players when asked about the Gilbert Arenas situation. "I can't imagine any of our guys pulling (a gun) on one another, but on me ...?" he joked. "I'm glad they don't (bring guns into our locker room) because I'm sure I'd be the one they were bringing it in for." HoopsWorld.com

When asked about the team's lack of a vocal leader, J.J. Redick joked, "We do [have a vocal leader], we have Stan." He then added, "We have guys who talk. There's stuff that is said between players that does and should stay between players and I think we have that." Dwight Howard seemed the most offended by Stan's comments because he feels he has been the team's vocal leader this season. He mentioned that he addressed the team after the Indiana loss and on Wednesday night. "It's not that we don't have a vocal leader. We do. Just because we don't sit and talk in the locker room around the coaching staff, we talk to each other," Howard said. He also added the team prefers to talk away from the coaches on team flights, through texting, or one on one. HoopsWorld.com

Chris Douglas-Roberts: No words...I'll be Casper for a while so I won't say anything that isn't "appropriate" Twitter.com

With the Hornets hosting the New Jersey Nets at 7 p.m. Friday, we caught up with NJNets.com writer Ben Couch. Hornets.com: The Nets have obviously experienced a brutal start to the season. Like the Hornets, they’ve already experienced a coaching change and injuries to key players. What has been the most frustrating aspect of the first two-plus months for the Nets? Couch: Besides the losing, you mean? Ha. Try explaining to people with a straight face that you have no idea why this team is 3-32. Well, fine, there are lots of reasons. But think about it this way: the probabilities of actually achieving such a record are miniscule, and as one recently departed Net commented offhand (Word to your Rafer), when you look at the nameplates, it’s almost perplexing that this group of players managed to get in this kind of hole. They’re talented, I swear! NBA.com

Couch: Think back to preseason, when everyone comes up with all the scenarios for how a year could play out, and people think of all the what ifs they can in both directions, with most predictions falling somewhere in the middle. Well, this has been a season that started with low pundit expectations (generally 25-30 wins) falling victim to a fourth-quarter collapse against a similarly developing Timberwolves team in the opener – which included the first of many, many injuries when Jarvis Hayes tore his hamstring in two places – and everything snowballing from there… and rolling off a cliff. Sure, people might have mentioned “this could be one of the worst teams in the NBA” in their predictions, but no one thought they’d be threatening Philly for the league record of fewest wins in a season. Fact. NBA.com

Doc Rivers on watching the clock: Six-tenths of a second may not seem like a lot of time to pull of a daring shot, but it was more than enough for the Celtics. “We’ve done it with 0.4 because it’s just a tap. Even at 0.3 you have a chance.” Selecting the secret weapon: The Heat were caught off guard when Pierce lobbed the ball to the smallest guy on the team. “Rondo is usually the best guy to do it, because he’s the guy that no one thinks you are going to do it with. That’s what we try to choose. Ray [Allen] is the other guy, surprisingly, because no one thinks you are going to throw a lob pass to Ray, either. So, it’s usually one of those two guys.” WEEI

Paul Pierce was clearly tired after a 43-minute performance in the Celtics’ 112-106 overtime win over Miami last night. But Pierce was inspired by the play of Rajon Rondo, who scored 8 points after the Celtics fell behind with 0.6 seconds remaining in regulation time. “We don’t panic, we play 48 minutes, and thank God that little Rondo can jump so high,’’ Pierce said of his lob for Rondo’s tying layup. “He just made a spectacular play.’’ Boston Globe

Pierce did not take a shot in his first 12 minutes since returning to action after undergoing surgery for a knee infection. Then he converted his first field goal attempt since Dec. 22, a transition 3-pointer to cut the Celtics’ deficit to 44-43 with 5:23 remaining in the half. “I didn’t show signs of limping or things of that nature, so I was ready to go,’’ Pierce said. “I’m a little tired. But I’ll get some rest and be ready for the game in Atlanta [tomorrow].’’ Boston Globe

For the first time he was playing for an execution X's-and-O's coach in Mike Dunleavy and with a traditional post-up center in Chris Kaman. He was overweight and underwhelming while shooting a career-worst 37 percent. "I wanted to get my swagger back, my focus back on who I am as a player and how I can be effective for this franchise,'' he said during our conversation Sunday. "I put in the time and lots and lots and lots of yoga and conditioning and good eating. It put me in a better place -- more balanced, more focused.'' SI.com

Assistant coach John Lucas was brought in to further improve the relationship between head coach and point guard. Dunleavy believes in watching film with his team and executing plays, which is antithetical to the free-flowing style Davis enjoyed with Don Nelson at Golden State. "I was taught throughout my years in the league to play more off instincts,'' Davis said, "and I think here that has changed. It's more structured, more controlled. It's more geared toward recognizing the mismatch, whereas the other teams that I've played for I had a lot more leeway to create.'' SI.com

McGrady received 97,062 votes in the last seven days, 1,370 more than Nash. With the final update on balloting announced on Thursday, McGrady's lead over Nash (2,375 votes) is still the smallest of any position. It's also much smaller than the 214,000-vote lead that Gilbert Arenas overcame in the final two weeks of voting to beat out Vince Carter for a starting spot in 2007. But Arenas closed the gap on Carter in each of the previous two weeks. McGrady has had more votes than Nash each of the last two, even though he hasn't played a game in that time. NBA.com

Whoa, whoa, whoa. There are plenty of guys in the league who subsist on junk food. We both know that. Brandon Roy (laughing): Yes there are. One of my best friends on the team, Travis Outlaw, I've been trying to get him off fast food since I've been in the league. He loves it. I tell him, "Just pick your spots.'' There are times in the summer when I'll eat it. "But right now,'' I tell him, "we need you to eat the good foods and stay healthy.'' It's so day-to-day. It's a challenging league. You might eat fast food today and you won't feel the effects until two weeks later. Eight-two games, eight preseason games, you can get over 100 if you make the playoffs, and you've got to give yourself every chance you can to get an edge. NBA.com

Mike Slane: Did you know Toney Douglas' parents will attend "at least 50-something" #Knicks games this season? They fly up from Georgia for home games. Twitter.com

Pau Gasol did travel with the Lakers to Portland this afternoon, but Lakers coach Phil Jackson said he won't make his return against the Blazers on Friday. Sunday is the soonest Jackson can see Gasol playing, though it's more likely he'll return sometime next week. Riverside Press-Enterprise

For one fleeting moment, Kobe Bryant let his guard down Wednesday night and actually revealed that, gasp, he too feels pain just like the rest of us mortals. "It's sore," Bryant said when asked about the fractured index finger on his shooting hand. Then he caught himself and added, ""It's OK though. I'll play through it." Riverside Press-Enterprise

Blake Griffin would love to know when he'll be able to play his first game for the Los Angeles Clippers. To set a date, circle it on his calendar and call up all his friends and invite them to the game, maybe even tweet it. That's not possible just yet. "I'll be back when I'll be back. My doctor doesn't even know yet," Griffin said on Wednesday, when asked about a report saying the team was targeting Jan. 20 as a possible debut for the No. 1 overall pick, who has been recovering from a stress fracture in his knee since the preseason. "I don't even have an appointment scheduled yet. I feel good, it's just a matter of getting cleared." ESPN.com

Indiana Pacers forward Danny Granger expects to play soon after missing the past month with an injured heel. His return date is uncertain, but he practiced on Wednesday and Thursday with no pain. Granger says he won't play Friday at Minnesota or Saturday at Oklahoma City. AP

Eddie House is hoping to rejoin the Celtics here tonight and be available for tomorrow night’s game against the Hawks. House missed the last game with the flu, but the team is hoping he’ll be back with them in a matter of hours. Boston Herald

Kevin Durant: I tweeted about this a few days ago, but I figured I’d talk more about it on my blog. Y’all know how badly I want to play for Team USA this summer and in the future. I think I’d be a good addition to the team because as a third-year player I have more experience in the league, and plus I’ve been attending the USA Basketball minicamps for the last three summers. The first two years I was kind of figuring everything out and I think now I’m more experienced that I can at least try to help on that Team USA. It would be a blessing and an honor to play on the team. It’s something I’ve always wanted to do. KevinDurant35.com

Kevin Durant: When I wasn’t picked for the last Olympic team I was kind of upset with myself. I thought back to the minicamp and how maybe I could have played harder on one possession. Maybe I could have done a little bit more to be on that team. But it wasn’t my time, and hopefully my time is this summer at the World Games. So I’ll be praying for it. I know I can go out there and contribute to the team. KevinDurant35.com

Hornets.com: Who is the best interviewee on the Nets’ roster? Couch: That’s a tough one. Keyon Dooling and Jarvis Hayes are great guys and great talkers. Trenton Hassell’s honest as an NBA player will get. Josh Boone, Tony Battie, Bobby Simmons and Eduardo Najera are all ready with an answer when you need it. Skip was great while he was here. Brook Lopez is funny, though often lengthier when not discussing basketball (the bball answers tend to be terse, without being impolite). Courtney Lee’s quite insightful when you’ve got him away from the media scrum. Devin Harris bears the mantle of best player/nightly media sacrifice with admirable aplomb. Yi’s English is noticeably improved this year, and he even cracks jokes now. Chris Douglas-Roberts is money, day in, day out, any topic. But I think I’ve actually got to go with Terrence Williams. Though he’s occasionally a tough nut to crack during questioning, he’s funny and thoughtful and perceptive and charismatic. All these things are apparent if you interact with him casually and come through during a formal interview if you give him the chance. Also, he once offered to write love poems if I ever got in trouble with my girl. NBA.com

Prom is an important time for any high school student… and it can also be an expensive occasion. To alleviate some of the cost, The Gadzuric Foundation has created the Cinderella Project MKE, which will collect and distribute donated prom dresses to young women throughout the Milwaukee area. “I was inspired to create the Cinderella Project MKE to bridge two things I am very passionate about—helping the community and fashion,” Lisette Gadzuric said. “Through this project, it is my hope that the Gadzuric Foundation will not only be able to provide a free prom dress to deserving area youth, but help build self-esteem through the process, creating an all-around positive prom experience.” The Gadzuric Foundation will host dress drives, where residents can drop off prom dresses at area community centers from now-April 3, which is the date the dresses will be distributed at the Bradley Center. NBA.com

Los Angeles Clippers announcer Michael Smith has pleaded not guilty to stealing $735,000 from a golfing buddy in a failed development deal. Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Former NBA star Jayson Williams told a New York City police officer he was "sorry for causing trouble" about an hour after he crashed his SUV into a tree, prosecutors said. A tired-looking Williams was arraigned on drunken-driving charges Thursday via video link from Bellevue Hospital. He didn't enter a plea. Williams is being treated for a minor bone fracture in his neck and other injuries from the wreck early Tuesday. He was wearing a neck brace and a bandage above his right eye during his arraignment. ESPN.com

The two players had been arguing during a card game on the Wizards' flight back from Phoenix Dec. 19, and the dispute spilled into the team locker room at Verizon Center before practice two days later. Arenas has acknowledged bringing his handguns to the arena and displaying them in the locker room that morning in what he maintained was a playful gesture aimed at his teammate. According to two first-hand accounts of the confrontation, Crittenton responded to Arenas's action -- which included laying the four unloaded weapons in Crittenton's cubicle with a note that read, "Pick One" -- by brandishing his own firearm, loading the gun and chambering a round. Washington Post

Neither witness said the gun was ever pointed at Arenas, but both said Crittenton began singing as he held the gun. Arenas began laughing, the witnesses said, telling Crittenton, "Look at that little shiny gun," as two other players slowly retreated to the training room. Washington Post

Two of the five people in the room that morning, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said Arenas had originally not disclosed Crittenton's action to protect the little-used guard from prosecution and had told Crittenton he would assume full responsibility for the actions of both players that day. Washington Post

In a two-hour interview with police and federal prosecutors Monday, Arenas, in his version of the story, spoke of Crittenton's loaded gun, a person with knowledge of Arenas's testimony said. Washington Post

Crittenton's gun, according to the witnesses of the altercation, was never found. Both witness accounts said they were unclear how the gun was disposed of. Washington Post

Mark Bartlestein, Crittenton's agent, declined to comment. Crittenton, in a series of text messages responding to a request for comment, said the account provided by the witnesses was "false." "I have done nothing wrong. Let the investigation process take its course and you will see that," he said. "My name is dying in this situation." Washington Post

"We still don't know all the details yet," a senior Wizards official said. "That's just one version of the story we heard." Washington Post

The dispute between Arenas and Crittenton began on the team plane during a popular card game between players called "Boo-ray." Crittenton lost roughly $1,100 to JaVale McGee, a Wizards center, in the game, according to a player who watched the game and who also spoke on condition of anonymity. Crittenton, already angry over a dispute over the game's rules, became irate when Arenas began needling him. Their barbs escalated to a point where Arenas, smiling, said he would blow up Crittenton's car, according to two players on the flight, who requested anonymity. Crittenton replied that he would shoot Arenas in his surgically repaired knee. Washington Post

Walking into the locker room two days after the dispute on the team plane, according to two witnesses, Arenas laid out the guns in Crittenton's locker. Two other teammates eventually sauntered in and, while Arenas was writing the note in front of Crittenton's cubicle, in walked Crittenton, according to their account. Asking Arenas what he was doing, Arenas replied, "If you want to shoot me, I'd just thought I'd make it easy for you." As other teammates laughed, Crittenton crumpled up the paper, tossed one of Arenas's guns across the room, where it bounced in front of a team trainer, and said he didn't need any of Arenas's firearms because he had his own, according to the witness accounts. Washington Post

A source familiar with Monday's meeting between Arenas and police and prosecutors said that prosecutors agreed to only use Arenas's statements as part of their investigation, not as direct evidence to be presented to the grand jury or to be used during a trial or hearing. Also, Arenas told prosecutors Monday that he would be willing to meet with them again or appear before a grand jury in the coming days if they requested. Washington Post

Arenas, reached by telephone in his Cleveland hotel room, where he watched the Wizards lose to the Cavaliers on Wednesday night, said he "respected" Stern's decision to suspend him. "He is the same man who put me on my second all-star team after I got snubbed by the coaches," Arenas added. "That decision came down for me. He made a tougher decision today that went against me. And I have to accept it." Washington Post

In the telephone interview, Arenas hoped he could soon meet with Stern. "That's not so I can ask him to reinstate me right now," Arenas said. "I just want to remind him of who I am. I'm the kid who jumped off the trampoline at the all-star game, the kid who throws his jersey to people in the stands. I'm not the hoodlum that's being written and talked about right now. "I'm sorry for my teammates, the city of Washington, the memory of Mr. Pollin and his family, and all my fans that support me and the game of basketball. I mean that. This shouldn't have happened. It shouldn't have got this far. I know that." Washington Post

Marc Stein: One source w/knowledge of Wiz thinking said Arenas' teammates who joined in pre-game gun simulation vs. Philly have told they'll be fined. Twitter.com

League sources said Stern is prepared to suspend Arenas for the rest of the season, but will let the legal process play out before making a final decision. Los Angeles Times

The question now is, what happens next for Arenas? The criminal and basketball ramifications are potentially severe, with multiple sources telling CBSSports.com on Wednesday they wouldn't be surprised if Stern ultimately suspended Arenas for the rest of the season. But whereas Arenas' nightmare is only beginning, the damage to the NBA has already been done. That is why Stern responded as he did, rather than wait until the criminal investigation is over. "In my mind, he did Gilbert a favor," an official familiar with the circumstances said. "And he did every player in this league a favor." CBSSports.com

"The public is screaming for it," the official said. "Delonte West gets indicted, and now this. They don't want to see it anymore or hear about it anymore. They're sick of this hip-hop [expletive]." CBSSports.com

“There’s no question where you have a situation where something significant happened, you’ve got to take action,” Saunders said in reference to the ongoing turmoil around Arenas. “As a team and a coach we can’t worry about that. We have to worry about going out and performing with the players we have.” New York Times

Wizards forward Antawn Jamison was one of those who was laughing with Arenas on Tuesday night. A day later, he cracked a weary smile, the strain of the events showing on his face. “You’re always going to miss a guy who always brings what he brings to the table,” he said. “He’s always the life of the team. When things are tight, he always loosens us up.” New York Times

Michael Lee: D-Steve on suspension: "I hope he just learns from it. Gil is a funny-type dude. Sometimes people don’t take the things that you do funny. Twitter.com

Michael Lee: More D-Steve: "You can’t play with David Stern like that. It’s just sad to see something like that, because he has a family and a fiancée." Twitter.com

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Meanwhile, the Cavs (28-9), playing with rest and after a contact practice on their longest period at home since before Thanksgiving, looked rested and strong. With strong opinions, too. "People asked me what I thought would happen [with Arenas] and it was exactly what happened," James said. "I didn't know it would be that extreme, but I thought he'd probably get suspended indefinitely. "I know Gil loves the game of basketball and for the game to be taken away from you is tough. But you've got to use better judgment sometimes." Cleveland Plain Dealer

Not even DeShawn Stevenson could muster waving his hand in front of his face when he made a jumper. The fans sensed it, they didn't even boo much. Even those new to these games could tell something was amiss. "With or without all their players we can beat this team any time if we do everything right," said Shaquille O'Neal without a hint of arrogance. Cleveland Plain Dealer

Magic players didn't sound surprised by Stern's decision. "There's no place for firearms in the locker room, in NBA arenas or on any type of NBA business, and we all know that," Orlando point guard Anthony Johnson said. "They drill that into our heads time and time again. With him being a veteran player, he knows that. "It's just an unfortunate incident, because he's such a good player, a great guy, a great ambassador for the NBA," Johnson added. "But he put himself in a position where David Stern had to come down on him." Orlando Sentinel

Smith knows Arenas has a fun-loving personality and said he once talked Arenas out of buying piranhas for his fish tank. But Smith didn't expect Arenas to do something like bringing guns to the workplace. "Nothing surprises me anymore, but yeah, I'm a little bit surprised because he's smarter than that," Smith said. Orlando Sentinel

“It’s crazy,” Billups said. “It’s really an unfortunate situation for the NBA and for sports period. I’m hoping that all the facts come out and everything is not totally true about the whole deal. Because you’ve got so many different stories about what happened. But the gist of it, just having guns and firearms in the locker room is just not right. I’d think they’d know that by now. But it’s just unfortunate for the league that it happened. It really is.” Denver Post

Pete Mickeal: Everybody has an opinion on carrying a gun. For me, it’s a very sensitive subject. I mean, my brother was a victim of gun violence. But if people feel they need to carry a gun and they got a legal permit to carry one, then they should carry a gun. That said, bringing guns in a locker room… Come on. Arenas made that decision. Now there could be consequences. It’s up to the grand jury to decide his fate. HoopsHype.com

Pete Mickeal: Nobody knows what happened exactly. Only Arenas and Javaris Crittenton. This next week maybe we will know what really happened. I don’t like speculation because I’ve been in situations where people talked a lot about me. Last year, they speculated about this passport issue I had. At the end, none of the things they said in the newspapers were true. And that’s why Arenas said he’s gonna sue the New York Post. In the States, you cannot write bad things about people if you don’t have the facts. Here in Europe, people write things all the time, and people then think everything is true. I never had anything to do with the passport issue. You can’t write false information about people! HoopsHype.com

Marvin "Bad News" Barnes once played for a team he said was nicknamed the "Detroit Hoodlums'' due to Pistons players regularly bringing guns into the locker room. But that was three decades ago. That's why Barnes, a former NBA forward, was stunned to hear about Washington Wizards guard Gilbert Arenas, who has been suspended indefinitely by the NBA for bringing guns last month into the Wizards' locker room. "I am really surprised,'' Barnes said in an interview Wednesday with FanHouse. "I didn't know they were still doing that in the NBA. That's why I'm in shock.'' FanHouse

Barnes said he regularly would take a .45 caliber pistol and a .38 snub nose revolver to games. "If the .45 jammed, I would have the .38 as a backup gun,'' Barnes said. "It was an automatic.'' Barnes was asked if he ever pointed a gun at another player. There been reports about guns being drawn in a locker-room dispute between Arenas and teammate Javaris Crittenton, but they have not been confirmed. "No, we didn't do that,'' said Barnes, saying nobody on the team ever joked around with a gun. "Guys on our team were like a family. We didn't fight each other. ... We would never (point a gun at a teammate). ... If I ever pointed a gun at you, it meant that I was going to shoot you.'' FanHouse

J.J. to N.J.? Let's just say New Jersey isn't exactly the odds-on favorite in the Joe Johnson sweepstakes. The Atlanta star guard, bound to be a free agent next summer, was asked in an interview with FanHouse before Wednesday's game against New Jersey if it would be more difficult to sign with a team like the 3-32 Nets due to their record. Johnson agreed it would. "It matters, man,'' Johnson said before facing a New Jersey outfit that will have more than $20 million of salary-cap room next summer. "It matters. A lot comes into play. Nobody wants to go to a tough team. But you've got to keep everybody in consideration.'' FanHouse

While Johnson will be one of the most coveted free agents next summer, teammates sure hope he re-signs with the Hawks. "I think Joe knows we all love having him here,'' said guard Jamal Crawford. "He's been a special player, and he's been the main component in everything that's going to happen here. So we all understand that, and we hope that he's here. ... I hope (Johnson will stay). He's never hinted otherwise. So I hope he's here.'' FanHouse

Hawks coach Mike Woodson said he doesn't have a preference on what sort of player he would like to sign to replace Hunter for the 13th roster spot. He said he and the staff will watch D-League video and pay attention to the waiver wire for options. "We've got two or three weeks to play it out and see what direction we decide we want to go," he said. Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Marc Stein: ESPN.com source: Wiz to wait until legal process done to see penalties before deciding whether to go ahead w/attempt to void Arenas contract. Twitter.com

Obviously, the Cavs want Jamison in the worst way. He fits everything they want and need at the moment. A great shooter with size, a smart player with playoff experience, a strong character in the locker room, a willingness to fit into the team concept. He's not a great defender, he's had some injuries and he's owed $28 million over the next two years. With next summer's free agent haul, there aren't many teams willing to take on that sort of commitment. Especially for a 33-year-old, even if it does look like he's got a lot of gas in his tank. There aren't a lot of trade partners for the Wizards to just dump the salary, if they indeed want to go that route. Cleveland Plain Dealer

Ford insists he won't become an issue, won't fuss, won't demand a trade. That, however, doesn't mean the Pacers won't try. Team president Larry Bird said last week he wants to improve the roster. Ford is making $8.5 million this season with an $8.5 million player option for next season, which the Pacers expect him to pick up. "I've never requested a trade, and I won't request a trade," Ford said. "It's my job to come out and do what they pay me to do. Right now it's limited, but it doesn't stop me from continuing to improve myself and my game." Indianapolis Star

Ford's contributions now are limited to competing hard in practice and supporting teammates during the game because O'Brien has no intention of playing him anytime soon. Ford hasn't played in the past three games, including the 43-point loss at New York on Sunday. "I've come to grips with it," Ford said. "Initially, first hearing the news on game day (Saturday) was definitely tough. It was shocking. It's a business. "I've been dealing with a lot of adversity throughout my professional career, so you just use this as an experience." Indianapolis Star

That doesn’t mean a center won’t be acquired. The market isn’t deep with available talent, however. “We are looking,” McMillan says. “If there’s a guy out there, Kevin is looking for that. But right now, there are no guys out there. The guys who are available, we’d much rather have Jeff and Dante (Cunningham) and Juwan playing.” Portland Tribune

Power forward LaMarcus Aldridge has been slowed by a tender left ankle, so the Blazers have been thin at both interior positions over the past two weeks. Even so, they have won eight of their last 12 games. “I like the way our guys are stepping up,” Pritchard says. “Jeff has done a good job, and Dante is in there competing. We’re playing hard. We know we’re undermanned right now, but guys are sort of embracing that. “You never want to be in a position where you have to make a trade. You do a deal when it’s a win-win situation. We’ll look at that. We’ve never been opposed to it. But it has to be right for us.” Portland Tribune

Though New Orleans Hornets Coach Jeff Bower does not publicly comment about possible trades, the Hornets could be playing Peterson to increase his value to make a possible trade deal before next month's trade deadline. But Bower said Peterson's consistent efforts at practices earned him a spot in his rotation. “I felt the way Mo has practiced over the last few weeks and that he is healthy, I felt it was time to give him a chance,’’ Hornets Coach Jeff Bower said before this morning’s shootaround at the Ford Center. “I want to keep everybody in engaged and give them opportunities when they have earned them through their play in games or practice.’’ New Orleans Times-Picayune

David Falk, who is one of the most powerful agents in the history of pro sports (represented Michael Jordan) was in attendance Wednesday. He only represents a few NBA players these days, Mike Bibby and Elton Brand being two of the bigger names. He doesn't represent any Cavs or Wizards. Why was he in town? He does represent Cavs General Manager Danny Ferry and has for years. He was the man who did Ferry's famous 10-year, $37 million deal with the Cavs when Ferry was a rookie. He wrote all about the deal and many other deals he did in his fascinating book called The Bald Truth, which came out last year and I recommend for anyone who wants to know about the business of basketball. Cleveland Plain Dealer

Pete Mickeal: I was very surprised to hear this week that the Knicks have inquired about my situation with FC Barcelona. Or maybe not so much. I go way back with the Knicks. On draft day, they traded for me. I had a great experience being there with Latrell Sprewell, Glen Rice, Chris Childs, Larry Johnson… HoopsHype.com

Pete Mickeal: For them to inquire about me, it’s not the same as another team doing it. If another team does that, they don’t know me as well as the Knicks. Some of people at the front office that traded to get me, they’re still there. Of course I would have liked to get some playing time. I could never showcase my game, but you know, I understand that I was only 22 and Sprewell and Rice were playing in front of me. Those guys were making like $15 million a year. I just did my work everyday. I got to gym early, I left the gym late. HoopsHype.com

Pete Mickeal: As far as the Knicks inquiring about me, I’m here in Spain playing for FC Barcelona and it’s my focus. Everything else is business. That’s why I have agents. Inquiring about me is one thing. Actually having me on their team… That’s not easy. But you never know. HoopsHype.com

Are the Knicks on the verge of a mid-season move that could shake up the roster or are they anticipating a spot opening once the NBA finalizes Cuttino Mobley's retirement? In his blog for hoopshype.com, forward Pete Mickeal said the Knicks have inquired about his availability, which is curious because the Knicks are currently maxed out at 15 players. Newsday

The Cleveland Cavaliers have waived guard Coby Karl. He appeared in three games and grabbed two rebounds without attempting a field goal in five minutes. The 6-foot-5 guard signed with the Cavaliers on Sept. 28th, 2009 as a training camp invite and made the opening day roster. Fear The Sword

Gary Washburn: Celtics waive Lester Hudson. Not real cool to bring him to Miami, let him workout in shootaround and then waive him in the afternoon. Twitter.com

Lester Hudson has to clear waivers -- he has until Friday to do so -- and the Celtics could bring him back on a 10-day contract. President of basketball operations Danny Ainge said the Celtics could "possibly" bring Hudson back if he is not claimed by another NBA team or they could keep the roster spot open and bring in another player on a 10-day contract. The Celtics currently have 14 players on their roster. Boston Globe

The Rockets waived forward Mike Harris today, the deadline to place players on waivers before their contracts would become guaranteed for the season. Harris signed with the Rockets Dec. 23 to fill in while guard Chase Budinger was out with a sprained left ankle. The Rockets could sign Harris to a 10-day contract once he clears waivers, but with Budinger back, might look to keep their last roster spot open, as they had before Budinger was hurt. “Right now, I'd be OK with it,” Harris said of signing a 10-day contract with the Rockets. “I really like it here. I enjoy being around the guys. I know in due time an opportunity's coming. Houston Chronicle

Harris'’agent, Tony Dutt, said he could consider options with other teams to give Harris more exposure. “There's a lot of opportunity for him in the NBA,” Dutt said. “There is a good chance someone else could pick him up. That's the risk they take, too. He's kind of NBA ready now. It's important to get the right people looking at him and seeing him. I've had several people calling on him.” Houston Chronicle

In an interview with the French newspaper L’Equipe, Ricky Rubio explains his choice to sign with the FC Barcelona and stay in Europe: he wants to win everything here before coming to the NBA. But is he really sure to come? Maybe one day… “Ultimately, I preferred to stay in Europe. When I stand back, I know I made the right choice. We’ll see if I’m going to the NBA one day, when I feel ready,” Ricky Rubio said. Asked if his choice to stay in Europe has a link with the fact that he was drafted by a weak team like Minnesota, he denied: “No, otherwise I didn’t enter the draft. Simply, there were many reasons … The clause, but also the feeling that I had not done everything in Europe. For example, I have never been Spain’s champion. I have never won the Euroleague either. That’s why I signed with Barcelone, I want to win everything.” Hoops Notes

After the game, normally accessible guys like Rashard Lewis and Anthony Johnson didn’t talk. Johnson didn’t play, but we still wanted to know what was up with his groin injury. Matt Barnes and Vince Carter were gone before we even got into the locker room. Jameer Nelson said the mood in the locker room was slightly more subdued. He said they weren’t joking around as much as normal. Orlando Sentinel

And Redick, Howard and Nelson all disagreed that they don’t have vocal leaders. They just express that leadership in more private ways, they said. “Instead of being in a locker room after a big loss, yelling and going off, that’s not going to change anything,” Howard said. “But sitting after the game, talking to each other, texting each other. That’s the best way our team goes about doing things. it’s not just in the locker room trying to be rah rah, stand up.” Orlando Sentinel

The before-and-after snapshot of Brook Lopez Tuesday night presented a stark contrast, as the Nets center was seen yukking it up wildly with Keyon Dooling as he took the floor to play Milwaukee when the curtain went up. Then he literally jumped off the bench with six seconds still left in the game and ran to the locker room as the 98-76 beating was concluding. And when the media reached that locker room a half-hour later, Lopez was gone again – electing not to stick around to discuss his performance, for a very good reason: “I didn’t want to say anything I would regret,” the franchise center said Wednesday night. Newark Star-Ledger

Asked whether he believes that his opinion might be the most pertinent as they climb out of this train wreck of a season, and whether he might have the most important voices in where the organization is going, Lopez replied, “I know that. I just don’t know if it’s my place yet.” Which is why he’s still dodging what is becoming obvious lately: The Nets are starting to neglect his development for the purpose of getting Yi Jianlian going. “Yeah, I think it’s just been a tough adjustment having another post guy out there – reading when and where he is, and where I need to be, I guess,” Lopez said. Newark Star-Ledger

Woodson said "without a doubt" Horford should be considered for the All-Star Game, which would be his first, along with guard Joe Johnson and forward Josh Smith. Atlanta Journal-Constitution

The Clippers were led by the aggressive play of veteran guard Baron Davis, who scored 25 points and especially helped the Clippers beat the Lakers near the basket. The Clippers scored 54 points in the paint compared with 34 for the Lakers. "I didn't think we had one quarter where we lacked the intensity that we needed to win," adding that despite losing a big lead to the Lakers in the third quarter, "we responded, held our composure, make some big shots. Our chemistry is coming together." Los Angeles Times

Unable to generate much energy in the second night of a back-to-back against a team they had defeated nine straight times, the Lakers trailed by nine at halftime and by as many as 15 early in the third quarter. They expended what little get-up-and-go they could muster launching a spirited rally to briefly tie the score early in the fourth quarter, but soon lost that momentum and fell meekly, 102-91. "We can't come out and be that flat at the beginning of the game," Lakers center Andrew Bynum said. "We can't continue to play like this later in the season, playing lackadaisical in the first half and trying to turn it on." Riverside Press-Enterprise

Though the NBA has yet to announce the participants, a source close to Rose confirmed Wednesday that, in no surprise, he will be invited to Dallas to defend his Skills Challenge title as part of All-Star Weekend. Chicago Tribune

Dominique Wilkins won NBA dunk titles with the Hawks in 1985 and 1990. He'll try to get Smith, the 2005 winner who hasn't competed since 2006, to head to Dallas for next month's event during All-Star Weekend. "I'm going to talk to him,'' Wilkins said in an interview with FanHouse. "I would love to see him be in it. I think he would make a nice comeback and take the contest again by doing something a little different. ... I hope (the chances are) good (of Smith competing).'' FanHouse

So what are the chances Mr. Smith goes to Dallas? "I don't know,'' Smith told FanHouse. "We'll have to see. Maybe. I'm not sure yet. ... I guess it has to be a feeling that I might have to have.'' FanHouse

"I just haven't had the interest of doing it,'' said Smith, 24, who was known more for his dunking and being a raw athlete a half decade ago but is now regarded as a seasoned all-around player, averaging 15.0 points, 8.0 rebounds, 3.6 assists and 2.24 blocks per game. "I'm kind of past that at this stage of my career.'' FanHouse

Deng finished December in strong fashion, but anyone who has watched the Bulls' last four games has noticed a different player. His jumper, so true most of this season, has been off badly and he has made a conscious effort to attack the basket more. That's not by accident. "The injury is affecting me a lot, mostly my shot and dribbling, and there are times I've thought about not playing," Deng said in his most expansive comments on the injury. "It's tough. I'm catching passes without using my thumb and then when I'm shooting, it's almost like an adjustment with my form because my guide hand is affected. Chicago Tribune

"I can't do now what I was doing at the start of the year. But I've been playing and we've been winning a little more. So I just help where I can, even though there are rebounds where sometimes I don't go for them because of my thumb." Chicago Tribune

Green admitted that in past seasons, the rotation had been more set. "The norm for NBA teams is to kind of get their rotations set usually by this time," Green said. "It is confusing, but overall it's nothing new," said center Samuel Dalembert. "I just try to stay positive out there and cheer on my teammates." Philadelphia Inquirer

Starting point guard Lou Williams, who spent his first years in the league coming off the bench, said he's a "big bench fan." "That's the way the game goes sometimes; we don't really make those decisions. I can only speak on my situation, personally, I can't really say how another guy feels about it. . . . I was one of those guys looking if I played well, I was looking to play more. And I assume those guys have the same mind-set now." The question to Jordan went as gently as possible: Is there still some feeling out to create the right rotations? The more Jordan spoke, the more defensive he became. Philadelphia Inquirer

When Memphis arrived in Portland with a four day layoff until they faced the Blazers on Tuesday night at the Rose Garden, it provided ample time for Conley and Oden to re-connect. The two hung out at Greg’s house on Monday and reminisced about their days playing high school basketball together at Lawrence North in Indianapolis, Indiana and later in college with the Buckeyes. “He seemed like he was in good spirits,” Conley explained about Oden, with their conversation always coming back around to Greg’s left knee and him being carried off the floor on a stretcher on December, 5. “It doesn’t even seem real to be honest. I expect to be playing against him most of the time, but all these injuries are tough. It’s part of basketball and he’s just been on the bad end of the line lately. It’s just sad.” Beyond The Beat

Nets guard Devin Harris recently agreed to meet a terminally ill 12-year-old boy after a game. Harris took him to the visiting locker room to meet Utah Jazz stars Deron Williams and Carlos Boozer. Dooling gave out 25 tickets to students from Teaneck and Snyder high schools for achieving perfect attendance. He also gave free back-to-school haircuts to kids in Englewood in late summer. "We have so many guys who are philanthropists and do great things in their community, and do great outreach and ticket giveaways,’’ Dooling said. "They make a difference on a daily basis and it’s not as glorified as the negativity. I understand what sells and what doesn’t. Make no mistake about it — we do far more good than bad." Bergen Record

After suffering a bruised and sprained right wrist in Monday's loss to New Orleans, Williams missed his third game of the season. He wore a brace on the wrist Wednesday and was still waiting to see improvement 48 hours later. "It's one of those things where overnight it just stiffens up, tightens up, starts hurting a little bit more," Williams said. Williams underwent an MRI exam, which confirmed the sprain and bruise, and was hopeful his wrist only would prove a short-term nuisance. "I don't think it's going to be something serious," Williams said. "It's just real sore right now and it's on my shooting hand, so I can't really follow through or do a dribbling motion, which is important." Salt Lake Tribune

Whatever Phil Jackson's future holds when his contract expires after this season, it appears a general manager position will not be part of it. Asked whether he could ever envision having both the coach and general manager's role as Mike Dunleavy has with the Clippers, Jackson said he has "no interest" in ever becoming a general manager. "I don't want to deal with agents. I don't want to have to lie," Jackson said. "I don't want to throw out there like "lie," but you have to do some negotiating with truth a lot of times and I don't want to do that." Riverside Press-Enterprise

A television commentator for the Los Angeles Clippers faces criminal theft charges for allegedly duping a retired school teacher to use his paid-off home as collateral for a $735,000 loan for a failed development investment project, prosecutors said today. Michael John Smith, 44, of Laguna Hills, will be arraigned Thursday on one felony count of grand theft with sentencing enhancement allegations for loss over $100,000 and property damage over $200,000, according to the Orange County District Attorney's office. Orange County Register

Smith was friends with the 65-year-old victim, who suffers from an inoperable brain tumor, prosecutors said. Authorities say the alleged fraud happened around January 2008. Smith, who was involved with Furst in a development project in Dana Point, repeatedly tried to convince the victim to invest in the project, prosecutors said. The victim kept refusing, but eventually agreed to put up his Dana Point residence as collateral for a $735,000 loan, prosecutors said. Smith and Furst had lied and said the loan was safe and 100 percent guaranteed, they added. Orange County Register

In return for building a new $300 million arena for the Kings, Sacramento would gain 1,300 temporary jobs and 229 permanent jobs, according to a new report commissioned by Mayor Kevin Johnson's arena task force. Left unsaid in the report, scheduled to be released today, is who would pay for the arena or whether enough new jobs would be created to justify what could be a large public investment. The report also refrains from projecting how many jobs might be created by development that would spring up in the vicinity of the arena – information often included in such research. Sacramento Bee

Jayson Williams will be arraigned Thursday morning -- from his hospital bed, law enforcement sources tell TMZ. Williams is still in Bellevue Hospital's criminal ward recovering from serious injuries he suffered in a car accident Tuesday morning -- he was charged with DWI in the wreck. TMZ.com

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