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Friday, January 8

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What we did hear, though, is that the Houston Rockets have made it known that they would be willing to trade for Bosh immediately … even if they don't get a guarantee they can re-sign him this summer. ESPN.com

Sources say the ever-aggressive Rockets are sure a half-season in Houston could convince the native Texan to pledge his long-term future to a city players love as well as a team that sits four games over .500 without the injured Yao Ming and the exiled Tracy McGrady. The Rockets also have the requisite stash of young assets, as evidenced by their success this season without marquee names, to assemble a legit deal for Toronto to consider … and without insisting that McGrady's mammoth $22.5 million salary has to be part of it. ESPN.com

The Raptors have long believed, furthermore, that Bosh will participate in a sign-and-trade this summer -- if he decides to leave Canada after saying repeatedly that he loves the place -- before walking away outright from the franchise that drafted him. ESPN.com

I nonetheless was advised this week to expect Houston to make a hard Bosh push during these next 40 days if the Raptors invite it. Or perhaps even if they don't invite it. ESPN.com

As for Washington, one source close to the situation said in the wake of Gilbert Arenas' indefinite suspension this week: "The Wizards are 100 percent going to try to void Gil's contract, and they're 100 percent going to clean house. There is now not a single player they wouldn't trade." ESPN.com

I talked with an Eastern Conference executive recently who explained to me why the Wizards should move Jamison immediatedly. The executive said that Jamison is still incredibly productive, but he turns 34 this summer and teams are probably going to be more reluctant to take the two years and nearly $28 million remaining on his contract after this season, with the salary cap expected to drop once again next season. So this really is the best opportunity to make something happen, but the Wizards have to make sure that they can get the best deal. Washington Post

I also heard another rumor involving Butler and the Los Angeles Clippers, with the Wizards getting back Marcus Camby and his expiring contract. Since no player on the team is untouchable, I was informed that Brendan Haywood, Nick Young or anyone else could be had right now, but the Wizards don't want to take back salary. The team is not hesitating in its attempts to toss a grenade on the roster. Washington Post

One NBA executive said the Washington Wizards continue to listen to offers for forwards Caron Butler and Antawn Jamison. The source said that the Cleveland Cavaliers are willing to give up center Zydrunas Ilgauskas, but Washington doesn’t appear interested in that deal. If the Wizards eventually have the opportunity to void Gilbert Arenas’ $111 million contract and Butler and/or Jamison are moved for expiring deals, the Wizards could start from scratch with plenty of cap room in the heralded 2010 free-agent market. “They should void [Arenas’] contract. That’s the only way he can move forward,” the NBA executive said. “They haven’t won with him to date.” Another GM believes the Wizards need to make changes but also said: “Don’t you think Arenas’ stuff is a little over the top? We need to give him a chance before we crucify him and burn his $100 million. Isn’t what [Cleveland guard] Delonte West(notes) did way worse with loaded guns?” Yahoo! Sports

Cleveland center Zydrunas Ilgauskas told FanHouse in October and later told other media outlets he was considering retiring after this season. But Ilgauskas told FanHouse on Friday he will return next season and wants to re-sign with Cleveland. "I'm going to play next year,'' Ilgauskas, 34, said after Cleveland's morning shootaround in preparation for a game against Denver. "I realize I've got a lot of good basketball left in me.'' FanHouse

In the preseason, Ilgauskas was unsure how his health would be. He's battled foot injuries his entire career, and regularly has to soak in ice for long stretches. But Ilgauskas said he's felt good this season. "I feel like I'm having fun,'' he said. "I'm healthy. So why not (play next season)? I'll get to do nothing the rest of my life.'' Ilgauskas will be a free agent this summer and says he wants to re-sign with Cleveland. "Of course,'' said Ilgauskas, who has spent his entire career with the team since being drafted in 1996. "We'll wait until summer (to talk about a new contract).'' FanHouse

Teams also remain in hot pursuit of Caron Butler. Someone told me on Friday that the Wizards were talking with the Houston Rockets about using Butler as the key piece in a deal for Tracy McGrady's expiring contract, but the talks came to a halt after Arenas's "bang-bang" performance in Philadelphia. Washington Post

The Houston Rockets have continued to be patient with their attempts to trade Tracy McGrady. “It’s probably something that might take to the deadline,” Rockets GM Daryl Morey said. “That’s just how the league works. Teams don’t want to move until they are almost forced to move. But I think there are enough teams that are interested. We’re hoping that something happens to help him out and help us out.” Morey said he hopes to acquire an “elite level” player for McGrady. Yahoo! Sports

Alex Kennedy: Arn Tellem, McGrady's agent, met with Donnie Walsh on Thursday night. One league source believes signing Jonathan Bender, whom Tellem also represents, could have been a favor to increase New York's chances of landing McGrady. Twitter.com

There also were some rumbles in Boise that the Timberwolves are prepared to start exploring the trade market for Al Jefferson amid questions about Jefferson's compatability with Kevin Love and how he fits in Minnesota's more free-flowing triangle offense under new coach Kurt Rambis. A case can be made that either Jefferson or Love -- undeniably good players individually who are still both developing -- would be helped greatly by playing next to a more athletic sidekick no matter what the system. ESPN.com

When we checked it out, though, one source with knowledge of the Wolves' thinking insisted any such rumblings about the centerpiece of Minnesota's Kevin Garnett trade with Boston in July 2007 are off target and Big Al is staying put. ESPN.com

As for the Hornets' more pressing luxury-tax issues, rival teams continue to say All-Star forward David West has not been made available in trade talks as the deadline approaches. Which suggests New Orleans believes it can move Hilton Armstrong and one other small-salaried player such as Bobby Brown or Devin Brown (who nearly was dealt to Minnesota last week) to get under the tax line. ESPN.com

An NBA source said the Sacramento Kings will likely take on an expiring contract from a team looking to lower its tax bill in hopes of picking up an extra second round draft pick. Yahoo! Sports

There’s a chance you could get traded. Would you like to finish out the year here? Andre Miller: “Anything’s possible. I understand that it’s a business, but, you know, I came here for a reason. And the reason was to win and that’s what the team is doing, regardless of the injuries. And I’m the type of player that doesn’t bail out when things aren’t going my way. I want to contribute to the team. I don’t have any personal agendas but winning. And that’s all that matters. I think I’m a professional, a good character guy, and I feel that’s what this organization is and that’s why I want to be here.” Oregonian

Adrian Wojnarowski: Memphis has been awarded Lester Hudson off waivers, a league source tells Y! Sports. The Celtics let the rookie point guard go this week. Twitter.com

As noted yesterday, the Blazers waited for Shavlik Randolph to clear waivers last night so the team could re-sign him to a 10-day contract. Oregonian

Some would say Yi's more prominent role has sliced into Brook Lopez's effectiveness, but the Nets don't see that as a lasting concern. I was told this week that while Lopez remains New Jersey's only clear-cut untouchable, Yi suddenly is pushing Devin Harris -- who has taken an undeniable step back this season amid all the losing -- for the No. 2 slot on that list. ESPN.com

A league source informed me on Friday that the Washington Wizards banned cards and gambling from all team charter flights after a Dec. 21 incident in which Gilbert Arenas and Javaris Crittenton got into a dispute over a gambling debt in which guns were involved. Washington Post

As he has all season, Antawn Jamison faced reporters on Friday to answer questions about the latest distraction the Washington Wizards have to contend with. Jamison joked that his New Year's resolution was to have fun, but he hasn't had much to smile about since 2010 began. You can tell from his body language and facial expressions that this season of seemingly endless off-court distractions is taking its toll on him. "It's been going on too long, long enough," Jamison said. "We definitely sick of it -- too much negative publicity and I think guys are just to the point where we just want to get some positive publicity and turn things around and start winning some games, start having fun. We haven't had fun in while." Washington Post

Coach Flip Saunders and President Ernie Grunfeld decided to implement the gambling ban, according to the source. The New York Times reported on Friday that the New Jersey Nets are no longer permitting gambling on the team plane and that the NBA is considering new gambling restrictions for players. Washington Post

Kobe Bryant on the decision made by David Stern regarding Gilbert Arenas: “I can’t speak for Commissioner Stern. He’s been a great commissioner. He really took the NBA to a whole ‘nother level so you just have to sit back, and watch and see how this whole thing turns out, plays out. He obviously made one decision thus far. I’m sure there’s more to come.” Sports Radio Interviews

On what he would do if something like that happened in the Lakers locker room: “If it happened here? No, it wouldn’t happen here. (Host: It wouldn’t happen there?) No.” Sports Radio Interviews

Trail Blazers coach Nate McMillan said he apologized to his team Friday morning for letting Thursday's heated exchange with point guard Andre Miller reach the levels it did. "What happened yesterday, that was on me, and I apologized to the team for the way that was handled,'' McMillan said. "We handle things different in situations like that, and I have to control that and I didn’t do that. That is behind us, and our focus is on the Lakers and playing that game tonight.'' Miller addressed the media for more than eight minutes and was as jovial as he has been all season, smiling often and offering no evidence of hard feelings. "I feel fine. Coach feels fine,'' Miller said. "Players and coaches go through this stuff all the time - disagreements, agreements, that’s just a part of the business. We are around each other like a family and we want to keep it that way.'' Oregonian

Q: Are you alluding that it should have been handled behind closed doors? Nate McMillan: It should have been handled different. That is something I know, and we will in the future. It's dead. We are moving forward. Oregonian

Nate said he apologized to the team today. Andre Miller: “That was just something we cleared up as a team, man to man. It was definitely nothing to be made a big deal out of. This happens on every team and it wasn’t a big deal to me, you know, we just want to move past it. We learn from our experiences and move on.” He said he talked to you one on one, did you have a good conversation? “Yeah, I mean, you want to have an open dialogue. That’s what we talked about, you know, point guard, coach. And as players, we still gonna stick together. What matters most is representing the organization in the right way and, you know, he’s worried about the organization and I’m worried about the organization and how we carry ourselves as individuals. That’s all that matters.” Oregonian

A source with knowledge of the argument said Miller, who could not be reached for comment, has been frustrated for a while and became upset that McMillan called him out in front of the entire team during the pow-wow after practice. Yahoo! Sports

From your perspective, what made you so upset yesterday? “You guys don’t know what happened, so we gonna keep it that way. So I’m not gonna tell y’all what happened, I’m gonna just let y’all assume. But, you know, just a minor disagreement and, you know, we learn from it. We’re trying to get better as a team, we’re trying to maintain, we’re trying to represent ourselves and be professionals and, like I said, it’s 82 games and I can tell you every team has issues and problems that they have to deal with. It just doesn’t come out and this is something that came out. Whether the right or wrong way, we deal with it as professionals and we represent the organization.” Oregonian

Yet Fisher doesn’t see himself in a slump and bristled Thursday when a reporter asked him about it. “No,” was his reflexive response about whether he was struggling. After a moment, he said that basketball was a team game and that he isn’t “overly” concerned about individual statistics. “With the type of team we have, there will be different guys doing different things every night and you have to be willing to sacrifice maybe some of your individual shine to make sure the team is accomplishing the team goals,” said Fisher, who is the final year of his contract. “I’m comfortable with that. I realize what my role is on this team. I try and really stay focused on that.” Orange County Register

Answer: Of course, there are always options. The Lakers can trade for a point guard. They can use their mid-level exception during the summer to sign a point guard. They can draft a point guard, but they probably will draft so high that there won't be any quality point guards left by then. So, you don't like the idea of the Lakers signing Farmar to an extension? You don't think Fisher can handle the minutes anymore at his age? Shannon Brown, though not a true point guard, has played well in the backcourt for the Lakers, and he has the size and strength that Lakers Coach Phil Jackson likes in his guards. Los Angeles Times

No, Fisher is not going to retire, nor should he. Yes, he has been struggling. But one can't overstate the importance of having Fisher for locker room chemistry, for the respect his teammates give him, for his guidance. Those are very important things when you have a Lakers locker room with so many egos and agendas. Fisher will have his moments this season, like when he hit a big three-pointer against the Miami Heat that allowed Kobe Bryant to eventually win the game with a three-pointer. And don't forget those two big three-pointers Fisher hit during Game 4 of the NBA Finals against the Orlando Magic last June. No, Fisher is not the player he once was. But retire right now? No way. Los Angeles Times

Several NBA executives and scouts said that the talent at the NBA Development League’s Showcase was the worst it has been since the event began in 2005. Yahoo! Sports

Do you ever get mad when people say they wasted a pick when they could’ve got Dwyane Wade or… Darko Milicic: They did! No, they did waste a pick, you know. Why did they take me? Who knows if I really had a chance to play like these players that play like Dwyane Wade or Carmelo, those guys are incredible players. So for me, being a second pick, I don’t get why they didn’t play me at all and, secondly, they did waste, you know? Why did they take me? Slam

Darko Milicic: You should take someone that they really think was gonna play right away because just taking someone to sit on the bench, you waste a pick and you waste the guy’s time. You wasted my time for three years not playing so you f**k up a player and you f**k up yourself, and I just didn’t get it. So I just didn’t get it. I guess they thought they were gonna be champions forever. I don’t know. Slam

So what was like your favorite memory here? Obviously y’all won a championship here, but do you have any good memories? Darko Milicic: Really, I didn’t have any favorite memories of playing here. Like I said, I didn’t have no fun on the court. Slam

"The issue of Kobe Bryant, when there were rumors and insinuations that he wanted to be traded -- we sat for hours and worked out this situation, which brought this into what it is today," Jackson said. "It was painful. Even though Kobe and I had to end up on the other side of the coin in this deal, in which management and player and coach all kind of seemed to be on opposite sides, sometimes the coach has to have one side to support the player. I think that was really the strength that brought this [new championship era] into fruition." SI.com

Funny thing when you become the main attraction in a place that is supposed to be your purgatory, but the people embrace you so tightly you find it impossible to let them down, or let them go. You begin to realize it ain't so bad. "People always ask, 'Wouldn't you rather be in Miami or L.A.?'" Durant said. "I always tell them, 'No.' This place is perfect for me." ESPN.com

Nash in 2009-10 is at 18.9 points and 11.3 assists (No. 1) and shooting 54.3 percent overall (15th in all and tops among guards) and 44.1 percent from behind the arc (No. 8). He is on early pace to top 50 percent from the field, 40 percent on 3s and 90 percent on free throws for the fourth time, when Larry Bird is the only other player to do it twice. The compelling storyline, of course, is the Suns going from 46 wins last season while missing the playoffs to a 23-13 start that has exceeded most expectations. "First of all, I think we're back playing the way he's comfortable playing," Gentry said, noting Phoenix's return to the signature up-tempo game. "I think that's huge. If you look at the last 30 games of last season, he had a great year. He had over 11 assists a game the last 30 games. I think he was meant to play this way. And if you play this way, he's going to be one of the best point guards in the league. He's as good a shooter as there is in the league. Obviously, the assists he makes. He's a great free-throw shooter. And he's a great teammate. To me, he's playing as well if not a little better than he did when he was the MVP in the league for two years." NBA.com

Jackson, 64, is in the final season of a two-year extension paying him $12 million annually, a record salary for an NBA coach. He acknowledges that money will influence his decision, which is not to say that money alone will hold sway. "When this extension came along, there was no doubt about taking it at that point," he said of his current deal. "I've had a couple of situations in my own life that have changed -- my separation from a wife that raised a family for 25 years, and that was a financially devastating situation. I had a couple of financial situations that came about that changed my life in the last 10 years, as everybody has. Everybody has taken a loss [in the stock markets]." SI.com

At the same time, Jackson said he feels a need to continue working, to reclaim vitality in his approach to work. "Working is still something I think I would do if I were a firefighter and I had a retirement," he said. "I'd still probably go out and have another job because I think you have to work. I really believe that now, and watching Tex Winter and Johnny Bach and Bill Bertka -- guys I've worked with who have been senior members of my coaching staff -- they've continued in basketball. I don't know if I'll continue in basketball or not. I probably will, there's a good chance. "But there's still work to be done: Pete Newell," he said, referring to another coach who continued his career in basketball long after the normal age of retirement. "All of these people who were senior people I looked up to in this business." SI.com

The trick is to separate the money from the mission of creating a team that pursues goals that are larger than any one man can accomplish by himself. Which, again, is not to pretend that the money doesn't exist. Rather, its influence has a parallel existence all its own. "Recently a reporter made mention of that," Jackson said of his salary. "I said I may not come back next year; I mean, they may not want to pay a coach to do what I'm doing, and with the NBA and other sports all feeling the pinch from this economy and television and things that all are shrinking, they may have to shrink the coach's salary. And I understand that, and that's why this is a process. But one reporter asked, 'Would you take a pay cut?' And I said back to him, 'Would you?' "That kind of came off wrong -- it was one of my journalist friends, you know -- not really realizing that newspapers have been hit almost harder than anything else in our society right now. They have taken pay cuts. And we all are going to take a pay cut in the NBA as it goes on." SI.com

Jackson's approach is based on a respect for the players, as well as an understanding that they can be influenced to pursue team goals. "You can't fool these guys," Jackson said. "In basketball, for sure, they've been pursued since they were 12, 11, 13 years of age usually. They've seen all kinds of 'yes' people, back-slappers. So they're pretty savvy ... even though they're athletes, and athletes by and large still have some naïveté, because they are taken advantage of without a doubt by certain agents or plans or schemes. "But I think they are savvy to character, and I think that's what wins the day with them. It wins the day as far as the leadership that they have, and I think our team leadership is really good. "Red Holzman used to say, 'There's always the middle path,' " he said of his former coach when Jackson was a player for the Knicks. "He was the first Buddhist I knew. It was always about that -- don't do anything in excess, do it in moderation. And don't get too high over a win, don't get too low over a loss." SI.com

At least one team executive in attendance was convinced the Hornets are going after New Orleans native (and current ESPN analyst) Avery Johnson in the offseason to take over on the bench for GM-turned-coach Jeff Bower. "I just think that job's got Avery's name written all over it," the exec said. ESPN.com

Two NBA general managers predict that commissioner David Stern will push for a hard salary cap once the Collective Bargaining Agreement re-opens in the summer of 2011. The league wants to better help teams save money while leveling the playing field league-wide. One of the GMs said such a hard cap would be gradually implemented. “I don’t know where it goes, but the players have to realize that teams are losing too much money,” one GM said. Yahoo! Sports

Celebrity Rehab 3 popped off last night and the show has me hooked! Dr. Drew has the task of aiding a slew of celebrities in their quest for freedom of addiction. Well, except for former NBA Champion Dennis Rodman; he’s only there by an order of the court. He reluctantly entered the Pasadena Recovery Center with the tude’ of a 12 year-old. Dennis rolled his eyes, chomped gum and wasn’t giving up much info. Rodman’s release of choice is alcohol and a lot of it. Other clips show Rodman downing drinks and ordering chics to get their booties in the bedroom. Reality Wanted

It's fair to say Gabe Pruitt didn't distinguish himself as a member of the Celtics, and he isn't winning many fans with his boorish behavior on "Bad Girls Club." Pruitt, whom the Celts wisely cut before the season, appeared on this week's episode and was even more obnoxious, if that's possible, than the stars of the show. "Bad Girls Club," which airs on Oxygen, is about seven shrill sirens who live - and squabble - in a sprawling LA mansion. This week, the nattering Natalie took the rest of the gals to a party hosted by Pruitt at an LA club. (Natalie describes her pal as "Gabe from the Celtics" even though he doesn't play for them anymore.) As soon as the ladies arrive at the club, Pruitt begins hitting on Natalie, murmuring such sweet nothings as "I want you (expletive) naked" and "I want to (expletive) you." Boston Globe

Kim Webster -- the former "West Wing" actress whose L.A. apartment burned to a crisp last September -- is now suing the man she claims is responsible ... the owner of the L.A. Clippers. TMZ.com

Jonathan Abrams: Spoke with Jerry Colangelo today. He called @KevinDurant35 "a lock" for next Olympic team. Twitter.com

The Wizards could potentially look into voiding what's left of the six-year, $111 million contract Arenas signed in 2008, using the "moral turpitude" provision in the Uniform Player Contract. But that is unlikely to occur without a lengthy legal fight with the players' union, which would consider it a bad precedent. And, according to multiple sources it is not an option that the team has begun discussing. One source said the team wouldn't seriously consider it until the legal process plays out. Arenas is being probed by local and federal authorities and the league for storing guns in what he called "a misguided effort to play a joke on a teammate." Washington Post

But in terms of a job opening, beyond perhaps that for a faith healer, there is nothing posted on the board in the lunch room. “Right now I don’t see any needs,” Ainge said as he boarded a flight on a scouting trip out West yesterday. “I mean, I feel like there’s always a need if you can get a better player than who you have, but there’s nothing with us that’s a glaring weakness. There’s not one specific need that we’re looking to fill. “I just feel like we need to get healthy. If we’re healthy, then in some ways we may have too many players. There will be some tough decisions that will have to get made on minutes when we have everyone back. But things can always happen, so I think it’s important for us that we have this flexibility with our roster. I mean, there’s a good chance we don’t sign anybody, but it helps to have the ability to do it if something happens and you need to.” Boston Herald

And those who think the team simply will activate assistant coach for player development Tyronn Lue shouldn’t hold their breath. There is an outside chance Lue could get a 10-day contract in a pinch down the line, but the club doesn’t believe he is an answer. Ainge wouldn’t say much beyond the fact he’d be an “emergency” short-term replacement, but it’s important to note that Lue was brought in before training camp for a look, and the Celts decided to stay with Hudson. Boston Herald

Contrary to reports in the Chinese media, former Mavericks swingman Jerry Stackhouse is not headed to the Far East. So says his agent, Jeff Schwartz. “The rumor that Jerry Stackhouse is going to play in China is completely false,” Schwartz told HoopsHype.com. “He is still looking forward to joining and contributing to an NBA team this season.” HoopsHype.com

"You said Rudy Fernandez will be back in 7-10 days. Will you look to make a move in the short term prior to getting Rudy back?" Kevin Pritchard: "We'll look at something. Shavlik [Randolph] is on our radar again. I think he clears [waivers] tonight. And then we'll look at Shavlik [Randolph] maybe tomorrow." Blazers Edge

Alan Hahn: I mentioned Pete Mickeal to Donnie Walsh and he seemed stunned by Mickeal's recent blog on hoopshype, when he said the Knicks called. Twitter.com

There will be no Karl reunion here Friday. The Cleveland Cavaliers on Wednesday waived guard Coby Karl, son of Nuggets coach George Karl, and Coby told FanHouse on Thursday there's a chance he eventually could be brought back by the Cavaliers on a 10-day contract. Nothing will happen immediately after Coby Karl is expected to clear waivers Friday, meaning there's no chance of him playing for Cleveland that night against the Nuggets. "They brought (a 10-day contract) up as a possibility,'' Karl speaking by phone from Cleveland, where he remained after the Cavaliers flew to Denver. "But I don't expect anything to be imminent.'' FanHouse

"It was not the best situation (last season) so I'm a little shy and nervous to go back (to Europe),'' Coby Karl, 26, said of the Badalona experience. "I thought I would be an integral part of the team but that wasn't their intention.'' FanHouse

One thing Karl doesn't expect to happen any time soon is to play for his father in Denver. Nobody in NBA history ever has played for his father. "I've heard that they're trying to save money at all costs,'' Coby Karl said of the Nuggets, who have 13 on the roster and are well stocked at Karl's primary position of point guard. "So they're definitely not an odds-on favorite.'' FanHouse

Wade, now one of the NBA's elite shooting guards, looks forward to playing alongside Alston, a playmaker capable of scoring in bunches. ``Rafer is a guy who can run this team and make sure guys get the ball in their sweet spots,'' Wade said. ``He stretches the floor. You've got a lot of teams right now that play us a certain way that, when you have a point guard like that, would no longer play you a certain way. It changes the dynamic.'' Miami Herald

Alston and agent Dan Fegan did not return messages Thursday evening. But earlier Thursday, Alston told AOL's Fanhouse he was hoping to pick up a few plays fast enough to contribute quickly. Alston was signed for a prorated portion of the NBA's $1.3 million veteran's minimum. The move completes a retooling at the point guard position that began Tuesday, when Miami traded Chris Quinn and a second-round draft pick to the Nets. Miami Herald

The Celtics will doubtless add a veteran player for the playoff run, though president of basketball operations Danny Ainge said no deal is imminent. “We like Lester a lot, but that is an important roster spot,’’ Ainge said. “There are a lot of good players available and this gives us an opportunity to see what is out there and if they can meet our needs as we get near to the playoffs, a chance to get somebody who can help us win this year.’’ Boston Globe

Ainge said the Celtics attempted to work out a trade for Hudson, whose nonguaranteed contract was worth $167,782. The deadline for contracts to be guaranteed was 6 p.m. Wednesday. “He was not getting an opportunity,’’ Ainge said. “The majority of the backup point guard minutes have gone to Eddie House the last three years. Even when we brought in Sam Cassell, Eddie was still getting the majority of minutes. And last year, when we brought in [Stephon] Marbury, Eddie got the majority of the minutes, especially in the playoffs. Boston Globe

Gery Woelfel: Agent Marc Cornstein confirmed Roko Ukic has signed muli-year deal with Fenerbache in Turkey. Twitter.com

Brown nixed the deal when he declined to give up salary so his could have matched the other player in the mix, Jason Hart. Last week, before playing on the road against the Houston Rockets, Brown admitted to mixed emotions. “I’m not really worried about the business side of it,” Brown said Tuesday. “It was a deal that almost went through, but it didn’t. So from there, you’ve got to move on. As a basketball team, we’re trying to grow and get better. Our goal was to get to .500 and kind of go from there. We’ve done that. New Orleans Times-Picayune

Recalling what happened the last time the Spurs played the Mavericks, Spurs guard Manu Ginobili has a request of coach Gregg Popovich: Don't even think about putting me in the starting lineup. It was in the Nov. 18 game in Dallas, his one and only start of the season, that Ginobili suffered a strained left groin. The injury cost him five games on the inactive list and limited minutes during the first few games after his return to action, on Nov. 29 against the 76ers. “I guess that was my only start of the last few years, and probably the last start of my career,” Ginobili said after the Spurs' 112-92 victory over the Pistons on Wednesday night. “No doubt. No question.” San Antonio Express-News

Gossip website TMZ reported that the Wizards have locker room surveillance video of the incident and were turning it over to authorities. Two Washington law enforcement officials told CBSSports.com on Thursday that if such a video existed, it could be used as evidence in the case. But a person with direct knowledge of the locker room setup and team policy told CBSSports.com that the Wizards do not utilize surveillance cameras in the locker room. CBSSports.com

The two Washington law enforcement officials who spoke to CBSSports.com said a person brandishing a loaded firearm could be charged with assault with a deadly weapon, a felony carrying a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison. Under D.C. firearms code, among the strictest in the nation, it wouldn't matter whether the firearm was real or operable for that charge to be filed. But the extent to which the person brandished or aimed the firearm at a potential victim could serve as a distinction between felony assault and simple assault, a misdemeanor. CBSSports.com

Michael Lee: The NBA & the Wizards have agreed that it would be in everyone's best interest for Arenas to stay away from games & team functions. Twitter.com

Michael Lee: The Wizards removed Gilbert Arenas's gigantic poster from the 6th Street side of Verizon Center today. Twitter.com

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 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

Crittenton's agent, Mark Bartelstein, said his client did nothing wrong but declined to discuss specifics. "It'll flesh out at some point," Bartelstein told the New York Post, urging fans not to prejudge Crittenton. "Until we get in front of the grand jury, we're not going to know the whole story." New York Post

True or untrue? Perhaps as few as five members of the Wizards know for sure -- Arenas, Crittenton, a couple unnamed teammates and trainer Eric Waters, who, according to accounts and descriptions, had one of Arenas' theoretically unloaded guns hurled by Crittenton across the floor at his feet. New York Post

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"David Stern is not taking this lightly, but we need Gilbert," Stevenson said. "It's hard to play through this. We're human." Washington Post

When told of Stevenson's comments, Jamison said: "If my teammates start saying that, we're going to lose. We got to put it behind us. This guy is a special talent. So we're going to miss him, whether it's due to injury or whatever. We would love to have him, but a situation like this draws you closer as a team. We need to really just go out there and have fun again. We still got a long way to go for the season. No reason to say, 'It's a done deal and let's concentrate on next year.' That won't happen at all." Washington Post

Despite the serious nature of his circumstances, Arenas tried to combat it with humor, but the photo of his teammates laughing as he pretended to shoot them with his fingers has the team considering possible fines. But according to a source, no decision would be made on the size of the fines until the team can determine if it was premeditated and more evidence surfaces. Some of his teammates referred to it as "Gil being Gil." "I think it was perceived the wrong way," Nick Young said. "Through tough times, you can't just be so down on yourself. He was just trying to keep his head and amuse himself and have that good vibe. During the moment, people laughed and we didn't think about it until after it." Washington Post

Los Angeles Lakers coach Phil Jackson wondered if there's ever enough that can be done to educate players about firearms in the wake of the scrutiny that suspended Washington Wizards guard Gilbert Arenas has faced since bringing guns into the Verizon Center. "We have had someone come in the last couple of years to talk to players specifically about guns, ownership of guns and their place in society," Jackson said. USA Today

As a "high-profile celebrity, there's a lot of envious people in the world," said Los Angeles Clippers forward Marcus Camby, who added he does not own a gun. That said, Camby's teammate Baron Davis cannot believe what is happening to Arenas. "He's a friend of mine and has a good heart," Davis said. "It's an unfortunate situation and a total misunderstanding of who he is inside. "I don't think he had any malice or was trying to be vindictive or trying to do anything that people in the media have led him to be. It was bad judgment ... and hopefully something he can learn from. I just hope to have him back." USA Today

Brad Miller has his own hunting show on the Sportsman Channel, so who better from the Bulls to comment on Gilbert Arenas' decision to store guns in his locker? "I was just telling Lindsey (Hunter), I have to get thrown in with the idiots," Miller said with a laugh. "I'm not giving up my guns. They're used for the right purpose." Arlington Heights Daily Herald

So count Miller among the millions who immediately recognized that bringing guns to an NBA locker room wasn't a great idea. Arenas, the Washington Wizards guard, has been suspended indefinitely by NBA Commissioner David Stern and may face criminal charges. "Exactly," Miller added. "It's so stupid. What can you say?" Arlington Heights Daily Herald

There are indications that the N.B.A. is now considering new gambling restrictions for players. One team has already acted. On Wednesday, the Nets informed players that gambling was no longer permitted on team flights. “We did,” Rod Thorn, the Nets’ president, said Thursday in a telephone interview in which he confirmed that the team had instituted a ban. “I think after this incident with the Wizards that we just decided that we would not have any on our planes. We’ve never had a problem with it. But obviously, you can see what can happen.” New York Times

Mark Bartelstein, an N.B.A. agent for 25 years, may be the most outspoken critic of player gambling — a position he held long before he began representing Crittenton last month. He speculated that if the N.B.A. moved to ban gambling, not a single team would oppose it. “There’s nothing good about it and a whole lot of bad,” Bartelstein said. “The reality of it is, it gets way out of hand. The money involved is really insane. That’s the only word I can use.” New York Times

A season of frustration for Andre Miller came to a head Thursday when Trail Blazers practice ended after the veteran point guard had a heated, 30-minute exchange with coach Nate McMillan. The louder parts of the exchange, which intermittently featured raised voices and expletives from both sides, were audible through a closed door where media were waiting to enter the practice court. Oregonian

The exchange culminates Miller's simmering discontent that has been evident since the end of training camp when Steve Blake was awarded the starting point guard position even though Miller outplayed him. Although he never made a scene about his frustrations, Miller brooded for much of the early season and periodically took veiled shots at McMillan and management, insinuating he was lied to when the team courted him this summer in free agency. Oregonian

On Thursday, Miller did most of the talking during the exchange, his voice high-pitched and strained with anger. At one point, McMillan tried cutting him off unsuccessfully by repeatedly interjecting, 'Look ... look ... look,' each time using more force. Finally, McMillan barked, 'I don't give a ...', which silenced Miller. 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." Columbian

Miller was not on the court nor available for comment when the media was allowed into practice. A message left for Miller has not been returned. Meanwhile, McMillan initially downplayed the exchange. "The conversation was with the team," McMillan said. Columbian

When reached by phone, Andy Miller said he had yet to speak with Andre, but when he heard an account of the day's events, Miller didn't sound that surprised. "What happened today is probably the culmination of events and conversations that have taken place since the start of the season," Andy Miller said. "What's happening is that unfortunately, the transition of Andre to the Blazers wasn't as seamless as hoped or imagined from the outset. Whether Andre is able to be integrated over time remains to be seen. Certainly, it is taking longer than anticipated." Oregonian

Andy Miller said his client has not asked to be traded. Forty minutes after that conversation, Andy Miller, via text message, said he had spoken with Andre and that he would have no further comment. One of the points of contention in the exchange stemmed from Miller contradicting instructions from Blazers coaches in the closing seconds of Tuesday night's 109-105 loss to Memphis, when the Blazers were outscored 13-1 in the final 3:45. Oregonian

There seems to be no accountability and less cohesion than when Frank was coach. Brook Lopez is in a funk and Chris Douglas-Roberts spoke cryptically about the overall situation, saying, "Things are changing and I don’t really understand some of the things that are going on." Vandeweghe never wanted to be a coach. But it’s his current occupation and he has some things to clean up. His first move may be to make sure Lopez, the Nets’ franchise center, is happy and put in a position to succeed. Bergen Record

For the second time in three games, Darko Milicic did not come to the arena for the game. Milicic has not been in Coach Mike D’Antoni’s rotation and has said he plans to return to Europe to play. New York Times

Said Jordan, on Iverson adjusting to his different role: "He's a terrific player, a good pro. He has a lot of experience. He knows where he is physically and basketballwise and he knows what this team needs, and he's providing that for us. "When you've got a knack, a skill like him, you understand the game. When you have an IQ like he has, he knows. He's just still a terrific player right now, 34 years old and after 13 years, he's adjusted." Philadelphia Daily News

More than anybody else on the 10-24 Sixers, Iverson looks for Dalembert on dives to the basket, when Dalembert is often left uncovered. The ensuing dunks from Iverson's lobs and easy baskets have resulted in a more active Dalembert at both ends of the floor and, ultimately, more minutes for the lanky eighth-year pro. "I love playing with Sam," said Iverson after Thursday's practice, which he sat out with recurring left knee arthritis that has him listed as a game-time decision tonight against the visiting Raptors. phillyburbs.com

Asked if he feels his skills are in decline, Miller demonstrated that his sarcastic sense of humor is as strong as ever. "Yeah, my athleticism is going out the window every second I breathe," he said. "I'm losing it at such a rapid rate, because I started at such a high level of athleticism to being with." Arlington Heights Daily Herald

Last year, Thunder forward Kevin Durant was one of the top scorers in the league and clearly among its best players. His team, though, was not very good, so when it came time to pick All-Stars, Durant wasn't quite up to muster and was left off the Western Conference roster. That made him the highest scoring player not to be an All-Star last season. Durant again has All-Star numbers, but now the Thunder are over .500 and challenging for a playoff spot in the West. So, a spot on the All-Star team is a shoo-in, right Kevin? "It'd be great, of course, but I try not to think about things that way," Durant said. "I just try to go out and play my game and if that happens, it happens. I can't control the way they pick things. I can just go play." Sporting News

The reserves for the NBA All-Star teams will be announced Jan. 28, and it's very iffy as to whether Wallace will qualify. LeBron James and Kevin Garnett will be the starters at forward unless the fan vote changes dramatically. Chris Bosh and Paul Pierce will likely make the team as reserves (with Bosh possibly getting counted as a center, which could help Wallace). But there should be room toward the end of the bench for a player from a mid-level team like Charlotte who is in the midst of a career season. "Would I like to be an All-Star? Yes," Wallace said. "But I would love to be in the playoffs far more." Fresno Bee

And the arrival of Artest, for now, it’s positive? DJ Mbenga: Absolutely, there’s nothing to say. We thought he was crazy but frankly it’s not the case. We needed his aggressiveness and his desire to win. He is very calm and control his words. Hoops Notes

Is it a coincidence that the Bulls have lost two in a row and Tyrus Thomas hasn't played a significant role in either game? It depends on who you ask. The only thing that is clear surrounding the Bulls right now is that Thomas has struggled to get back on the roll that he started off on since returning from a broken forearm two weeks ago. "I don't think he's been in as good of a rhythm as he was the first few [games]," Bulls head coach Vinny Del Negro said after practice. "He gave us such a big boost when he came back. He'll be fine. I thought he had an excellent practice [Thursday]. We need his activity and his shot blocking. Running the court and doing the things he's capable of. He gives us more of a shot-blocking presence in there. We'll get him back on track [Friday] night. The more consistent he is on the court, the more minutes he'll get just like everybody else. We need him to play well and he knows that." ESPN.com

While Del Negro seems confident that Thomas can get back on track quickly, if you read between the lines, it's clear that Thomas is a little confused by the entire playing time situation. When asked if he was frustrated by the team's recent two-game losing skid, Thomas said that he was "very" frustrated. "For different reasons than others," Thomas added, "but we just got to get back on the same page and just keep playing hard." ESPN.com

Carmelo Anthony participated in some of the Nuggets' practice this morning, but his status for Friday's game against Cleveland is still unknown. "I thought he did more today," Nuggets coach George Karl said. "But, again, I'm going to wait until tomorrow before I make predictions on any of them." Denver Post

Lakers power forward Pau Gasol, who has missed the last two games because of a strained left hamstring, has been making progress. Jackson said all indications are that Gasol will not play against the Trail Blazers, but that he may not be that far from returning. "I don't anticipate Pau being ready to play" today, Jackson said. "We're hopeful next week, maybe Sunday if things shape up right." Los Angeles Times

Kevin Martin is ready to play. His wrist, however, is not. That's the conclusion that continues to be drawn by the Kings' medical team, as the shooting guard who had left wrist surgery Nov. 9 must wait until his Tuesday doctor's appointment to pick a return date. Martin was hopeful that his return date could be moved up, even eyeing today's game at Golden State. But the cautious approach, however agonizing, is the one they will take. "I had a very positive meeting with (Kings basketball president) Geoff (Petrie) and (coach) Paul (Westphal on Wednesday), and we all can't wait for me to be back on the court," Martin said. "But we are being smart, and I just have to listen to the medical field. "Dr. (Robert) Szabo is a great one and knows what's the best way to bring me back from this injury, but I'm getting really anxious." Sacramento Bee

Charlotte Bobcats center Tyson Chandler says he was able to walk Thursday without significant pain for the first time since he was diagnosed with a stress reaction in his left foot. He's still in a walking boot, but he's cleared to work out on a stationary bike. He doesn't know when he'll be cleared to practice and play, but Chandler considered the reduction in pain a breakthrough, since he's progressed more slowly than he anticipated. Charlotte Observer

Those seeking reinforcements for the Cavaliers will have to wait. Forward Leon Powe said he's been cleared medically to start practicing after the West Coast trip. "The doctors won't let me play until after the All-Star break," Powe said. The All-Star Game is on Feb. 14. The 6-foot-8, 240-pound Powe is recovering from ACL and microfracture surgery in his left knee. The road trip starts at 10:30 tonight in Denver. It's not known if Nuggets forward Carmelo Anthony will face the Cavs (28-9). But even if he remains on the sideline with a bruised knee, the Nuggets (22-13) are a formidable foe. News-Herald

Indeed, Denver owner Stan Kroenke offered Karl a two-year extension last month (plus a third-year team option). But the offer was declined, as they were reportedly millions apart. The discussions have been tabled until the end of the year. If Karl becomes available, Thorn has peers – practiced in the art of informed speculation — who believe the decision would be a slam dunk. Newark Star-Ledger

And he's happy to coach the last-place Timberwolves. "This was a good decision for me," said Rambis, who gave up job security as one of Phil Jackson's chief lieutenants with the NBA champion Lakers to become a head coach. "I enjoy these guys. I get along with all the players. I like the fact that they're still working hard to try and improve. That's all I can ask of them." Minneapolis Star Tribune

Eventually, he'll ask more, but the 51-year-old coach is almost Zen-like -- wonder where he learned that -- in his patience with his mistake-prone team. "He corrects us, he points out what we did wrong, but he doesn't get mad at us," guard Ramon Sessions said last week. "He wants to teach us, not yell at us." Minneapolis Star Tribune

Would previous head coaching experience be a necessity? “I wouldn’t say it’s a necessity, but it certainly would help,” Thorn replied. Newark Star-Ledger

Like Vandeweghe, Bower had some trepidation about coaching. Also, like Vandeweghe did by bringing in Del Harris as an assistant, Bower brought back Tim Floyd. Bower was a Hornets assistant under Floyd during the 2003-04 season. "You never are looking to have a change like this during the season," Bower said. "We’ve managed it and moved on. The team is the focal point. It wasn’t me stepping into this role or anything. It’s about how our team goes forward and searches for improvement." Bergen Record

On the last day of the D-League Showcase, many of the scouts and agents that invested 12 hours a day for the first part of the week checked out early on Thursday, having seen what they came to Boise to see. One person still in attendance fielded questions all week on if she'd planned on staying all week. "It's weird. People have been asking if I'll be here all week or if I was just making an appearance," she said. "It's like, huh? I came here to learn -- I'll be here all four days. I want to meet everyone I can, learn how coaches play different situations and evaluate the talent around the league." FanHouse

That person was Nancy Lieberman, head coach of the yet-to-be named D-League franchise in Frisco, Texas, which is slated to begin play next season under an ownership group that includes Dallas Mavericks president of basketball operations Donnie Nelson. Lieberman's experience is similar to many of the coaches in the D-League in that she's played and coached professionally in some of the best leagues in the world. "Donnie told me after he looked through all of the resumes without the names, mine was the one that stood out," she said, explaining the decision by Donnie Nelson to hire Lieberman as the head coach. "He said, 'Somewhere in the world, there's a little girl I haven't met with the dream of being an NBA coach someday. By hiring you, she'll have that opportunity when she grows up.' " FanHouse

The Portland Trail Blazers appear to be taking a harder line with the team's cable television partner in the ongoing dispute over who broadcasts Blazer games, by suggesting the franchise may take unspecified action against Comcast SportsNet Northwest. Industry observers, though, say the team may not have much leverage. The Blazers are three years into a 10-year deal with Comcast SportsNet, which paid an estimated $12 million annually for the team's local cable rights. From the outset, fans have been frustrated because Comcast hasn't licensed those broadcasts to the two major satellite TV carriers and to some other cable operators around the state. Oregonian

Cleveland Cavaliers center Shaquille O'Neal and his business partner Mark Stevens paid for the funeral expenses of four-year-old Marquel Peters, who was killed by a stray bullet during a New Year's Eve service at his church in Atlanta. O'Neal, who also paid for the funeral of five-year-old Shaniya Davis, a child who was kidnapped, raped, and murdered in North Carolina, talks with Branson Wright. Cleveland Plain Dealer

A rep for Keyshia Cole has officially confirmed the singer's pregnancy and announced she is engaged to the baby's father, Cleveland Cavaliers player Daniel "Boobie" Gibson. "I can confirm she is engaged and has an incredible ring," her rep tells Us Magazine. Eurweb

O.J. Mayo did not accept gifts or money while being recruited by or playing for USC, the player's agent said Wednesday. LaPoe Smith also said the NCAA, Pacific 10 Conference and officials from the school have not attempted to contact Mayo since August, when the former Trojans and current Memphis Grizzlies star became his client. Los Angeles Times

"O.J. Mayo was totally in the dark about anything happening inappropriately at USC," said Smith, who described himself as a longtime member of Mayo's inner circle. "He always wanted to go to USC, and it had nothing to do with Rodney Guillory. . . . O.J. just wanted to come to California, and whatever Rodney did to manipulate the situation he did on his own." Los Angeles Times

Smith said Mayo would cooperate in an investigation if he was given specific information to respond to. "We can't talk about innuendoes," the agent said. "Louis Johnson is a street guy. You want O.J. to justify that? . . . We're not going to do that. Provide us with some information. . . . They have to put this information on the table." Los Angeles Times

Jayson Williams, a former NBA star, apologized to police for "causing trouble" about 90 minutes after swerving into oncoming traffic and crashing his SUV into a tree, prosecutors said yesterday at the beleaguered ex-player's arraignment on drunken driving charges. A tired-looking Williams, wearing a neck brace and a bandage above his right eye, appeared at the proceeding via video link from Bellevue Hospital, where he is being treated for a minor bone fracture in his neck and cuts to his face. Lawrence Journal-World

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