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Saturday, February 6

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I’ll repeat: Two NBA executives have told me that the Warriors are not having serious discussions about deals involving any of their major expiring contracts. San Jose Mercury News

Riley said the team is not looking at players in the $20 million range, instead those between $10-14 million. Though he didn't discuss names, that points to Caron Butler, Luol Deng, Andre Iguodala, Al Jefferson and Tayshaun Prince -- all of whom are being shopped. Riley said he has talked to all but two teams in the last week, and he plans to meet with many general managers during the All-Star break in Dallas. San Francisco Chronicle

Riley’s still talking about making a move at the deadline, just like GSW sources were telling their favorite reporters that Bell was a valuable trade chip when they acquired him. That’s exactly what they told their media friends about Claxton when they got him, too. San Jose Mercury News

Riley approached the league about allowing the team to keep 16 guaranteed contracts because of their injury woes, but they couldn't find an exception. The Warriors had to waive Claxton, whose $5.2 million contract was considered one of the team's most attractive trade pieces. "In looking at all of the conversations we have had, we decided that we have all of the right chips to get to the right salary if we need to make a deal," Riley said. "We're looking to acquire a quality player, and if that would require us giving up expiring contracts and taking on some salary, we'll do that. We have to improve the quality of our team, and that's going to take some expense at some point." San Francisco Chronicle

Golden State has decided it'd like to keep D-League call-up Anthony Tolliver around a while, and decided fellow D-League alum Chris Hunter (who has played less than 30 minutes total in the last two weeks) was too valuable to cut. Needing to open up a roster spot, the Warriors waived injured guard Speedy Claxton. It'd seem sensible if Claxton didn't have a $5.2 million expiring contract, with just two weeks to go until the trade deadline. The Warriors have appeared in a handful of rumors, though none thought to be particularly serious. Monta Ellis and Andris Biedrins may be on the block, depending on who you believe. Regardless, the opportunity for movement exists, and Speedy's expiring deal could have served as effective lubricant to balance salaries under fairly strict NBA trade rules. FanHouse

The other move, which is related to the first, is that in order to make room to keep Tolliver on their roster after his two 10-day contracts had run out, the Warriors had to waive a player. They decided to waive guard Speedy Claxton. At first glance, this makes sense because Claxton doesn’t play and his contract ends after this season. The fact that Claxton’s contract ends after this season, though, is what makes the move an interesting one. Claxton’s expiring contract, worth $5.2 million, could have been a valuable trade chip at the trade deadline, since so many teams are looking to clear salary this season. Waiving him gives the Warriors a little less flexibility leading up to the trade deadline. Press Democrat

Here’s what the source told me: Don Nelson loves D-Leaguers, and continuously tells the front office that his coaching can turn $660k players into $4M players. San Jose Mercury News

Nelson, I’m told, wasn’t happy about having to give up Cartier Martin when Martin was due a guaranteed deal and was released instead. Nelson loves Tolliver even more and can’t stand Vladimir Radmanvic (for obvious reasons), so he was going to fight the Tolliver thing to the limit. Nelson likes Anthony Morrow and Kelenna Azubuike and Coby Karl and we probably couuld go on and on, as long as they’re D-Leaguers, cheap, and not bothered by his grand eccentricities. Cohan and Rowell love that. They’re in deep financial trouble, so they’re already angry at any high-priced player, just on the face of it. If Nelson can get them a cheap player or a big-salary player, they’re all for it. San Jose Mercury News

I double-checked with salary-cap expert Larry Coon: The Warriors have ZERO rights to Claxton’s contract as a trade chip. When you waive a player, you no longer have any rights to that player or his contract. San Jose Mercury News

The Warriors have now given up $6.5 million in expiring contracts to keep NBA Development League call-ups. Don’t forget, they gave up Mikki Moore’s $1.3 million expiring contact to keep Hunter. Contra Costa Times

Geoff Lepper: I guess this means that #GSW GM Larry Riley was unable to convince the league the W's should be allowed 16 guaranteed contracts. Twitter.com

Riley said, on average, he is fielding three calls per day regarding possible trades. He had several conversations Friday that "went nowhere," and he recently tried to nab a "star player" in a trade that was shot down. "I made one attempt to go grab a star player, to just see if somebody would do a stupid deal from the other end," Riley said. "They call me and ask if I'll do something stupid, so I called a guy and said, 'Hey, will you consider this?' " San Francisco Chronicle

Thomas is currently playing for his seventh NBA team as he works his way through his 15th NBA season, and he soon could end up with his eighth. ESPN.com has learned that Thomas, the 37-year old backup center/forward for the Milwaukee Bucks, has emerged as a fallback trade option for the few playoff-bound teams (including Portland, Dallas and Cleveland) open to the idea of taking on additional salary. "I have heard Portland," Thomas acknowledged in the visiting locker room after the Milwakee Bucks defeated the New York Knicks 114-107 Friday night at Madison Square Garden. "It's always a good feeling when you're hearing teams are interested in you." Milwaukee is believed to be seeking little more than a second-round pick for Thomas and/or Francisco Elson, two of the three expendable big men clogging the end of their bench (the third, Dan Gadzuric, is virtually untradeable with his $6.8 million contract for this season, plus an additional year at $7.4 million). ESPN.com

Thomas has an expiring $3.6 million contract, and Elson has an expiring $1.7 million deal. That's a $1.9 million difference, but Thomas is both better and more experienced than Elson, having logged 82 playoff games with Miami, New York, Phoenix and San Antonio. And when it comes to slowing down opposing big men, Thomas knows the tricks of his trade -- and doesn't disclose his secrets. "Whatever tricks I do know, I try to keep to myself. They [rookies and young teammates] have to learn them on their own," Thomas said. "I'm someone who really understands where to be at, spacing, defense and rebounding." ESPN.com

Owner Mark Cuban made it clear that the Mavericks are aggressively seeking trade options. Is the face of the franchise on board with making a blockbuster move? "That’s not for me to decide," Dirk Nowitzki said. "I play hard every night. I just work here, and we’ll go from there. "But I think we showed earlier this season that we got what it takes. We won some big games, won some big games on the road. It’s just that now we’re in a little funk, little hole. We’ve just got to keep on plugging. It sounds ridiculous, but that’s all we can do now. I’m not looking for any help but in this locker room." ESPNDallas.com

Tim Thomas last played in a Mavs game on Jan. 24 in a win at New York. On Jan. 30, team owner Mark Cuban announced that the veteran wasn’t with the club “for personal reasons.’’ That has caused some concern … and some speculation. … but now we have some information. Thomas’ absence is not due to anything discipline-, behavior- or personal-health related. It is a “family emergency,’’ a source close to the team tells DallasBasketball.com. Problematic and unfortunate, apparently. (And admittedly, not a complete detailing ... but it's what I've got so far.) Importantly, it's nothing to justify any of the speculation that has been floating about in the void, so at least we'll put an end to that. DallasBasketball.com

Chicago Bulls forward Tyrus Thomas has been suspended for one game for conduct detrimental to the team. Thomas, who is averaging 8.5 points and 6.2 rebounds per game, will miss Saturday's contest against the Miami Heat at the United Center. ESPNChicago.com

Although he has a trip planned to Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, Boozer said he would be honored to be chosen as an injury replacement for next weekend’s All-Star Game if Denver’s Carmelo Anthony or Portland’s Brandon Roy cannot play. Anthony has missed six games with a sprained left ankle and is not expected to play tonight while Roy has been out for 11 games with an injured right hamstring. “If I do get the call, I’m going,” Boozer said. “If I don’t, I’ll be on vacation getting a tan.” Salt Lake Tribune

Brian T. Smith: #Blazers GM Pritchard said team is considering holding Roy out through #NBA All-Star break, but nothing has been decided. Twitter.com

Shawn Marion is new to the Mavericks and like everybody else, he's having a tough time coming to grips with why the team has lost four of five. "We got to figure this out,'' he said. "It seems like every little thing is backfiring on us right now. We got to find a way out of this.'' Fort Worth Star-Telegram

For Davis, Hughes' vision couldn't be more inviting. When Davis is happy, he's very politic with the media. He managed to heartily endorse Hughes' goals without evoking any residual qualms he had with Dunleavy's system (and praised Dunleavy's legacy at every opportunity). "We should try to play in transition where we can all benefit from our talents," Davis said. "I think it's going to be up to me to manage the game -- who gets the ball, how we play. "We definitely want to run more," Davis continued. "I think the element of fun and excitement were far and few in between." ESPN.com

The game between the Atlanta Hawks and Washington Wizards has been postponed because of the blizzard that battered the Mid-Atlantic region. The NBA said on Saturday that neither the Hawks or Wizards could fly to Washington after their games Friday night. The Wizards played at Orlando and the Hawks hosted the Bulls. AP

Stephon Marbury has returned to basketball -- this time, playing in a parched, polluted city in China after making himself unwelcome in the NBA. The team is officially called Shanxi Fenjiu, named for a local grain alcohol, but is more commonly known as the Brave Dragons. AP

How did "Starbury," the brash New Yorker with a tattoo on the side of his head who's lately become better known for his bizarre online stunts and run-ins with coaches and owners, end up in a provincial rustbelt city that's home to the Coal Museum of China? "It was an opportunity to allow my brand to grow in a different distribution channel," he said, referring to his Starbury line of low-priced athletic shoes and clothing. "And I wanted to get back onto the basketball court." AP

Considering the fans' tendency to throw things (the same thing happened at the previous game), perhaps it's not too surprising that the arena doesn't have concession stands -- no popcorn, no hot dogs and definitely no beer. As for Marbury, his mood was buoyant even after the 113-104 loss. His assistant had to force a path through the crowd that gathered outside the locker room and followed them all the way to Marbury's car, a four-door Honda. "You are the best!" they shouted in English, waving basketballs, T-shirts and notebooks. "I'm going to let the chips fall where they may," Marbury said of his future in basketball. "This was something that I'm happy that I did. ... I'm getting an opportunity to find myself and it's like a retreat also because I'm in a peaceful environment. I'm focused on one thing and that's playing basketball." AP

I just spoke with Charlotte Bobcats big man Alexis Ajinca at shootaround about how he tore the ligament in his right thumb that required surgery and at least six weeks in a cast. Ajinca was playing for the Bobcats' Development League affiliate, the Maine Red Claws. He said he'd just grabbed an offensive rebound and was going back up to dunk when a defender cracked him across his hand, attempting to block his shot. Ouch. But the Bobcats plan to work on his lower body the next few weeks, looking to build up his leg strength. Charlotte Observer

Celtics captain Paul Pierce has recovered from a left mid-foot sprain and plans to play against the Orlando Magic Sunday. "I feel pretty good, light practice, I'm good to go tomorrow," Pierce said. "It's a lot better than it was yesterday, so it's improving, not quite 100 percent, but it's good enough for me to play on. It's a matter of healing, it's a little sprain, mid-foot. It really hurt, last couple days, but I've been getting necessary treatment and it's getting better every day. I feel like I could have went last game but I'm really ready to go." Boston Globe

Pierce also believes that he needs to play these next two games to a) build a rhythm for the west coast road trip that follows the all-star break, and b) to determine whether he can play in the all-star game. “It’s definitely important, because I want to go into the break with a little momentum,” he said. “We have a tough stretch coming up when we go out west, so i definitely want to get these next two. “See how it feels,” Pierce said of whether he plans to play in the all-star game. “See how it feels tomorrow and Wednesday, and then see how it goes through the all-star game. If things don’t work out then they’re not going to work out. “But I’ve been able to move around on it,” he said. “Even the day after I could walk on it. It’s odd - I’ve never had a sprain in that part of my foot. The hardest part is putting on the shoe.” Boston Herald

Bucks center Andrew Bogut posted two messages on his Twitter account within the last two hours and indicated he would be ready to play against Indiana on Saturday night. The 7-foot Bogut had to leave in the first quarter of Friday's game in New York due to a migraine. Bogut posted this on his Twitter account: "Terrible night for me last night, first quarter got a migraine. Sounds like nothing, but I lose vision in my left eye, lose all feeling in my body. "The most important thing today is we got the win last night vs. NY. Feeling a little better today. Will be ready for game time. Need this win v Pacers." Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel

Trail Blazers guard Brandon Roy has been ruled out of tonight's game against the Lakers after not participating in this morning's shootaround, according to the Oregonian newspaper. Riverside Press-Enterprise

George Thomas: Cavs: Delonte West out tonight. Twitter.com

Indiana Pacers rookie forward Tyler Hansbrough has gone from doing some on-court work to not being able to do anything at all. Pacers coach Jim O'Brien said he's not sure if the first-round pick will be ready to return to the lineup from his inner ear infection by the time they return from the All-Star break. "I do not know if we will have Tyler," O'Brien said. "He's not working out at all. If he's able to come back and start working out, that's going to be important, because the fact that he's been told that he is not really allowed to move around, even one on none, is a real setback from the conditioning standpoint." Indianapolis Star

Holly McKenzie: Also: Hedo Turkoglu was the masked man at practice today, trying to get comfortable with the mask, saying tomorrow will "be fun." Twitter.com

Holly McKenzie: Chris Bosh said he has not fully committed to the World Games and will wait until after he takes care of free agency to make a decision. Twitter.com

There might have been a method to Rod Thorn's madness of having Kiki Vandeweghe take over for Lawrence Frank. Although the Nets' losses continue to mount, as Vandeweghe has shown that he is in way over his head, coaching for the first time, Thorn managed to get Vandeweghe out of his hair. "It's every man for himself," said one team source. Thorn and Vandeweghe are working on the final year of their contracts, and both are looking to stay on under new owner Mikhail Prokhorov, who could take over as soon as next month after getting approval of NBA owners. But the way it is unfolding, Vandeweghe will be the odd man out and Thorn will be left standing as team president. Prokhorov is said to be considering bringing in an executive to learn at Thorn's elbow, filling Vandeweghe's position. New York Daily News

The NBA trade deadline is less than two weeks away and the summit between incoming owner Mikhail Prokhorov and team president Rod Thorn is scheduled for next week during All-Star weekend. Thorn's future is expected to be discussed in Dallas. He's in the final year of his contract and would like the chance to return and get the Nets back on track. Some team sources believe Thorn will get that chance. But Raptors executive Bryan Colangelo or his father, Jerry, could be candidates if Thorn doesn't return. Bergen Record

Players Association executive director Billy Hunter is preparing for the fight of his life, with the agents armed to advance to Defcon 1 with him. “I have so much respect for David Stern, and I know he wants to create the most competitive environment possible for the fans, but the current system is broken,” agent Mark Bartelstein said. “The luxury-tax concept is anti-competitive. We’ve created a system where in the midst of trying to sell tickets in the summer, we have teams admitting to their fans, ‘We’re not trying to win this year. …We’re waiting for 2010 or some year beyond.’ “We need to start from scratch and develop a system in which everything is designed about creating the most competitive environment possible so that we drive revenue.” Yahoo! Sports

Here’s an issue some believe the union could make a bargaining chip: contraction. Hunter has never been open to losing jobs with the elimination of the most financially strapped teams, but some believe he might be more accepting of the idea with the massive losses some owners insist they’re incurring in fledgling markets. Let the rest of the owners buy out, say, two teams, and then share the larger piece of TV and merchandising money. Of course, that talk will go nowhere with Stern, whom one owner insisted would “never let [contraction] happen on his watch.” As another GM said, “Stern won’t let the WNBA go under, even though most of his owners are tired of taking losses on it. You think he’s going to let that happen with his NBA teams?” Yahoo! Sports

Isiah Thomas insisted Saturday that he is “completely focused” on his current job at Florida International and would not reveal if he had any talks about becoming coach and president of the of the Los Angeles Clippers. Foxsports.com reported that Thomas is under consideration for those jobs by the Clippers, a story that the team denied to ESPNLosAngeles.com. AP

He didn’t even wait for the questions about the Clippers to be asked Saturday, taking the initiative by addressing it first after the game. “Before we talk about the game, let me just clear up some other business,” Thomas said. “I’m very happy here at FIU. We’ve got a great recruiting class coming in next year, one of the best recruiting classes in the school’s history, and my 2011 class, I hope that’s even better. I think we’ve got a chance to build something really special here.” AP

It appears that Orlando Magic center Dwight Howard will continue his jet-setting ways this upcoming summer. Howard has revealed that he expects to attend a portion of soccer’s 2010 World Cup in South Africa. The all-star said adidas, a company he endorses, wants to send him to the event to serve as “a sports reporter.” “I’m planning to go, yes,” Howard said after the Magic lost to the Washington Wizards on Friday night. “Most likely I’ll be there.” Although Howard said he plays a soccer videogame on occasion, he acknowledges he doesn’t know much about the world’s most popular sport. When asked whether he’s a big supporter of the United States’ team, he volunteered that he doesn’t know the names of any of the players who likely will represent the U.S. in South Africa. Orlando Sentinel

ESPN soon will debut a new ad featuring the Orlando Magic center in which Howard dresses like Clark Kent and speaks with SportsCenter anchor Hannah Storm. Click here to watch the commercial. Orlando Sentinel

Colangelo is very confident James also will play in Turkey. "If I were a betting man, I'd say yes,'' Colangelo said. Bosh, James and Miami's Dwyane Wade all can opt out of their contracts this summer and become free agents. Although Colangelo reiterated they won't have to compete at the Las Vegas minicamp July 22-25 if their free-agent business remains unresolved and wouldn't have to suit up until the team begins training camp Aug. 10, Wade remains on the fence. "He has to make the determination whether he's going to be with the group,'' Colangelo said. "As we go forward, we just have to be flexible.'' FanHouse

In an interview with FanHouse on Friday night, Colangelo said Toronto star Chris Bosh has committed to play for the team, and Colangelo is feeling very optimistic about the inclusion of Cleveland star LeBron James. Colangelo said USA Basketball on Wednesday will announce between 25 and 28 names in the mix to play in Turkey as well as in the 2012 Olympics in London. Colangelo recently met with Bosh in Toronto. Colangelo said Bosh, who was undecided when talking with FanHouse last October, has confirmed his participation in Turkey. "He's in,'' Colangelo said. "I feel very good about it. He's got his free agency situation, but he understands we'll want him at (a July minicamp in Las Vegas) even though he won't have to participate. If you show respect to somebody, respect comes back to you." FanHouse

While Colangelo already has said Oklahoma City's Kevin Durant is assured of playing in Turkey, he wouldn't reveal other names on the list. However, sources confirmed Portland's LaMarcus Aldridge, Minnesota's Kevin Love and New York's David Lee are among those who will be named. One intriguing possibility is Denver's Chauncey Billups, Sources said he has been invited to have his name on the list but he has yet to decide whether he will accept. Billups, who played in the 2007 Olympic qualifying tournament but bowed out before the 2008 Olympics due to family issues, intrigues USA Basketball officials as a possible replacement as a veteran point guard for Kidd. There also is interest in Billups, 33, due to the recent knee injury to Paul, out four to six weeks after undergoing surgery Thursday. FanHouse

One name that won't be on the list is Portland guard Brandon Roy. Sources said, after discussions that included Roy, it has been thought best Roy not play during upcoming summers due to possible wear and tear on his knees. Roy underwent knee surgery before last season, and his health has remained a concern. "There are going to be a few surprises,'' Colangelo said of the list of names he will reveal. "There are going to be some role players.'' FanHouse

Sources say the team is looking seriously at several trade options that could unleash enough 2010 cap space to sign not one but two marquee free agents. Here's how the math computes: If the Bulls didn't make any trades before the Feb. 18 deadline, kept their first-round pick and let their free agents walk, they'd have about $16.5 million in cap space -– assuming the cap is $52 million, roughly the midpoint of early projections. That's enough to sign one max free agent, and league execs believe Chicago native Dwyane Wade would be the Bulls' primary target, with Joe Johnson a close second. CBSSports.com

But that figure doesn't include a $14.2 million cap hold for Tyrus Thomas, space that must be allocated to him that includes the $6.3 million qualifying offer he'll be due as a restricted free agent. That's why league sources believe the Bulls will try to package Thomas in a significant deal for expiring contracts -- such as a proposal under consideration that would also send Kirk Hinrich to Boston for Ray Allen's $19.7 million expiring deal -- or in a separate deal to one of several Western Conference contenders that have inquired about Thomas' availability. If the Bulls could move Hinrich and Thomas -- who has long been attractive to the Celtics -- they'd be looking at more than $20 million of space. If they could find a taker for John Salmons, they'd be closing in on enough money to land two significant free agents. While everyone continues to focus on the Knicks and Nets as potential winners of the free-agent summer of 2010, this scenario would put the Bulls in a position to steal the show. CBSSports.com

The latest trade talk circulating around 76ers swingman Andre Iguodala has him going with teammate Samuel Dalembert to the Phoenix Suns for star power forward Amar'e Stoudemire and, possibly, guard Leandro Barbosa. According to an NBA source, the two teams have discussed this and other trade scenarios, although there are a few snags with the potential trade. Stoudemire's contract situation is chief among them. The NBA's trade deadline is Feb. 18. Philadelphia Inquirer

The Suns are very interested in Iguodala, according to the source. But are the Sixers interested in acquiring Stoudemire, who may or may not remain with the team past the end of this season? Contrary to what has become popular belief, the Sixers are not interested in expiring contracts, so this deal would make sense only if there were assurances that Stoudemire - rumored to be balking at the thought of joining the Sixers - would remain another season and then seriously consider re-signing. Philadelphia Inquirer

The other long-rumored trade scenario involves Iguodala going to the Houston Rockets for Tracy McGrady and his $23 million expiring contract. According to a source close to the situation, talks between the teams have stalled and could accurately be labeled as "sporadic." Philadelphia Inquirer

Is this the first time in his career that widespread speculation has involved him? "I think there was one other time - I don't think it was as much," Iguodala said. "Once you get into your bigger deals, there's talk about more. Some of the best players - Shaq has been traded a couple of times, so it's not bad at all." Philadelphia Inquirer

"Nah, I haven't heard about anything," Iguodala said. "I don't really pay attention. I've heard a lot of things, different scenarios, so it's at the point where if it happens, it happens. I'm just relishing the moment of playing in the NBA." Iguodala, who is making $12.2 million this season, will have 4 more years remaining on his contract after this season, totaling about $57 million. Suitors seem to be lining up to try to land the forward who is leading the team in scoring at 17.3 a game and assists (5.7), and is second in rebounding at 6.9. Last night Iguodala also posted nine rebounds and seven assists. "You think about it but I'm just trying to have fun right now," Iguodala said. "We're winning games, so I'm just trying to go out there compete and have fun." Philadelphia Daily News

In his best performance of the season, Butler scored 29 points in the second half, including the game-winning basket with 0.5 remaining to beat the division-leading Orlando Magic, 92-91, Friday. It was like he just nailed an audition. There certainly were a lot of teams watching him. "Washington is home. I had a great time here. And I'll always love the city, but this is a business and I know anything is possible,'' Butler said after the game when asked about possibly being traded. "I had more success here than I ever had before. I feel like the city adopted me. But you have to take the bitter with the sweet. I'll try and have some magnificent moments before the deadline.'' Butler has been targeted by several teams looking to upgrade their backcourt before the Feb. 18 trade deadline. The Wizards, in the wake of the Gilbert Arenas disaster, are expected to begin a roster-wide housecleaning that could begin with trading their next-best player. "Yeah, it could happen,'' Butler said. "We'll see.'' FanHouse

Butler has been linked to potential deals with the Houston Rockets, Los Angeles Clippers, Chicago Bulls and Miami Heat. He has one year remaining on his contract, paying him $10.8 million. Both he and Antawn Jamison have been talked about extensively as trade targets in recent weeks. "I'm popular. I've always been popular. And I'm popular now,'' he said. "But I'd love to finish what we started in Washington.'' FanHouse

Afterward, Butler was asked about the possibility of the Wizards being broken up at the deadline. "Anything is possible," Butler said. "Anything can happen." When asked if this game was an opportunity for him to showcase himself to the rest of the league Butler said, "Hopefully it keeps the ownership that we have interested and I stay here." Washington Post

Mike James told HOOPSWORLD that he is just staying patient and is just hoping that he ends up in a better situation. As Cleveland and Washington continue to discuss an Antawn Jamison deal, James loves the idea of playing with the Cavaliers. He said it would be the perfect situation for him because he could get minutes and have the opportunity to compete for a championship. He is frustrated in Washington and wants to prove that he can still play. We'll have more on this in the coming days. HoopsWorld / February 5

Jamison didn't speak with reporters prior to tip-off because he was busy working out but sources say he's the most likely candidate to be traded out of Washington's core group of players. HoopsWorld / February 5

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Kobe Bryant on whether or not he thinks the Lakers need to make a move at the trade deadline: “No. I love my guys. I love my guys. I love how we’re built and I love what we have and I’d love a chance to repeat with the group that we have here right now. Obviously Mitch (Kupchak) has to do his job and I won’t get in the way of that but from my personal standpoint, I love the group and crew that we have.” Sports Radio Interviews / February 5

Derrick Rose: On JJ’s as a possible free agent acquisition: I’m going to play with the team that I have, but I wouldn’t mind. That’s something you wouldn’t mind, a player of his caliber. But the players we have, we’re doing fine. Atlanta Journal-Constitution

SLAM: Being that you were on a team in Dallas that was heading towards the NBA Playoffs, when you heard that you were being traded to the New Jersey Nets, a team with only three wins all season, what was that like? Kris Humphries: It was kind of strange at first, but then when I got a chance to talk to Kiki he said that he’s liked me for a while and he thought that I could do more on the court than I’ve had a chance to do and he said that he looked forward to working with me. For me, that was nice knowing that he sees me as a player who can do a lot of things out there and he believes in me. But then also, you’re looking at the record and you’re like, ‘This is going to be tough.’ Ultimately I think we have some pieces that can translate into a team of the future when you look at Brook Lopez, Devin Harris, Yi; you’ve got Courtney Lee on the team now and he’s still trying to find his way out here in terms of coming from a Finals team to this situation. So I think we’ve got a lot of people that are kind of trying to figure it out and mixed with some of the moves that I know [the Nets] are going to make in the offseason, it’ll be a totally different team and hopefully a successful one. SLAM / February 5

Timberwolves coach Kurt Rambis used a rare four-day break in the middle of the season to take his team to Dallas two days early in an unsuccessful search for sun and warmth. Wolves boss David Kahn used those four days for a whirlwind two-city European tour in which he scouted prospects Ricky Rubio and Nikola Pekovic. Kahn watched Rubio's Regal Barcelona lose for the first time in 12 Euroleague games Wednesday night in Belgrade, Serbia, and watched Pekovic's Greek team play in Athens as well. He said he visited with Rubio briefly after that game and told Pekovic the next time he sees him, he'll have Rambis with him in May. Minneapolis Star Tribune

Asked if Pekovic, who turns 24 next month, is committed to coming to the NBA next season, Kahn said: "It's not my place to say whether he'd commit or not, and I didn't ask for a commitment of that kind. But all indications are, yes, he is ready and this would be the next step in his career." Kahn said it was important to see Pekovic play in person for the first time. "I certainly liked what I saw, and I have liked what I've seen on film," said Kahn, who arrived in Dallas from Europe five hours before Friday's game against the Mavericks. "The issue with him is how it all fits with the front line we already have. I think it can, by the way. I really do. But it has to be something that's further discussed." Minneapolis Star Tribune

Kahn watched Rubio lead his team back from a big early deficit in a hostile arena Wednesday only to lose by one point in an overtime that Rubio sat and watched. Kahn said Rubio played "OK" in an "incredibly intense environment you had to see to believe." He said he talked briefly with Rubio after the game. Asked if it was a discussion of substance about his NBA future, Kahn said, "It's way too early for that, but it was nice to visit." Rubio's team plays Pekovic's team twice in the next two weeks. Minneapolis Star Tribune

Shaq remains a polarizing figure. There's a love-hate factor wherever he goes and with whatever he touches. Ask Orlando. Ask Kobe. Check with D. Wade. Heck, listen to Shaunie. There was a lot of truth in Wade's postgame comments about Shaq after the Cavs completed the three-game sweep of the Heat this season. But Wade didn't go out of his way to overstate Shaq's contributions in support of true buddy, LeBron James. "When centers like him have that (much) mileage, when they get older, they want to be on a team that's good," Wade said. "They don't have to do as much and still be effective in a short period of time they play." Wade was then asked if he felt Shaq would eventually boost LeBron to a title the same way he did with Shaq-Wade-title Wade in Miami and Kobe in Los Angeles. Wade sighed and made it clear that it is LeBron doing all of the heavy lifting in Cleveland. "It's a little different," Wade said. "I think LeBron is doing for (Shaq) what (Shaq) helped many guys do for years." Was Wade bitter? No. Brutally honest? No doubt. Miami Herald

The issue mostly has remained a minor one, with the thought that Wade does not view fullcourt ballhandling in his best interest. That, however, may not be the case. "It's something I've done over my career," he said. "In Boston, that was our best lineup, when I'm at the point, being able to make plays, attack, as well. I don't mind doing that at all." South Florida Sun-Sentinel

While detractors claim he sometimes dominates the ball too much as the rest of the Cavaliers stand around and watch, James really would rather not have to handle the ball a lot. But, since Mo Williams and Delonte West are out with injuries and Daniel Gibson missed the first half of Thursday's victory over Miami to attend to his pregnant fiancee, James had no choice but to play the point and run the offense. "It not something I always want to do because running the point guard is like playing quarterback," he said after Thursday's win. "I decided not to play quarterback in high school. I'd rather play wide receiver and get out in the open." Cleveland Plain Dealer / February 5

"I'm kind of surprised at our scoring with those guys out," James admitted. "I haven't played this much point guard since my first or second year in the league when I had to really dominate the ball for us to be sucessful. So it isn't something I'm used to, but it is something I can do." No kidding. Cavs coach Mike Brown didn't bat an eye when he learned Gibson would be late to the Miami game after taking his fiancee, R&B star Keyshia Cole, to the hospital with what turned out to be false labor. That left the Cavs without a point guard for the start of Thursday's game. But James filled in admirably, as did Anthony Parker. "We just kind of take on whatever challenge is in front of us," Brown said. "To miss all three of them, we knew we had a chance to still be OK because those guys are capable ball-handlers. We don't really need a true point guard all the time when we are out on the floor with as good a ball-handler as AP or LeBron and the rest of the guys." Cleveland Plain Dealer / February 5

Frye's competition includes All-Stars Paul Pierce of Boston and Chauncey Billups of Denver, rookie Stephen Curry of Golden State, New York's Danilo Gallinari and defending champion Daequan Cook of Miami. "Chauncey doesn't really want to be in it," Dudley said. "The NBA has certain people they force to do it. He's probably one of them. Paul Pierce wants to be in it, so he's got something to prove. I'll have him as a favorite. I have Gallinari as a favorite because his release is high. He doesn't use his legs that much, kind of like Channing. Cook, I just don't see it this year. He hasn't got the reps up. "I don't see Curry in it. The big lights get him." With that, Dudley has Frye, Gallinari and Pierce in the final round. "I've got somehow Channing squeaking by one, getting hot in the final round," Dudley said. Arizona Republic

Ersan Ilyasova led the Bucks with 25 points, but the biggest difference-maker was Jennings, the rookie who played in Italy last year and who the Knicks past over to select Jordan Hill with the eighth pick. "It's not personal because I'm over it now," Jennings said. "They said they needed a point guard at the time, going back to the draft. The coach has a style of play that fits my game well. Yeah, it was the place. I'm not going to say it wasn't." New York Post

The same night Knicks coach Mike D'Antoni benched Chris Duhon, Jennings had 22 points and eight assists. He had 19 in the second half, and said he never will understand why the Knicks passed him over for Jordan Hill. "But that's life. Everybody makes mistakes," Jennings said. "They didn't talk to me [before], but I did work out for them. And I did have a good workout, by the way." New York Post

Dirk Nowitzki made the decision to bench himself for the beginning of the Dallas Mavericks' loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves because he wanted to be accountable after showing up late to Friday's pregame shootaround. The Mavericks did not have a morning shootaround and Nowitzki forgot that one was scheduled for 5 p.m. He did not arrive at the American Airlines Center until about 25 minutes later. "I actually made that decision," said Nowitzki, who came to the arena to shoot on his own in the morning. "We all [have] got to be accountable. I made a mistake and thought it was regular game time, so I wanted to show up at 6. I was almost 30 minutes late. "That was a distraction. That was my fault. I've got to take it like a man." ESPNDallas.com

Stan Van Gundy is no longer Stan Van Giddy OR Stan Van Grumpy. You can now call the Orlando Magic coach Stan Van Crappy following his team’s 92-91 loss Friday night to the Washington Wizards at Amway Arena. After watching the Magic blow a 21-point lead to one of the worst teams in the Eastern Conference, the kinder, gentler Stan Van Gundy was understandably nowhere to be found. The worn-down, haggard grouch we’ve all come to know and love finally returned after OrlandoMagic.com writer John Denton asked: “Did you think your team, which went to the NBA Finals last year, was beyond immaturity before this game?” Van Gundy responded: “Nobody’s beyond that. That’s an NBA thing, especially when you start hearing, reading, thinking ‘we’ve turned the corner, we’re back and we’ve turned it around.’ It’s all a bunch of crap.” Orlando Sentinel

Without Anthony's 29.7 points per game, Billups looked to score early and often, and finished with a career-high 39. He had 13 3-point attempts, making nine, also a career high. It was his best game ever, and couldn't have happened at a better time. "I got space to get my shot off, and sometimes when you get it going, you feel like you can't miss," Billups said. The Nuggets hadn't won a regular- season game at the Lakers' home since the 2006-07 season (Denver won one of three games at the Staples Center during the 2009 Western Conference finals, which L.A. won in six games). "There's no question that this is a win that a lot of people were looking forward to," Denver coach George Karl said. "And winning without Melo, I think, gives our guys some confidence and a toughness and edge that we can play the best — with or without Melo." Denver Post

"He's super tough," Pau Gasol said. "He plays through pretty much anything. It's unbelievable. We never know how much he's hurting, but he plays through it and he still puts up huge numbers." Bryant's team-high 33 points came on an efficient 11-for-22 clip, and his nine rebounds were more than the eight that frontcourt starters Ron Artest and Andrew Bynum corralled combined. "We have to step up," Gasol continued. "As teammates we understand we have to step up. We are a lot healthier than him and we have to step up and go extra hard for him to get some pressure off his shoulders and support him as much as possible. We owe that to him as teammates." ESPNLosAngeles.com

“Josh Smith has probably been our MVP,” said Hawks coach Mike Woodson. “I just wish he would’ve made that All-Star team because he has played like an All-Star this year for us. Everything that we have done from a team standpoint in terms of winning and losing… he has a great deal to do with that with the way he’s played on both ends of the floor.” Yes, Smith is a marvel. Woodson may flinch when Smith tries to make a jump shot. But with Smith’s uncanny jumping ability, he won the game for the Hawks in the fourth quarter, in which the Bulls led entering 70-64. Smith had six points and eight rebounds in the fourth quarter, four on the offensive boards, the final one just about clinching the game and his triple double when he gathered in a Joe Johnson miss with 2:14 left and hit Mike Bibby in the corner for a three pointer and 86-78 lead. NBA.com

Instead of tightening under the pressure, Mavericks guard Jason Terry focuses on the moment. "Those are the ones that are pure concentration," he said, looking back on the 10 winners he estimates making over his 11-year career ("and if you go back to college you can add another six," he added). Terry has come to realize that his form is never more pure than when the game is on the line. "I have pictures of three game-winners and they're all in the same spot on the court with two different teams -- one with Atlanta and two of the same shots with Dallas. Same form, same follow-through. It's truly amazing. I couldn't believe it when I saw it. "I've got one picture in my basement in Atlanta, and I have two in Dallas. They're blown up big, and they actually say 'Game Winner' on the bottom of them. Pretty cool, pretty cool." He can't say he was relaxed before making those shots. "More than anything you're really locked in," he said. "It's almost like being in the zone, and especially if you know the play is coming to you. You already went through it time and time again in your head during that timeout, that 'Hey, I'm going to do whatever I've got to do to get this ball in the hole.'" SI.com / February 5

Playing for the Lakers has raised the standards for Derek Fisher, who has responded by becoming one of the most spectacular clutch shooters of his generation, having rescued several playoff wins including a crucial victory in Game 4 of the NBA Finals last June. "When you play for the Lakers, you know what the job is," he said. "With Jerry West and Magic [Johnson] and James Worthy and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, you start to understand your place in what all of this represents." That's why Fisher looks up to Bryant for living up to that standard month after month for 14 years. He and Bryant approach winner-take-all shots in the same way, said Fisher, "in terms of the willingness or the desire or the confidence to make the shot. But I think the context is different. Because I know that his place in the game of basketball -- and his legacy and what he represents -- is different than mine. So each time he makes one of those plays, it's on a different scale when Kobe Bryant does it versus Derek Fisher or Sasha [Vujacic, their teammate] or even a Pau Gasol. It's just different. I don't know how many guys like Kobe that you can count in the history of our game, but they're just different guys. When Kobe does something, he has expectation that he can do it. He's supposed to do it. He has to do it. There's just a lot of stuff going on, and he, amazingly, can do it at a high rate, even with all of that stuff." SI.com / February 5

Lamar Odom needs five assists to reach 3,000 and tie Elging Baylor as the seventh-fastest player in NBA history in terms of games to reach that exclusive club. You would the player would be aware of something that big. Not Odom. “Yeah? That’s pretty cool… 3,000 assists. I don’t know where I rank. Pretty high among forwards I would think,” said Odom, who currently has 2,995 assists in 715 career games. Already a member of the 10,000-point club, Odom would join Larry Bird (574 games), Chris Webber (667 games), Kevin Garnett (681), Oscar Robertson (688), Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (691), Wilt Chamberlain (691) and Baylor (716) as the only players to amass 3,000 assists and 6,000 rebounds in as few as 716 games. Orange County Register

Dave McMenamin: Melo told me after the game that there's 'no way' he is going to miss the All-Star game because of his ankle. Twitter.com

Roy said that if he does not take the court during the Blazers' three games prior to the 2010 NBA All-Star break — scheduled Feb. 12-14 in Arlington, Tex. — he will not play in the All-Star game. Roy was selected last week as a Western Conference reserve. "I'm surprised that I personally haven't healed as fast," Roy said. Columbian / February 5

Portland coach Nate McMillan acknowledged that the team will have to consider whether Roy should sit out the All-Star game if his injury does not show signs of healing. "We'll see where we are," McMillan said. "I think if he doesn't play Saturday or doesn't play next week, yeah, you have to talk about that." But McMillan added that the Blazers have yet to confront the situation, mainly because they are focusing on Roy's health in regards to Saturday's contest against the Lakers. Columbian / February 5

Brandon Roy on when he expect to be back in the lineup: “I talked to coach today and he said he would like for me to get a practice in before I actually play in a game. They come back Thursday and if I feel good enough to go Thursday night against San Antonio then I’ll definitely try and give it a try but I think a more realistic goal is Saturday against the Los Angeles Lakers.” Sports Radio Interviews / February 5

Kobe Bryant will play in the All-Star game. That much is known. How many minutes he plays is the great unknown. "He'll want to win the MVP award," Lakers Coach Phil Jackson said. The banged-up Bryant has encountered numerous injuries this season, most recently a sprained left ankle. This will be his 12th All-Star game. Los Angeles Times

Jackson said there were three things Bryant could tell Denver's George Karl, the coach of the Western Conference All-Stars. "Any time I've coached the All-Star game, I always ask the players, 'How many guys are 100% healthy and want to play through this thing in a regular rotation? How many guys have nagging injuries and want to go limited minutes? And how many guys just want to make an appearance?' " Jackson said. "I've had all three categories, where guys say, 'I probably should get out there, but one rotation, six minutes is fine,' or 'I'm not doing well, I've got a bad ankle, whatever.' So you give them the option of what their health status is." Los Angeles Times

Celtics coach Doc Rivers said Paul Pierce continued his cardio workout on Friday but is still unsure whether the team’s captain will be able to return on Sunday for the showdown with the Orlando Magic at TD Garden. “It’s day-to-day,” Rivers said of Pierce’s left mid-foot strain. “That’s about it, really. He’s moving around, shooting around a little bit. I don’t know yet.” Marquis Daniels, meanwhile, will practice again on Saturday but Rivers said there’s still no guarantee he’ll be ready to play against Orlando. Rivers’ main concern is not the thumb but rather the ability of Daniels to run the team’s offensive sets that have been installed since he last played on Dec. 4. “I’m not so sure about him on Sunday.” Rivers, whether Daniels will be prepared to return. “We’ll have to throw him in eventually.” WEEI.com

Charlotte Bobcats center-forward Alexis Ajinca had successful surgery to repair ligament damage in his right thumb. Charlotte Observer / February 5

Bucks center Andrew Bogut was off to a great start against the New York Knicks on Friday night. Bogut scored three baskets in the paint to help the Bucks off to a quick start, but he exited the floor with 6:35 left in the quarter. He went straight to the locker room accompanied by head trainer Marc Boff. Bogut was suffering from a migraine headache, a condition he has experienced at various times during his basketball career. It was announced he would not return. Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel

However, it appears likely the Raptors will insist their $50-million (U.S.) asset wears a faceguard to protect an existing injury before being allowed back on the basketball court. "He's been advised strongly that the mask is required to play right now, to protect him from any sort of longer term or more significant damage being done," Bryan Colangelo, the Raptors' president and general manager, said in a telephone interview yesterday. "You generally like to follow a physician's instructions and we've got someone telling us it's advisable he wears the mask." Colangelo stopped short of saying that the Raptors would prevent Turkoglu from playing tomorrow if he does not agree to wear the face protector. "Well, we'll see," he responded. "I think we need to sit down and talk with him a little bit more and I might have some more feedback for you." Toronto Globe and Mail

"If I was wearing a mask, somebody could hit me, too. It's 50-50, so I'd rather not wear it and try to play my game in the best way." Turkoglu said taking risks is part of being a professional athlete. "It's part of the game," he said. "Even if I was wearing the mask, if somebody elbowed me good, you're still messed up. Instead of breaking 10 bones, maybe with the mask I'm going to break eight. "So it really doesn't matter." Toronto coach Jay Triano tried his best to distance himself from what could evolve into a standoff between the NBA team and one of its star players. "As long as he's going to wear 26 and it says Raptors, I'm good," Triano said. "Honestly, I don't want to get involved in that. It's something he's got to figure out with our trainers and doctors. I'm happy that he wants to play, that he'll be out there." Toronto Globe and Mail

Turkoglu said he'd be willing to sign a waiver that would clear the club of any responsibility for further injury if he is allowed to play without a mask. "There's no sort of document to sign," Colangelo said. "There's no sort of waiver that he could sign. I'm not sure who suggested that or where it came from. I'm not certain that that's even relevant." Toronto Globe and Mail

Injured Cavaliers guard Delonte West played in a scrimmage, moving him a step closer to returning to Cleveland's lineup. West has missed seven games with a broken left ring finger, which was recently fitted with a protective brace. On Friday, he handled the ball without any trouble and shot normally during the workout with Cleveland's reserves and assistant coaches. AP / February 5

Watch Marcus Johnson, No. 0 in USC's lineup, the one with the ear-to-ear smile. And when the Trojans are fastbreaking down hardwood, watch the rim: He'll meet your eyes there, usually with a highlight slam. But you won't be alone. These days, the NBA is watching, too. "I hear from NBA guys all the time, scouts and GMs," USC Coach Kevin O'Neill said recently. "But people are talking more about Marcus now than they ever have." Specifically, they're talking defense, which the 6-foot-6 Johnson calls "his base" thanks to defense-minded coaches from high school through college. "I try to shut guys down," he said. Washington's Quincy Pondexter was a victim: only two points on one-for-10 shooting against Johnson. "He's got great energy," O'Neill said of Johnson. "He's got great athletic ability. He's strong. He's got length." Los Angeles Times

Two senior Los Angeles Clippers executives strongly denied Fox Sports report Friday which claimed they had reached out to former Knicks coach Isiah Thomas about becoming their new coach, general manager and president after Mike Dunleavy stepped down as coach Thursday and was replaced by Kim Hughes. "I can't deny it more strongly," one of the executives said. "We haven't called him and we're not planning on calling him." The other executive called the story "ridiculous" and "irresponsible." ESPNLosAngeles.com

The Clippers' mounting losses, injuries and lack of playoff success finally took their toll on coach Mike Dunleavy. For once, he wanted to watch a movie instead of game film on the flight home. Dunleavy said that's when he knew it was time to step aside as coach and for him to focus strictly on his duties as general manager. "I thought, 'It's time for me to give somebody else a shot, you're burnt out on this," he said Friday at the team's practice facility. AP

But the momentum quickly evaporated with four consecutive losses. Then came the disastrous eight-game road trip that cemented Dunleavy's decision, which should assuage fans who chanted "Fire Dunleavy" at some home games. "I said to myself, `Maybe they're not hearing me, maybe the things I'm saying is not getting through at times, maybe another voice could do it.' It came down to the last two or three years, a lot of wear and tear as far as trying to juggle lineups," he said. "This trip was a real drain on me and I worried about my enthusiasm going forward. If that was an issue, then it's time to make a change." AP

Mike Dunleavy’s resignation as Clippers coach didn’t surprise Lakers coach Phil Jackson. There had been rumors of his leaving for “some time,” Jackson said. Guess when you share arenas and city limits, rumors don’t go unnoticed. “Mike has been there, what, seven years, 6 and a half?” Jackson said. “…He’s done a great job with that team. He brought respectability back into their game, but no I’m not surprised.” Orange County Register

“I’m sure there are going to be a number of guys interested in that job, Isiah being one of them,” Jackson said. “There are a lot of coaches sitting out (of the NBA) who could do a good job. They (Clippers) have some talent that has been developed and some undeveloped talent. (Injured rookie) Blake Griffin hasn’t played yet. “So, I’m sure there’s a lot of coaches who would be interested.” One such unemployed coach, Byron Scott, attended the Lakers game Friday. He was fired as the New Orleans Hornets coach shortly after the season began. Orange County Register

"It's hard to say you want a job when you've never tried it," Hughes said. "Some people may perceive 33 games, it's a tough gig. I think it's a wonderful chance. I'm not fearful it could be a short reign." Hughes said he has not been promised his old job back if he isn't hired as the permanent coach. Unlike Dunleavy, who called most of the plays, Hughes will leave that to Davis. "Now I just got to learn them all," Davis said, smiling. AP

But here is the money stat on Kim Hughes. The thing you need to know. The thing that sets him apart from everyone else. Kim Hughes is the worst free throw shooter in the history of the NBA. It's true. Among NBA players who have shot at least 100 free throws, Kim Hughes' career .333 free throw percentage is BY FAR the worst in history. Of his 186 free throws, he made only 62. By way of comparison, DeAndre Jordan has made 68 out of 180 to place third on the all time worst list. But you know what they say: those who can't do, teach. Clips Nation

"Why do something if you don't strive to be the best at it, the best you can possibly be at it, and also, to get the head position?" Ewing said. "I think I'm still young. I still have a lot of years to go and I just try to improve and learn every year, with hopes that one day I have to the opportunity to get my own team." I asked Ewing if he felt that general managers have a bias against hiring former centers as head coaches. "That's what they say," Ewing said. "But one thing I said when I came here was that didn't want to be pigeonholed. Even though I did play the center position, and I work with Dwight, I'm a coach. I'm a coach, just like any other coach. I just want an opportunity to prove myself." Washington Post

Last month, Dalembert skipped practices to visit his hometown of Port-au-Prince for two days. He, along with former NBA player Alonzo Mourning, returned to Miami International Airport with several orphans, uniting them with their prospective American parents. Dalembert, who has pledged $375,000 to UNICEF, said he is planning to return to Haiti during the NBA's All-Star break next week. "What you see in the media, most of it is true, " said Dalembert, a nine-year veteran. "But there is focus for a number of people in other areas that is needed." New Orleans Times-Picayune

Houston Rockets center Yao Ming knows his fans all over the world are hopeful his first child will be a great basketball player, but China's most famous athlete admits that is hardly a priority for him right now. He also said he and his wife,Ye Li, plan to have two children. Last month one of Yao's agents confirmed he and his wife are expecting their first child. Yao spoke with FOX 26 Sports Friday. It was his first interview since learning he would become a father for the first time. FOX 26 Sports / February 5

"Life is not just about basketball, " said Yao. "They will find out their life. I don't want to control their future, just like my parents didn't want to control mine. They didn't tell me when I was growing up, when they raised me. "Of course there are a lot of guys around me (who told me) your parents were great basketball players. You should play. You can learn a lot of experience from them. My parents don't. They said 'alright do whatever you like.' I just follow their way." FOX 26 Sports / February 5

Yao said he and his wife have already come to grips with the fact the birth of their first child is world-wide news "I have to deal with that," Yao said. "I really appreciate a lot of guys pray for my baby. "I got a lot of e-mails and messages so happy about (me) having a baby. It's all good things. I appreciate those people who really care." After Yao and his wife have their first child, they will look forward to having another. "I plan to have more than one kid because you know the law we have in China, one child for each family," Yao said. "I feel a little bit lonely when growing up. "I still had a lot of neighborhood kids, played together. I would liked to have had either a big brother or sister to protect me or a younger brother or sister I can command. "In our situation we are allowed. Me and my wife are both only child from our families. Follow law we can have two." FOX 26 Sports / February 5

Kris Humphries: Also, put it out there that I am one of the top Call of Duty players in the NBA (he gives me his gamertag but later asks not to reveal it because he says he talks way too much smack online). I also play a ton of poker too. You ever eat at 5 Guys? SLAM: Man, that’s the greatest burger joint ever. KH: Well we’ve got two stores right now in Minnesota and we’re going to have five by the end of this calendar year. My dad’s really business savvy so he’s handling a lot of that but I’m just kind of learning what goes into doing that and learning the ins and outs of the business is very interesting. SLAM / February 5

SLAM: What’s been the most interesting thing or funniest thing that you’ve seen since you’ve been in the League? KH: [Pauses and thinks for a long time] Earlier this year Rick Carlisle was upset about a call and he got up off the bench ad was going towards the ref and he just fell on his butt. He just fell down, suit on and everything. And what a lot of people don’t know is Rick Carlisle tapes his ankles for games. That’s hilarious. If you ever get a chance to talk to him, ask him about it (ankle taping). He was lucky he was taped up otherwise he could’ve been out for a couple of games. SLAM: It must’ve been a pretty bad fall. KH: Yeah, it was. And they put on the video edit the next day in practice and we all laughed about it. SLAM / February 5

Right now, only three or four Jazz players show any interest. In the past, he has had as many as 11 or 12 come to his short presentations. Kyle Korver could easily be called the most religiously interested person on the team, and his reputation preceded him. "I was really happy when I heard he was coming to Utah," says the Rev. Lewis. Korver comes from a religious family: His father was a minister, as were his grandfather and a couple of uncles. "I grew up across the street from a church," says Korver, "I used to play basketball in it." Deseret News / February 5

Stories about athletes, sex and crime show up on sports pages and in sports shows. But athletes and religion? Not so much. Still, Utah Jazz chaplain Jerry Lewis has been helping professional athletes deal with issues of faith and repentance for 28 years now. And he's not alone. "Every NBA team has a chaplain," says the Rev. Lewis, who also worked for the Salt Lake Gulls baseball team for three years prior to coming on board with the Jazz. When the local hockey team also requested his services, his wife told him, "It's them or me." Deseret News / February 5

The image of NBA players would seem to make it difficult to lead a religious life. Not so, according to Korver. "Everyone talks about the temptations that come with the NBA," he says, "You can make it whatever you want to make it. If you want to make it a party, you can make it a party. If you don't want to, it's very easy not to. If you put yourself in certain situations, you might mess up. If you don't put yourself there and find yourself with good people, it's really not that hard." But he also adds, "It doesn't really matter who you are, you get temptation every day. But if the holy spirit is alive in you, it really takes away a lot of that." Deseret News / February 5

Chris Douglas-Roberts: Let me clear this up, I have no influence on what my BROTHER tweets. That's HIS page & HIS opinions. I have NO control of his page. Twitter.com

Brandon Jennings: 80's baby. yfrog.com/3iq7wj. Twitter.com

The Owls' coach, who headed the program at his alma mater in Brooklyn, Xaverian High, before taking his post at Bensalem, grew up facing older brother Chris' famous left-handed jump shot, which went in at a 50.9 percent clip in the NBA. "It built a lot of character," John Mullin said. "There were a lot of battles." Though, when they were kids, every Mullin brother religiously practiced shooting in the backyard. So, before Chris rose to stardom, which of them had the best jump shot, way back when? "The guy with the biggest bank account," said John, laughing. Philadelphia Inquirer

John Hammond, general manager of the Milwaukee Bucks: "I’ll take the Colts. I said this earlier in the year, when the Colts and Saints were both undefeated, that both teams are so explosive offensively but that the Colts are better defensively. The numbers have kind of proved that. "I still feel that way now; the Colts are better defensively the Saints. How’s that for the ultimate layman’s opinion?’’ Racine Journal-Times / February 5

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