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Wednesday, February 3

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Amar'e Stoudemire offered some bright news Wednesday to fans of the Phoenix Suns. In an interview with FanHouse, the Phoenix forward said he's leaning toward not opting out of his contract this summer. Unless he were to sign an extension before then, that would mean he would put off his free agency from next summer until the summer of 2011. "I can opt out this summer or I can opt in, which means I'll be back another year (for $17.69 million)," said Stoudemire, speaking after the morning shootaround in preparation for Wednesday night's game against Denver. "That's definitely an option. I'm leaning more toward that right now. Maybe opting in. ... (That would be to) buy time. See how we do. ... I think we got our game back on track. A three-game winning streak." FanHouse

Stoudemire and his agent, Happy Walters, have been in talks with the Suns about a contract extension. "I'm pretty sure they're going to offer a deal here pretty soon," Stoudemire said. FanHouse

Stoudemire said he believes the next step is for a deal to be offered, and how that goes will factor into whether he might be dealt. Stoudemire, though, isn't expecting an extension offer for maximum money. "I don't know if the Suns are really willing to pay maximum deals period, whether it's me or whoever," Stoudemire said of what he believes is the financial situation of the team. "That's just how I feel about it. We'll see how it plays out." FanHouse

Judging by his leaning toward not opting out, Stoudemire obviously likes the Suns. But Stoudemire, who said the "ultimate goal is to win,'' stressed no final decision has been made. "I love the city," Stoudemire said of Phoenix. "But, at the same time, I'm open. I'm open for other teams. There's nothing written in stone. My feet are not planted in cement." FanHouse

Gentry said he has talked to Stoudemire about rumors he might be dealt. "The big thing that I told him is that it's not anything he should spend a whole lot of time worrying about because we have no control over it,'' Gentry said. "I think he put it behind him. I think being on the road (for a third straight game Wednesday) kind of helped. He's away from the whole Phoenix thing. FanHouse

Miami: I've heard this is Stoudemire's preferred landing spot since he hails from Florida and would look forward to playing with Dwyane Wade. Multiple problems complicate any potential deal, however. First, there's the money. Both teams are over the luxury tax and both are trying to get under it; you can't really do a deal when both teams are trying to cut money. ESPN.com

Kerr said he believes Amare is playing better because he is on the road, and away from some of the constant trade questions surrounding him. He said the team knows he still has a lot to offer. "He's still a very productive player," Kerr said. "He's a starter on the All-Star team, he's 20 plus points every single night, and he's the perfect guy to play with Steve Nash for our offense in terms of just catching in the lane and finishing. He brings a lot of great things to the table for us. There's no question." KTAR.com

Suns' General Manager Steve Kerr joined Sports 620 KTAR's Doug and Wolf show Wednesday morning to discuss all of the angles the team must consider in a potential trade of Amare Stoudemire. "What we have to do is balance the entire equation," Kerr said. "Are we good enough as a team going forward with what we have? Will we be good enough if he opts out? How much will we have to pay him if he opts out and wants to come back? What's the new collective bargaining agreement going to look like?" KTAR.com

The disconnect is vast enough that while the organization issues what it hopes are comforting denials of substantive trade talks, DallasBasketball.com has learned that the J-Ho camp believes he will be traded before the Feb. 18 deadline – some Josh confidantes even convinced they’ve pinned down Howard’s future team as either being the Raptors or the Heat. DallasBasketball.com

From the Mavs, more denials: “That comes completely out of left field,’’ says one team source. From an NBA exec: “A lot of teams want Josh Howard. It’s just a matter of what Dallas wants for him.’’ DallasBasketball.com

In Toronto? DallasBasketball.com has been told very specifically that the Mavs (and other teams) believe Raptors GM Bryan Colangelo when he says they have every intention of retaining Chris Bosh through next summer, and then attempting to re-sign the free agent at that time. It’s worth noting that all involved are very, very aware of the sign-and-trade possibilities that exist there … but again, that’s well into the future. So forget Dallas native Bosh. DallasBasketball.com

Howard has become a fashionable whipping boy among fans and media in and around Dallas, despite once being among the area's more popular players. His production this season, injury woes over the last two years and the team's recent struggles get tied together, leaving Howard in knots. "I never said I don't want to be here," Howard told NBA.com. "It's as much a shock to me. I've only played [27] games. I haven't even got to two months [worth of games] yet. I don't know why everybody is ganging up on me. I don't pay attention to the media." NBA.com

"It's not like [other teams] think I'm sorry in this league," he said. "I know that for a fact. If it's meant for me to get traded, it's going to happen. That's not even my concern. My concern is winning." NBA.com

Howard's 11.8 ppg and 3.6 rpg in 26.2 minutes this season are his lowest since his rookie year. He played a season-low 11 minutes and scored two points in Monday's loss at Utah. "I don't know what [the team's] plans were for me," Howard said. "All I did was buy into whatever they had for me. I came back earlier than what I should have, then I had to sit down. I rehabbed and did everything they wanted to do, and came back to the bench and did what I was supposed to do. I started again and then they came to me and told me to sit on the bench again. It ain't me. I know it ain't me." NBA.com

Given the rumors about the possibility of a deal involving Ray Allen, can you say whether you will or will not be trading him? Danny Ainge: I had a good conversation with Ray Allen yesterday and his wife. They know the business. They know where we are, and they know where we stand. … I was very upfront and honest. … I think it’s unlikely. I think it’s unlikely that we do a deal that benefits our team, to win a championship now and helps us in the future. Right now, our choice is that we’re trying to win a championship now. … We want Ray. We think Ray is a huge part of our winning a championship this year. … WEEI.com

Can you say definitively that you won’t trade him? Ainge: I did not say that [the Celtics won't trade Allen], and I didn’t say that to him. I think it’s unlikely. … He had some questions to ask. I just think there’s so much out there, that now Ray can be capable of being able to discern what’s true and what’s not true, rather than all the crazy rumors out there. Have you had any conversations with other teams about a deal involving Allen? Ainge: No. I have not. That doesn’t mean that I won’t, or that I won’t listen to what other people have to say, but we have not been anywhere near or had any discussion, I have not had a discussions with another team about trading Ray Allen. WEEI.com

Stackhouse has a career scoring average of 18.4 points. He averaged a career-best 29.8 points during the 2000-01 season in Detroit, where he played in two All-Star Games. Originally the third pick in the '95 Draft, he has 15,809 points in his career. "I'll play as long as I feel I can compete. And I feel that way now,'' he said. "I've taken good care of myself. There is no reason why I can't keep playing. And this pays better than the car-pool line.'' FanHouse

Are you unhappy with how Rondo handled this, or was this an example of leadership? Danny Ainge: I don’t think that’s leadership. … I think leadership is how KG and Paul handled it. … Even though it may be true, that’s what all of a sudden brings speculation. Will you talk to him about the comments? Ainge: Both Doc and I talked with Rondo about it today. I wouldn’t say that’s that big of a deal. … I don’t think it’s that harmful except that it leads to speculation about who are they talking about, which players? WEEI.com

I’m told the Grizzlies could make a deal for Miami’s Dorell Wright at any time of their choosing -- such a swap would put Miami under the luxury tax and give the Grizzlies another wing player, which is what they’re targeting -- but Memphis is waiting to see if better options come available as the deadline approaches. The Grizzlies also could rent out their cap space to facilitate another deal, as they’ve done on several occasions over the past two years. ESPN.com

Denver Nuggets point guard Chauncey Billups has been chosen to replace Chris Paul on the Western Conference All-Star team, NBA sources told Yahoo! Sports. Paul is scheduled to have arthroscopic surgery on his left knee on Thursday to repair a meniscus tear and will miss the All-Star Game. NBA commissioner David Stern chose Billups as Paul’s replacement. Yahoo! Sports

The NBA just sent word that it has delayed today's scheduled announcement of the 3-Point Shootout participants. The Mavs are lobbying to get Jason Terry in the thing. The league has not set a time for the announcement. Maybe, just maybe, they're locked behind closed doors debating whether to put Terry in the competition. He hasn't had a great shooting year, but the Mavs have no All-Star weekend participants other than Dirk Nowitzki, who is a reserve on the West team. ESPN.com

Now, here’s a gig few saw coming. Not only will Chris Bosh play in the NBA all-star game a week from Sunday in Dallas, he’ll make his professional coaching debut that weekend, too. Yep, Coach Chris will be on the bench leading the sophomore team against the rookies on the Friday night of the big weekend. Kevin Durant will be on the coaching staff of the rookies, the league just told us. Toronto Star

Gone are the nights of the five-figure club and bar tabs on South Beach that gave him a taste of high-rolling celebrity as a rookie. In their place in his second professional season are visits to churches, community centers and any place he can find an Alcoholics Anonymous meeting. "I don't do much talking," said the Miami Heat forward. "Mostly I'm there to listen. There are a lot of inspirational stories out there." NBA.com

The irony is that Beasley is applying the brakes just at the time when many young people are getting ready to officially cut loose. Beasley turned 21 on Jan. 9. "Yeah, I definitely stopped and thought about it at the time," he said. "I think 21 is a significant age in everybody's life. My life is a little different. I'd already been through a lot before I was 18. So 21 is real important to me. Growing up, I had a lot of friends that didn't make it to 21. "I still have to give it time to settle in. Honestly, I still think I'm the same person, a good person, on the inside. But I've grown since last year, if not in the short time I've been 21. I'm learning and I'm growing every day." NBA.com

Stephon Marbury landed last Tuesday and immediately became the Chinese Basketball Association's biggest star. Eight days later, I am unable to say whether he loves Taiyuan. He arrived on carrier MU5300 from Beijing at 11 p.m. after an 18-hour flight from the U.S. on the night of Tuesday, Jan. 26, as the neurotically detailed Chinese press told it. Hundreds of media and fans awaited him. A man handed him a bouquet at the airport, and a woman did the same on the bus. "I like it. I like it a lot," he said. "I mean, from what I've seen at the airport, the airport is nice. It's big." Four days later, he is holding court in front of a small group of journalists and locals. It's the day before his CBA debut. DeadSpin

The popular opinion here is that he's changed: he is no longer Starbury; he is Lone Wolf in nickname only. "Everything that's happened to him, like his dad passing away during that game, has made him a different person now," says a reporter for a Beijing-based basketball magazine. "The big media companies are all praising Marbury," says David Zhu, the CBA beat writer for Sohu.com. "And because he wants to sell shoes and broaden his appeal, he won't cause any disruptions. It would be like undercutting your own investment. If he wants to make money, he has to be on his best behavior." DeadSpin

ONE OF THE FIRST QUESTIONS MARBURY ASKED UPON ARRIVAL was whether Taiyuan had a McDonald's. "Of course," a reporter told him. "And a Starbucks, too." (That last statement is false.) "I don't drink coffee," Marbury said. "McDonald's is enough." Soon afterward, he asked to be transferred from the five-star Grand Hotel because the food wasn't to his liking. He is now at the five-star World Trade Hotel down the street. DeadSpin

Two minutes into the fourth quarter, upset by a series of blown calls — I can honestly say CBA referees are no better than their NBA counterparts — fans begin to toss objects onto the court. A few minutes later, they make it rain, hurling anything close at hand that's replaceable or inexpensive. The floor is soon peppered with lighters. The PA announcer — a guy who has alternatively started "Fenjiu team, jiayou! (add fuel)" chants and asked fans to "please sit down, please sit down, there're lots of people today, please sit down" — futilely tries to maintain order. Marbury saunters about, not quite sure what to do. He pats the air with his hand as if to say, Calm down, but for the first time tonight fans are not under his spell. They chant, Heishao, heishao! — "black whistle," a reference to the mafia — and while point-shaving and match-fixing is not uncommon in Chinese sports, the chant itself is banal. DeadSpin

Someone from the team comes over and demands to know who I'm working for. Soon, the team manager is tugging at my sleeve, too. Who said you could be here? "Wang," I say. Wang Jianguang is an amiable journalist currently moonlighting as Shanxi's media director, in which capacity he sometimes shepherds visiting reporters like me through official resistance. "Well I didn't say it was okay," the manager says. "You have to leave." I tell Stephon that if he'd give me a chance… "They did me wrong," he says. "I never did anything to them." "Was there anything in particular?" "Doesn't matter. They did me wrong." DeadSpin

New Orleans Hornets point guard Chris Paul will have arthroscopic surgery on his left knee, the team said Wednesday. ESPN.com

You seem miffed about the report of Pierce’s foot being broken. Danny Ainge: It’s just premature, we were all worried about Paul and what might be wrong with him. I kept telling everybody that called to ask that we will know more tonight. Dr. McKeon hasn’t even had a chance to look at the guy’s foot or look over all the things. Was the press release put out last night to head the information off at the pass? Ainge: Yeah, there was just to many people that were trying to find and speculating, and too many sources out there. I don’t even know who these sources are but it’s incredible. WEEI.com

How severe is the injury? Ainge: I believe what I’m dealing with today if it were a playoff game then Paul would be playing. He’d be playing tonight if it were a playoff game. Our situation with Paul right now is you know our questions with Paul of when he comes back to play is his overall health, his overall body health. Paul was contemplating on playing today and I’m trying to talk him out of playing, so is Doc and just resting and trying to get his body some rest right now, as we have a week off here shortly. But I’m not concerned about the foot. That’s been put to rest. WEEI.com

Caron Butler has ruled himself out of tonight's game against the New York Knicks because of swelling in his left knee. He sat with his left knee wrapped in ice at the morning walk-through on Wednesday but said that he hopes to be available on Friday against Orlando. The Wizards have not made plans for Butler to have an MRI, but will monitor his knee closely over the next few days. He was limited in practice on Tuesday and applied ice to his knees last night. But when he woke up on Wednesday morning, his knee had swollen. He is averaging 16.5 points and has missed two games this season. Washington Post

Del Harris has a job waiting for him after he resigned as a New Jersey Nets assistant Tuesday. It's the same job he left two months ago to join the New Jersey staff. Harris can resume duties as the Frisco D-League team's general manager if he chooses. "I told him the GM chair will be open," said Mavericks president of basketball operations Donnie Nelson, the co-owner of the Frisco franchise, which begins play in the fall. "It's there for him. We're fully hoping and expecting he will come back." ESPN.com

“At least people know now that I’m too young to retire!’’ Del Harris tells DallasBasketball.com in his first one-on-one interview since the surprising Tuesday night announcement that he’s leaving his assistant-coach position with the Nets after just two months. “On Monday I had stress tests with the doctor and I passed with flying colors! How about that?’’ DallasBasketball.com

“It’s been a wonderful experience,’’ Del tells me. “Difficult, only because of the losses, of course. But this team is developing. The organization has made a lot of the moves it has made in anticipation of the move to Brookyn. And the organization’s future is an excellent one.’’ DallasBasketball.com

What’s the latest on Larry Ellison’s prospective purchase of the Warriors? I have heard from two sources that there are no ongoing talks. But it’s clear that if either Ellison or Cohan buckle, this could happen in a flash. San Jose Mercury-News

To Jazz fans with a certain nostalgia, the news will be music to their ears and eyes: More than just a throwback jersey this season, the Jazz are considering bringing back their old logo on a full-time basis. Jazz president Randy Rigby confirmed that the team has talked to the NBA about the possibility of returning to the music note logo worn through the team's history by everyone from Pete Maravich and Darrell Griffith to John Stockton and Karl Malone. "We're looking at that," Rigby said, adding, "We've kept that mark so that we can look at maybe doing a redesign." Salt Lake Tribune

Deron Williams, however, said he'd already seen designs of the new jerseys the Jazz could wear next season. He wouldn't reveal details, but they are expected to be a return to the music note in updated colors. "As long as we don't go back to the ones with the mountains, I'm cool, the one that Jeff Hornacek has up in the rafters," Williams said, adding of the new uniforms: "They're really nice. I think people are going to like them. I like them." Salt Lake Tribune

Dick McGuire, a basketball Hall of Famer and longtime member of the New York Knicks organization, died Wednesday of natural causes. He was 84. The Knicks said McGuire died at Huntington Hospital in Long Island. McGuire still worked for the Knicks as a senior basketball consultant. Newsday

LeBron James is the one driving the team’s pursuit of Jamison, according to a source, and Cavs GM Danny Ferry – as usual – is trying to appease the King. CBSSports.com

A couple of problems: The Wizards want a young asset in return, and Zydrunas Ilgauskas – while a fit salary-wise – doesn’t fit that description. The sensible piece to include in the deal would be J.J. Hickson, whom the Cavs are reluctant to give up. But if the Cavs got Jamison, what value would Hickson be to them as their fifth big man? CBSSports.com

One scenario that is believed to be under discussion would have the Cavs hoping the Wizards bought out Ilgauskas after the trade, using some cash added to the deal by Cleveland. That way, the Cavs could sign Ilgauskas back on a minimum deal, giving them the player James covets (Jamison) and a 7-foot-4 insurance policy for Shaquille O’Neal. CBSSports.com

If the Cavs can’t get Jamison, Indiana’s Troy Murphy is Plan B. And yes, there’s a Plan C -- Andre Iguodala. Whereas the Cavs’ front office believes Jamison could help them win a championship this year, Iguodala would be more of a long-term solution. And he better be, with four years and $56 million left on his deal. CBSSports.com

According to various league sources, the Cavs may compress their time schedule and make a decision on whether or not to make a trade by the start of next week's All-Star break. As it is, the vibe the team has been giving in talks lately is that they are willing to make a deal, but do not feel it is necessary. Over the last two months, the front office has been in talks with various teams about good shooting forwards and good shooting guards with defensive skills. Cleveland Plain Dealer

How is Ilgauskas handling all the trade rumors? "I don't read any of it," he said. News-Herald

There are differing opinions in Utah as to what strategy to pursue with Carlos Boozer. Ownership wants to trade him to avoid paying luxury tax. Coach Jerry Sloan wants to keep him because he thinks the Jazz can make playoff noise. All in all, the Jazz might be better off keeping him because their payroll will be roughly $58 million – under the projected tax line – after his $12.7 million salary comes off the books this summer. But don’t discount a solution that would solve both problems: Trading Boozer to the Pistons, who have long coveted him, for Tayshaun Prince. CBSSports.com

Philadelphia is said to be open to trading anyone and everyone, and the conversations always start with the guys with the most money committed to them: Elton Brand, Samuel Dalembert, and Iguodala. CBSSports.com

The player teams are most interested in is Andre Iguodala, according to an NBA source. Even though the 26-year-old Iguodala is earning $12.2 million this season and owed $56 million over the next four years, the source said numerous teams are willing to take on the versatile Iguodala's salary. phillyburbs.com

But teams have yet to offer enough to entice the Sixers to agree to a deal. And the Sixers apparently are looking for more than just an expiring contract, which would seem to rule out a swap for the Rockets' Tracy McGrady and his $23 million deal that ends in June. "Maybe people are posturing and it will pick up as we get closer (to the deadline)," said the source. phillyburbs.com

The Sixers have also had discussions about center Samuel Dalembert, but Iguodala has been the biggest focus, the source said. phillyburbs.com

Rumblings about Ray Allen being on his way out of Boston are accurate, but only if the Celtics can get back a player who’d crack the top eight in their rotation. One scenario that has been discussed would have Allen going to Chicago for Kirk Hinrich and another piece – John Salmons? – to satisfy the salary requirements. CBSSports.com

Tracy McGrady’s level of availability – as in, very available – far exceeds the seriousness of the offers Houston has received, sources say. “A lot of talk,” is how one person in contact with Rockets officials characterized the status of the Free T-Mac campaign. Ditto for Amar’e Stoudemire in Phoenix. CBSSports.com

The Nuggets are steadfastly refusing to include J.R. Smith in any deal, and their quest for a big man will have to go in a different direction with Indiana’s Jeff Foster likely out for the year with back issues. CBSSports.com

The Mavs, behind big spender Mark Cuban, are always buyers at the deadline. Nothing has changed this year, with the Mavs said to be targeting help at shooting guard in a deal that would likely include Josh Howard and Erick Dampier. CBSSports.com

The Blazers’ interest in Wizards center Brendan Haywood is understandable, considering the catastrophic injuries to Greg Oden and Joel Pryzbilla. But an expiring contract – such as the one belonging to Travis Outlaw – won’t be enough to pique Washington’s interest. As with Jamison, the Wizards want useful assets in return. In this case, sources say, Washington has asked for Rudy Fernandez and has been strongly rebuffed. Consider those talks stalled for now, but don’t discount a revival before Feb. 18 for these reasons: 1) The Blazers’ desperate need for a big man, and 2) Their ability to get ownership approval to take on money in the right deal. CBSSports.com

Miami also has expressed interest in Haywood, but sources say that would require taking on money in the deal – something Heat president Pat Riley has been unwilling to entertain. CBSSports.com

One of Allen’s teammates also is generating some interest: Kendrick Perkins, who’d be a perfect fit for a team like the Pistons, who are desperate for a post presence. But Perkins only makes $4.3 million, and it’s difficult to imagine the Celtics parting with him given the way Kevin Garnett is gimping around. CBSSports.com

With the NBA trade deadline approaching Feb. 18, and reports swirling that the Knicks are actively shopping guard Nate Robinson and defensive-minded big man Jared Jeffries, president Donnie Walsh reiterated that he won't make any deals. "I've said this a lot, and it's always the same: It's you're always looking to see if there's something that can make you a better team. You're not going I make a trade that’s a bad trade because there's some idea that you should make a trade,'' said Walsh. "Any time there's a good trade you look into it.'' New York Post

Despite all the turmoil Isiah Thomas faced with the Knicks, the former head coach and team president would recommend that LeBron James join the team. Thomas, in a wide-ranging interview on WFAN this morning, says he's like any other New York fan when it come to LeBron. "I think, like all of us, we hope that he is in a Knicks uniform," Thomas said on the "Boomer & Carton Show." New York Post

Asked if he would recommend the Knicks to James, Thomas said, "If Jim Dolan owns the team, because I know he looks out for the players, looks out for the franchise. Everything is first-class and above. I don’t think there is an organization or team that treats his players and keeps an environment good better than Jim does. "But I think when you are playing on the best team, and Cleveland right now is the best team in the NBA, it’s hard for him to leave the city and team he is already on." New York Post

Jared Dudley: After struggling for awhile and trade rumors at a high.. We have gotten back on the winning track. Twitter.com

J.J. Redick laughed when asked if he felt he has finally come full circle as a player. He's gone from someone who two years ago couldn't get off the bench to someone whose name is being floated in at least one trade rumor. "Yeah, that's pretty funny," Redick said Tuesday. "I want to stay here. I don't want to go anywhere. … But I can remember when my name wasn't out there at all." According to HoopsWorld.com, Redick's name has been linked in a trade to the Chicago Bulls for SG John Salmons. Magic General Manager Otis Smith said that there have been no trade offers for any of his players that are worth considering. Orlando Sentinel

As the All-Star reserves were being chosen last week, Dwight did some last minute campaigning for his friend. He talked Josh up and was excited at the thought of playing with his former teammate once again. While Smith was left off of the All-Star team, he didn't rule out the possibility of reuniting with Howard later in their careers. "It would be nice [to reunite with Howard at some point]. I'd definitely play with him again. It's good to talk about but it's probably a hard task to accomplish," he said. HoopsWorld

Wallace, who will turn 36 in September, doesn't yet know if he'll spend his birthday preparing for another training camp, or his first year away from the game he loves. As for today, he's as healthy as he's been in years. "Man, I'm trying to win some games," he said. "You're talking about playing another year?" Detroit News

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Washington Wizards reserve guard Javaris Crittenton has decided not to appeal his suspension without pay for the remainder of the NBA season. The executive director of the National Basketball Players Association, Billy Hunter, released a statement this afternoon stating that the union supports Crittenton's decision."Javaris has said that he believes far more good will be done by moving forward and focusing on the future. We respect his decision and accordingly no grievance will be filed on his behalf," the statement said. "Javaris has reiterated to me his deep personal regret and I have no doubt that he will continue to make positive contributions as a respected member of our union and the NBA community." Washington Post

Cracks apparently are beginning to appear within a team that preaches togetherness before each game. As the Celtics prepare to get back to work against Miami tonight, the subject of the team’s lapses in focus was raised. Doc Rivers constantly tells his players to avoid getting bored with the process, but it seems that has been the case. Rajon Rondo concurred to a degree. Then he spoke of a deeper issue. “We are getting bored with it some,” he said, “but I think it’s a little bit of different agendas maybe creeping in. It just all depends. You know, I think if we all had the right spirit as far as one goal, one thing in common, I think we’d be a lot better.” Boston Herald

Rondo had hinted at trouble after Friday’s game in Atlanta when asked about the current team encountering adversity it hasn’t faced since the acquisitions of Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen. “It’s a different team this year,” Rondo said then. “That’s our problem. A couple of years ago, we didn’t have the same team. We had the same main guys, but it’s still a team effort, from the first guy to the 15th guy.” Boston Herald

He still wasn’t getting into specifics in this latest discussion, but his comments were far stronger. “I can’t really elaborate on it too much, but I think we’ve just got to be a team with no agendas,” Rondo said. “We’ve got to play unselfish, you know? That’s on defense and offense. You’ve got to want the best for the next man out there regardless if you’re in the game playing well or you’re out of the game not playing well.” Asked if he and the Celts had tried to clear the air on this, he said, “We haven’t really been talking about it, but you’ve just got to know. “In the locker room, you can feel it,” Rondo added. “You don’t feel like it’s the same continuity and camaraderie in the locker room as it was the first year. The first year, it was a crazy spirit in the locker room. But now it doesn’t feel the same. It’s not the same right now. We’ve got to find a way to get that back somehow, some way.” Boston Herald

During a timeout with 41 seconds left in regulation, two women walked onto the court and into the Trail Blazers huddle. One woman wrapped her arms around the waist of Blazers guard Rudy Fernandez from behind. Fernandez, who was not in the game but focused on the plays being diagrammed by coach Nate McMillan, was stunned. “I was surprised,’’ Fernandez said. “I was listening to the coach on the bench and behind me, she touches me and says, ‘Rudy, I love you. Nice to meet you. Good game.’ “I said, ‘What?’’’ Oregonian

“They were drunk, obviously,’’ Bayless said. “I was actually close to Rudy, but when I saw them coming, and once they got onto the court, I stepped back.’’ The women were ushered away from the huddle, and amazingly allowed to return to their courtside seats under the basket and watch the remainder of the game, which went to overtime. Oregonian

“What about security?’’ McMillan asked. “That’s not good. I mean, really. If they came out on the floor ...’’ Blazers security guard Bob Hanis was at the game, but was standing post behind the Blazers bench and was unable to reach the pair before the one woman touched Fernandez. The women came from underneath the basket. Oregonian

Now keep in mind, this is the same Dallas security staff that is annoyingly overbearing. No team checks media credentials as doggedly as the Mavericks and no team’s secruity staff makes it harder for scouts and media to gain access to their seats. In fact, during a late-game timeout on Saturday, Blazers assistant Monty Williams had to use the restroom, but a security guard tried to deny his access to the hallway leading to the locker rooms. Williams twice had to explain that he was an assistant coach, finally waving off the guard and proceeding to the restroom. Williams was using the nearest hallway - an entrance at midcourt used by the Mavericks. Opposing teams have a tunnel to reach the locker room hallways on the far end of the arena from their bench. “Security is one thing, and common sense is another,’’ Williams said. “I am telling the guy, with a notebook in my hand, that I am a coach and I have to use the restroom. And he’s coming up with, like, protocol.’’ Oregonian

In the Blazers’ December visit to Dallas, assistant Bill Bayno said he was also denied passage to the locker rooms by what he called a “belligerent and arrogant” police officer. Eventually, Bayno took a detour around the court to the Blazers locker room. “They were blocking fans, and I said I’m not a fan, I’m a coach of the Blazers,’’ Bayno said. “And he just looked at me and screamed at me: ‘You wait right there; Dallas goes first!’’’ Oregonian

After practice Tuesday afternoon in El Segundo, Gasol was careful not to call out Bryant or lay blame for the loss at his feet, but reiterated his belief in the need to create a more egalitarian distribution of touches, and particularly to exploit the team's strengths in the post. "As a team, not just (Kobe) we have to make sure we understand what we want to get accomplished on the offensive end, execute, get everybody involved. That will give us rhythm, flow. And at the end of the game, we're all going to be ready to make plays... He understands the game as much as anybody. We just have to understand that as a group. As a team, a coaching staff, player by player, what it takes for us to play good basketball out there, and that is going to reflect on winning, I think." ESPN.com

Gasol noted the bigs need to do their share, too. "You can always, when you don't think you're getting the looks you might want, you should work more on the opposite side and try to get your look there, so yeah, it's on us, too. We've got to take responsibility, and try to be more demanding and more aggressive." Still, the paint needs to be a priority. "Andrew and myself, I think we're two very good post players. I think that's been proven plenty of times, and we can be very effective. Basketball is a game that when you work it inside-out, it becomes a lot easier for everybody else. We can be very, very effective, and we've proven that as a team, too, by doing that," he said. ESPN.com

"Inside-outside," Fish said, "we're always better. No question about it." ESPN.com

After this game, LeBron James pretty much gave it away talking about how well O'Neal has been playing. You can tell by the quote that he was concerned at some point as well. "He had a different mindset than we all thought. We all thought he was playing slow and he was just saving it," James said. "He tricked all of us, I guess." Cleveland Plain Dealer

James continued his season-long assault on the league with 22 points, six rebounds and one block. He admits that he can see plays develop before they happen. "It's the truth," he said. "I see things happen before even my teammates see it. That's why I get some turnovers some times. It's a God-given ability I have. I try to use it to my advantage. "I try to put my teammates in the best position. I see it before it happens." News-Herald

Jackson put his money where his mouth to flee Golden State. He was fined a total $165,000 ($25,000 by NBA for publicly demanding trade, $140,000 after he was suspended two games by the Warriors for the team called "conduct detrimental to the team" in October). "Me speaking my mind is part of me being a man. That fine I don’t mind," Jackson said. "It was just time for me to go." Oregonian

Even as he scored 44 points on 18-for-28 shooting in his first two games as a reserve with Elton Brand returning to the first group - wins over the Mavericks and Pacers - Thaddeus Young would rather have continued as a starter. The feeling hasn't changed in the last four games, during which time he's shot just 14-for-36 and averaged 9.3 points. phillyburbs.com

Admittedly often out of his league athletically in the NBA, Dudley is given defensive assignments once pegged for Shawn Marion in Phoenix. Cover Baron Davis, then Kevin Garnett. Cover Kobe Bryant, then Dirk Nowitzki. "I don't understand it," Suns coach Alvin Gentry said. "I really don't. It's crazy. Some kind of way, he finds a way to get it done. He doesn't always play well but you know you're going to get your best from him every night." Arizona Republic

A single mother, Schall-Dudley assisted every way, falling asleep in her car outside practices, driving him to club tournaments and finding a trainer and shooting coach for him. "He's the most focused person I've ever met," said his mother, who has a law degree and works in human resources/finance for a San Diego law firm. Dudley found toughness in idolizing his brother, Milan, who is six years older and now an air-traffic controller. He never watched cartoons, crying if his mother flipped the television from sports. The competitive streak was always there, getting mad when he could not beat his mother at tennis the first time he tried the sport. His friendly nature was there too, helping up any kid he knocked down during soccer games. Arizona Republic

"I know how to put myself in the position to succeed," Dudley said. "If you can't do this, how can you play? For this (Suns) team, how could I play if I'm not the most athletic? It's basically shooting and guarding. I had to transform my game so, in the coaches' eyes, I could be known as a guy who could guard one of the best players and stay on the floor offensively." Arizona Republic

Last month Sundiata essentially shot his way into the NBA annals when he hit a game-winning three-pointer (his first three-pointer of his NBA career) at the buzzer against the Cleveland Cavaliers on TNT. “I don’t know when I’ve been so excited about a win or a game,” said head coach Jerry Sloan, standing in the hallway at the Rose Garden and remembering Gaines’ shot. “Here’s a kid who just got there and didn’t know and was just trying to see what was going on.” Beyond The Beat

It was his second trip overseas. During his high school at Archbishop Molloy in Jamaica, New York, he traveled to Italy, France and Belgium for two weeks on a basketball tour. But this time was different. He was fresh out of college and was on his own for nine months trying to make a living out of his love. “The best thing that helped me out over there was playing 35 minutes in the game. I learned a lot about the professional game. That’s the part that helped me out. But everything else was a struggle. “I had a couple of incidences where my paycheck came a month-and-a-half late. I had to tell them I wasn’t going to practice until I got paid. The next day they put it into my account. They look at it like it’s a privilege for you to get paid on time. Some teams, especially when you are losing, they want to you use that [as a reason] to hold your money. That’s the tough thing about being over there. A lot of things are out of your hands. You could take them to court, but most of the times you are going to lose. That’s what made it tough.” Beyond The Beat

There have been reports that Channing Frye of the Suns and Danilo Gallinari of the Knicks have been invited. According to a source, the Suns' Steve Nash and the Celtics' Paul Pierce were given invites. But the field may not totally be set yet as Pierce suffered a foot injury Monday that may affect his status. Cleveland Plain Dealer

Eli Savoie: Derrick Rose will defend his Skills Challenge title against Brandon Jennings, Deron Williams and Steve Nash at NBA All Star Weekend. Twitter.com

Josh Smith of the Atlanta Hawks has become the youngest player to block 1,000 shots in the NBA. Smith recorded his 1,000th block with 8:29 left in the first quarter Tuesday night when he swatted away a shot by Oklahoma City's Nenad Krstic. WSBTV.com

The Celtics medical staff reviewed Pierce's X-rays and MRI and determined that his left foot wasn't broken, as had been feared earlier. According to team sources, the Celtics thought Pierce may be out several weeks after bending the foot awkwardly after being landed on by Washington's Caron Butler in the first quarter of the 99-88 win Monday over the Wizards. Boston Globe

Boston Celtics forward Paul Pierce has a left midfoot sprain and could be back playing as early as Wednesday, team sources told Yahoo! Sports. Yahoo! Sports

"We were concerned after watching the injury and seeing the soreness on Paul's foot this morning and what it looked like on TV," Ainge told the Globe on Tuesday night. "I was worried, so I was very relieved to hear it was a sprained mid foot and that he'll be back soon." Boston Globe

Ric Bucher: Also, on Paul Pierce: source says he's walking on it, which would suggest it's not a long-term injury. Twitter.com

The New Orleans Hornets are expected to give an update on All-Star point guard Chris Paul’s status on Wednesday, spokesman Dennis Rogers said after Tuesday’s practice. Paul is sidelined indefinitely with an injured left knee. Coach Jeff Bower said an MRI test was performed Sunday and they remain in the process of having it reviewed by several top orthopedists before a final determination is made that likely will involve surgery. New Orleans Times-Picayune

Carmelo Anthony will likely play tonight. Such has been the Nuggets' proclamation the past few games as Anthony recovers from a left ankle sprain. But Tuesday, Anthony and coach George Karl were confident the all-star starter will start against Phoenix tonight. "I'm going to try," Anthony said after Tuesday's treatment and workout sessions. "I did a lot more today than I did yesterday. It's getting better. I'm just trying to work on my explosiveness." Denver Post

Potentially worse than the result Tuesday night was the sight of Jose Calderon limping to the locker-room early in the fourth. Calderon appeared to step on teammate Jarrett Jack’s foot in a mass of bodies and went down. When he did get up he couldn’t put any weight on his right foot. Calderon tried to put as positive a spin on it as he could after the game. “Hopefully it will be kind of a quick one,” Calderon said. “It went all the way over, but there’s not too much swelling right now. We’ll see how I wake up (Wednesday) and hopefully it will be good.” Toronto Sun

Before the test results were known, Ainge had said, “I know all of this was started because of some Twitter post from Shelden, and people are worried but we don’t know anything yet.’’ Boston Globe

Forward Travis Outlaw is expected to return to the Trail Blazers and play this month, perhaps as soon as the Feb. 21 home game against Utah. "This is definitely a blessing,'' Outlaw said. "To come back this early, I would be happy.'' Outlaw, who broke his left foot Nov. 14 at Charlotte, has been cleared for contact drills beginning Feb. 15, the first day after the All -Star Break, general manager Kevin Pritchard said Tuesday. "I would imagine we'd like to get him on the court soon after that,'' Pritchard said with a smile. Oregonian

Pacers rookie forward Tyler Hansbrough was in New York on Tuesday to meet with a specialist about his inner ear infection. Hansbrough, the No. 13 pick last summer, has missed 16 of the past 20 games with the infection and it is unknown when he will return to the lineup. Hansbrough's biggest problem is constant dizziness. Indianapolis Star

Reserve forward Darrell Arthur has been cleared to begin full-contact practices with the Grizzlies, the last major step toward his return to the rotation. Arthur, who hasn't played this season because of surgery to repair a pectoral muscle, will be able to participate without restrictions Thursday when the Griz resume workouts. Arthur began traveling with the Griz around mid-December when he also increased his conditioning program. He was expected to miss up to four months after the October surgery. Memphis Commercial Appeal

Kate Fagan: 76ers just announced that Allen Iverson will miss tonight vs. Bulls due to personal reasons involving illness suffered by one of his kids. Twitter.com

Kentucky star John Wall insists he "loves" coach John Calipari and the freshman guard says his complaint following a win over Vanderbilt last weekend that he wasn't having any fun was simply a sign of frustration. Wall received pointed criticism from Calipari following a 68-62 loss at South Carolina last week, even though Wall said he didn't think he played that badly. AP

"When you are frustrated you say things you don't mean," Wall said. "We sat down and talked about it and I realized after I watched the film that I did play bad. I had a lot of turnovers and didn't lead the team like I was supposed to." AP

Former Timberwolves guard Troy Hudson said he's talked to Minnesota freshman forward Royce White about the obstacles he'll face if he tries to make it to the NBA without playing college basketball. White, who announced his intentions to withdraw from the university Tuesday, told the Star Tribune Monday that he will consider all of his options, which might include an attempt to go pro. Hudson, one of White's mentors, said he advised White to stay in school for at least a year, so he could give himself an opportunity to showcase his skills for NBA scouts. "I've always told him to make it work at the U," Hudson said Tuesday. Minneapolis Star Tribune

Hudson, who made it to the NBA without being drafted, said he hasn't talked to White about his decision to leave the university but said he believes White has the potential to play professional basketball because of his size, skill set and athleticism. "I definitely think he can play at the next level," Hudson said. "He's just as athletic as any guy in the NBA." Minneapolis Star Tribune

Del Harris, one of the game’s seminal thinkers, has decided to leave the team before the road trip that opens Wednesday in Toronto, according to a friend of the coach. Harris, who was brought in to be Vandeweghe’s gray eminence on Dec. 4 after the latter moved into the head coaching position, has several reasons for making his exit now – all of them professional issues – but these should not be disclosed by anyone but Harris himself, his friend said. Newark Star-Ledger

But anybody who has ever written or read a prepared statement knows that the real truth is usually untold or glossed over, and Harris was dumbfounded that the news of his departure had broken during the game. "The news isn't supposed to be out,'' Harris said. "[P.R. director Gary] Sussman has my comment. "It's all right," Harris said when pressed for the reasons behind his departure. "I don't want to get into what I said (in the statement), and what I said is the total story. It's all good." ESPN.com

"I didn't know before, I just heard about it and I didn't talk to him yet," Yi said afterward in halting English. Asked if he was sad, Yi replied: "A little bit. I like him." ESPN.com

Sources close to the situation say, there was no health or medical reasons behind Harris' resignation, simply that he felt his voice was no longer needed and that the wear and tear of NBA life was not worth what he was putting into it. HoopsWorld

It's no secret that Charlotte Bobcats owner Robert Johnson has been trying to sell his franchise, and multiple league sources have told ESPN.com that he should get his wish by March. Former Houston Rockets president/CEO George Postolos -- whose first attempt to purchase the team, according to the Charlotte Observer, fell apart last summer -- has made a new offer that Bobcats president Michael Jordan has until the end of February to match, according to sources. ESPN.com

Jordan negotiated a right of first refusal after Johnson made it clear he intended to sell the team, according to a team source. But it was not immediately known whether the group of investors Jordan has assembled has the wherewithal or inclination to match Postolos' offer. One source close to the situation told ESPN.com that Postolos does not plan to retain Jordan or his staff if he is successful with his bid. ESPN.com

Tim Kawakami: League sources trying to temper Ellison-Warriors talk--"nothing ongoing"--but let's be logical: Ellison has cleared the field. He's the guy. Twitter.com

Manu Ginobili: Today, dinner w/Chapu, fun as always. Twitter.com

Darnell Mayberry: And the award for the most random Ford Center appearance ever goes to.......Xzibit. Twitter.com

Joumana Kidd: I don’t know how much you know about the way in which my divorce went down, but that was so devastating, and shocking. I experienced a media slaughter due to the PR team that Jason hired. Ugh! My friends were amazed that I didn’t lose it. And honestly, if it weren’t for my faith, and my church, I don’t know whether I would have made it. Black Star News

Why did Jason go along with making stuff up about the mother of his children? Joumana Kidd: I don’t even believe that Jason really intended for things to get that bad. It’s kind of like the way you described divorce. Jason had suggested we try mediation. So, I was sitting home with no attorney, meanwhile this sneaky smear campaign was being planned. In the press, the divorce suddenly had a personality of its own that probably even took him by surprise. Black Star News

Have you ever asked Jason what was the point of all that? Joumana Kidd: Yeah, but he just very abruptly tells me to get over it, and to move on with my life. Black Star News

Terrence Williams: I just asked my bro (he's 14 btw) what he want for his bday he said money so I can blow it like wayne n drake, I said OMGGGGG I'll slap YOU. Twitter.com

Shelden Williams: Seriously what is the world coming to when people are stealing babies from haiti and bringing them to the usa and selling them? Twitter.com

The "crazy stuff" included an incident which was rumored to be a suicide attempt by Thomas at his Westchester County home. "I would say to the people of New York: a) I didn’t try and take my life, b) my family and I went through a very turbelent time and c) If I did take too many sleeping pills and tried to go to sleep then God damn it, I deserved to sleep," Thomas said. New York Post

His tough time in New York: "I would read The Post ... and I would say, ‘I know they aren’t talking about me.’ Because it was such a terrible time for my family and me personally and the things that they were writing and saying, you know they weren’t true. You just have to be strong and try to get through it." New York Post

Why things didn’t work with Knicks: "As strange as this may sound, I thought we were really on the right track. When I got there, the cupboard was pretty bare, we were pretty depleted in talent, there weren’t a lot of people showing up at the arena, even though season tickets were bought people weren’t coming to the Garden anymore. We made some trades, the first year we made the playoffs and then we hired Lenny Wilkens, who did a great job. Then we brought Larry Brown in and things were getting better. We were drafting good, we had a good stock of players coming in, made trades that turned out to be pretty successful. We had a turbulent year with Larry, but for the most part we were headed in the right direction. We were gathering talent. Then the (sexual harrassment) trial hit and we were coming off a year when we were five, six years out of the playoffs then at the end of the season everyone got hurt." New York Post

On Magic Johnson's criticism revealed in a recent book: "It was very hurtful because the times he came to New York, the times our family got together -- my wife, his wife -- hanging out at the Garden, coming to the games and all that -- who knew?" Did Magic help him get the Knicks job? "That’s not true." New York Post

Burglars apparently stole at least $60,000 worth of electronics, jewelry andsports memorabilia from the Bluffton home of former NBA star Jayson Williams, a Beaufort County Sheriff's Office spokeswoman confirmed Tuesday. Among the items missing from the Berkeley Hall home are an autographed pair of Tiger Woods' shoes and handwritten lyrics by late rapper Tupac Shakur, Cpl. Robin McIntosh confirmed. Island Packet

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