HoopsHype.com Rumors

Wednesday, February 10

Visit the HoopsHype.com Forums to discuss the latest news and rumors in the NBA / You also can check out rumors from back in the day in the Rumors Archive

One thing you're not going to see the Hornets do is trade away Paul or All-Star power forward David West. Rumors have consistently put those two names in the mix this season, but Bower is clear in saying they won't be dealing either of their foundational pieces before next week's trade deadline. "I don't think people understand our commitment to Chris and David. We're only going to be making deals that we think help our basketball team from a basketball perspective. We are under the luxury tax now, so any moves that we make going forward will be basketball-driven. We like these guys, their abilities, and how they fit together, so for us to make a change it would have to be something that we really felt would help us." HoopsWorld.com

76ers: Yes, there have been discussions between the teams that have included Andre Iguodala, but no, the 76ers aren't going to give him away for long-term cap relief and nothing else. As of Tuesday, one source described these talks as dormant, if not dead. ESPN.com

A league source informed me that a possible three-way deal involving the Wizards, New York and Houston "doesn't have legs right now." Yahoo! Sports NBA columnist Adrian Wojnarowski reported on Wednesday that the Knicks, Rockets and Wizards "are in the discussion stages of a complicated" trade that would send Tracy McGrady to the Knicks, Caron Butler and Brendan Haywood to the Rockets and Al Harrington to the Wizards. Another source confirmed the discussions, but added that nothing is imminent. Washington Post

Sources with knowledge of the McGrady discussions say there are five teams realistically in play with eight days left until the deadline: New York, Washington, Chicago, Philadelphia and Phoenix. ESPN.com

Jamison continues to be linked to Cleveland. But the league source said that while the teams have talked, the Cavaliers have yet to present an offer to get a deal done. That could change in the next week, but is growing less likely with Cleveland having the best record in the league and on a 12-game winning streak -- with Mo Williams and Delonte West sidelined. Washington Post

The Wizards appear to be open to the salary cap relief that comes from an expiring deal, which means that Dallas also remains a possible destination for Butler. The Mavericks have been slumping miserably of late, and are coming off humiliating 36-point loss to Denver last night. They are offering Josh Howard, who is having an awful season and has complained about his role. Howard essentially has an expiring deal, since there is a team option on his $11.8-million salary next season. Washington Post

Cuban isn't convinced that many teams will just cut bait to get under the luxury tax. Maybe most of the high-priced talent stays put to use in sign-and-trade scenarios this summer. An all-out fire sale my not be on the horizon, at least not this month. "I really don't know," Cuban said. "It depends on who different owners perceive what collective bargaining is going to be. I really don't know." NBA.com

Tayshaun Prince hears the trade rumors, but he doesn't pay attention to them. His family, well, that's a different story. His family and friends in Los Angeles constantly are checking in, wondering if the latest rumor is true. "There was some talk last year and the year before, but so much more this year and that's why it's been bothering them," said Prince, who appears expendable because of his contract status (one year left, while making $11 million per season). "Last year there were reports of me going to L.A., and they were going crazy about that. It's just part of the business and we'll see what happens." Detroit News

Tim Kawakami: Just got a hold of agent Bill Duffy, who reps Biedrins & Randolph. Duffy: "Neither player has expressed an interest in being moved." Twitter.com

Tim Kawakami: Duffy says he doesn't know what W's will do, but says Biedrins especially is loyal to W's & wants to "fight through it" & win here. Twitter.com

Danny Ainge tells WEEI that he's had no discussions with the Charlotte Bobcats. Twitter.com

"I'm working out trying to get my knee better, enjoying the new gig and seeing if it'll lead to something in the future," Szczerbiak told ESPN.com, adding that he wouldn't hesitate to report to a new team and attempt a comeback if he was part of a sign-and-trade deal. "Of course, if that opportunity arises, I'd have to go take the physical -- that's the drill -- and see what happens. I definitely wouldn't be opposed to it. I'm moving around well, but we'd have to see as far as stuff like back-to-backs. It might take some time to see where I'm at," Szczerbiak said. ESPN.com

The rights to this pick belong to the Utah Jazz, who acquired it from Phoenix after Isiah Thomas sent it to the Suns seven years ago to acquire Stephon Marbury. Utah general manager Kevin O'Connor always says he will listen to any and all offers, but there's no realistic chance the Jazz -- who have been waiting patiently for five years for this pick to come their way -- will part with what could end up as a very high lottery pick. ESPN.com

Former Michigan State guard Kelvin Torbert never made it in the NBA, but found a home overseas. The former Flint Northwestern standout is averaging about 14 points for Dexia Mons-Hainaut, a pro team in Belgium. Tolbert, 26, told Dime Magazine he's matured since his college days, when he had the "wrong mindset" after a successful high school career. "I got caught up listening to the wrong outside people that were always telling me how good I was, and not listening to the people that were telling me the truth," Torbert told the magazine. Detroit News

A quick note from the Lakers' morning shootaround at EnergySolutions Arena: Kobe Bryant did not participate in the team's hour-long session. Coach Phil Jackson told reporters he has not spoken with Bryant today but didn't expect him to play in tonight's game against the Jazz. Salt Lake Tribune

Celtics captain Paul Pierce will perform against the New Orleans Hornets Wednesday night, then travel to Dallas for NBA All-Star Game activities. "It's getting better, it's still a little sore," Pierce said of his left foot sprain. "I'm hoping over the break, with some time off, I can continue the process of getting better. Definitely, the weekend is going to help. I plan on playing tonight and plan on being in the All-Star game, plan on being in everything." Boston Globe

Aggrey Sam: From the Colangelo/Coach K/USA Basketball teleconference earlier today: Durant is a top-10 player, Rondo was "unresponsive," Bynum declined. Twitter.com

Want to coach the Nets for a day? Do that x’s and o’s thing with John Loyer? Tell CDR he’s not playing? Set the snooze alarm for TWill or maybe even concoct a secret deal with Del Harris? Here’s your chance! Zappo’s, a Nets sponsor, is running a nationwide contest: “Do you want to be a coach for a day?” Winner and guest “will be whisked off to New Jersey…to rub elbows with Kiki Vandeweghe”. Really…it’s true. NetsDaily.com

Bryan Colangelo, the Raptors president and general manager, isn’t going anywhere anytime soon. While various rumours emanating from the New York area have had the soon-to-be-owner of the New Jersey Nets eyeing Colangelo as a candidate to resurrect that sad-sack franchise, Richard Peddie, the club’s CEO, said Wednesday the speculation is wrong-headed. Toronto Star

“Bryan knows he’s coming back, and he’s going to be our general manager through the remainder of this year and next season. That’s official,” said Peddie. Said Colangelo: “I’m very pleased that that’s the decision that’s been made. And I’m thankful to the board for their vote of confidence.” “I’ve expressed my commitment to this city and this franchise and the fans, and hope it’s an even longer-term scenario in the future. For now, to take this step ... I’m very pleased.” Toronto Star

Chicago center Brad Miller has found at least one positive if an NBA lockout results in the 2011-12 season not starting on time. Miller, you see, is an avid outdoorsman. "I might start planning some hunting trips just in case,'' he said. "Great hunting season, October and November. White tail. Elk. Deer. Everything.'' Miller, then a rookie, is one of 41 active players remaining from the NBA's last lockout of 1998-99. It wiped out the first three months of the season, and the league played a condensed 50-game schedule. "Geez, we're fossils,'' said Phoenix guard Steve Nash, a third-year man in 1998-99, said of that figure, which is down a year ago from 55 remaining players. FanHouse.com

"It's very, very possible there's going to be a lockout,'' said Billups, a second-year man during the last one. "The only thing I tell guys is, 'Save your money so you'll be able to withstand however long it is.''' FanHouse.com

Carl Braun, who played in five consecutive All-Star games as a member of the New York Knicks, died Wednesday of natural causes. He was 82. Braun died in Florida, the team said. He is the second former Knicks star to die in a week. Hall of Famer Dick McGuire passed away last Wednesday. ESPN.com

The Houston Rockets are in the discussion stages of a complicated, three-team trade that would send Tracy McGrady to the New York Knicks, sources told Yahoo! Sports. Yahoo! Sports

The centerpieces of the trade would include the Washington Wizards shipping forward Caron Butler and center Brendan Haywood to the Rockets. The Knicks would send Al Harrington to the Wizards. For the Wizards’ part, they would still need another player, as well as a draft pick and cash to make this a workable scenario, sources said. Yahoo! Sports

However, Walsh also acknowledged that if one of the top-drawer 2010 free agents suddenly pops on the market, he’ll listen. "I don’t expect players of that caliber to be traded because their own team wants to keep them," he said. "If they decide they can’t keep them, they’re going to reach out and try to make trades." Bergen Record

The one such player who could be moved, Amar’e Stoudemire, is of little interest to the Knicks and the coaching staff that had him in Phoenix. Bergen Record

Miami Heat president Pat Riley has emerged as one of the most determined pursuers of Phoenix Suns forward Amar’e Stoudemire, proposing several different packages that make available any of his players short of Dwyane Wade, league sources told Yahoo! Sports. Yahoo! Sports

The Heat have discussed several scenarios with the Suns, including packages that include combinations of young players (Michael Beasley, Dorell Wright) and expiring contracts (Jermaine O’Neal and Quentin Richardson). The Heat are also willing to part with their 2010 first-round draft pick. ”Nobody is pushing harder on this than Riley,” one league source said. Yahoo! Sports

League sources say the Suns are dubious the Heat can present the best possible package for Stoudemire, and aren’t enamored with any of the combinations. Still, Miami is near, or at, the top of Stoudemire’s preferred destinations and he would assuredly sign an extension to play with Wade there. Several suitors have been frightened away from seriously bidding on Stoudemire, because they don’t want to give up valued assets for a short-term rental. The Suns are taking a gamble should they keep Stoudemire past the trade deadline. Yahoo! Sports

As the Heat struggle, Riley is motivated to get a complementary frontcourt star to persuade Wade to re-sign with Miami this summer. Riley knows Wade is frustrated with the Heat’s struggles. Miami is clinging to the eight playoff spot in the Eastern Conference, and ended a five-game losing streak on Tuesday with a victory over the Houston Rockets. Yahoo! Sports

The Suns are believed to be in discussions with as many as six teams, although more may yet show themselves before the Feb. 18 trade deadline. The Philadelphia 76ers remain involved, but have rejected the Suns’ attempts to attach guard Jason Richardson to a larger package that would include Samuel Dalembert and Andre Iguodala. League sources say the Sacramento Kings also have discussed a package that would include sending Kevin Martin to the Suns for Stoudemire. Yahoo! Sports

And General Manager Steve Kerr, the one who would call such a shot, is as excited as anyone about the team's and Stoudemire's upswing. "It's definitely a lot easier to make a move when things are not going well, when you're all out of whack," Kerr said. "Then it's much easier to just go ahead and do something. When things are going well, you're much more likely to keep going down that path. "But you always have to weigh everything going forward. In the future, where does it leave you at the end of the year? Where does it leave you next year? We have lots to consider." Arizona Republic

Kerr declined to comment on where the team stands regarding a possible contract extension for Stoudemire. Kerr said all teams are "a little hesitant to do much going far forward" because of the unknown of an expiring collective-bargaining agreement in the summer of 2011. That could lead to anything from a lockout to a hard salary cap, changing the dynamics of every payroll. "If you really lock yourself in long term with a lot of big contracts, then you might find yourself in some trouble," said Kerr, who is in the last year of his contract. "There's no way of knowing it, whereas in the past, you knew what you were dealing with. Right now it's a little bit of a grey area where we're heading." Arizona Republic

The Cavs have kept in touch with the Washington Wizards in talks about Antawn Jamison and the Philadelphia 76ers about Andre Iguodala, but neither appear close. The Wizards are sending out signals that they want to keep Jamison. Cleveland Plain Dealer

According to sources, the Cavs have made some progress in talks with the Indiana Pacers over power forward Troy Murphy. But the Pacers, like many teams, still want Hickson. The Pacers, a source said, are also in talks with the Milwaukee Bucks and Sacramento Kings involving Murphy and both teams can offer expiring contracts. Cleveland Plain Dealer

League executives who have been speaking with the Cavs and other sources also involved in talks say that whether or not the Cavs make a deal may come down to J.J. Hickson. Simply, several teams want Hickson included in any trade package and, to this point, the Cavs have been balking at many of them. Hickson is not untouchable, but the team has made it clear in talks that it would take a special offer to get him. Cleveland Plain Dealer

The Cavs had hoped to force some teams to make a decision on offers by this week, prior to the All-Star Game. But right now, executives say, the market is frozen as everyone is waiting for the first move. The Cavs, however, have stood firm to the position that they are willing to take on money past this season but unwilling to offer up their talented young forward. Cleveland Plain Dealer

Former Cav Wally Szczerbiak has been working as a college basketball analyst this season for CBS College Sports Network. But in a phone interview from his New York area home Tuesday, Szczerbiak said he's still rehabbing from knee surgery and would take part in a sign-and-trade deal if one develops before next week. The Cavs have Szczerbiak's "Bird" rights, meaning they can use him as part of a trade. It would be an option if the Cavs wanted to make a significant deal without trading Zydrunas Ilgauskas. Such a deal might make sense, because it could be pro-rated. "I'm still open do it, I've stayed in shape and I'm ready and willing," Szczerbiak said. "I'm leaving it in my agent's hands and the dialogue is open." Cleveland Plain Dealer

Trade rumors are swirling around the Pistons, but Ben Gordon is at ease. He went through this and more while with the Bulls. If there was a class Tayshaun Prince and Richard Hamilton could take on dealing with trade rumors, Gordon could be the instructor. "If you read all the articles and listen to the commentators, it can drive you crazy," Gordon said Monday. "In this business, it's a part of everyday life." Detroit News

Allen has an expiring $19.7 million contract that, for the right team, could create a large amount of cap space this summer. According to NBA sources, Ainge is not shopping Allen and he told his veteran guard that much in a conversation last week. Boston Globe

But those same sources said Ainge is listening to offers on Allen, whose play has declined this season and whose contract will become increasingly enticing in the next eight days. Boston Globe

If the Celtics trade Allen, the only way he could return is on a mid-level exception deal - approximately $5.8 million - because the Celtics still would be over the salary cap. According to the sources, Ainge is not eager to move Allen and would do so only if he could get a proven scorer with a manageable contract who is considerably younger. A possible trade partner could be Sacramento, with shooting guard Kevin Martin, who is signed for three more years as part of a five-year, $55 million package. Martin has been an awkward fit for the Kings since the emergence of rookie Tyreke Evans. It is unclear whether Martin can mesh with a score-first point guard such as Evans. Boston Globe

Boston is legitimately interested in Martin, but that scenario doesn't look likely to go anywhere at the moment. A source close to the Celtics said they have not spoken to the Kings, but the two teams will likely talk soon. Sacramento Bee

But acquiring Martin might be contingent on accepting the contract of Andres Nocioni, who has two more years on his deal. According to Celtics sources, the organization is not interested in taking on “bad contracts’’ that could hurt salary cap space. Also, the Kings are seeking a legitimate center to play alongside cornerstone Jason Thompson and aren’t eager to deal Martin if they can’t get one in return. Boston Globe

The Kings remain quiet, at least as it pertains to Martin. There is no reason to think basketball president Geoff Petrie is motivated in the slightest bit to move him before the Feb. 18 deadline. Translation: "Dead as Chelsea's nuts." That's how Petrie answered my question about Martin and potential trade talks in late January, when I knew the gist of what he meant but had to chuckle at how he so consistently finds confusing ways to say simple things. Sacramento Bee

Gabe Kahn informs me that a Celtics scout was at the Kings game last night (where Martin scored 9 of his 17 points in overtime). It should be noted, however, that the Celtics play the Kings on Tuesday, so this could simply be advance scouts. CelticsBlog.com

Meanwhile, ESPN.com reported that the Celtics were talking with the Charlotte Bobcats about sending Glen Davis to North Carolina for reserve point guard D.J. Augustin. According to NBA sources, the talks have not reached the serious stage, and Ainge told the Globe Saturday that the team is satisfied with its frontcourt depth. Boston Globe

Jared Dudley: I heard my boy DJ Augustine might go to Boston for Big Baby.I hope they pull the trigger..I know it's been a frustrating time for him in CHA. Twitter.com

My discoveries are sure to crush those of you online and in the radio realm who have been clamoring for a Martin-for-Al Jefferson deal or even a Martin-for Kevin Love deal. But don't hold your breath. Despite sources close to the T-Wolves recently saying they had discussed adding Martin, those discussions apparently didn't wind up with the conclusion that he is destined to be a T-Wolf. There is no interest in him. Sacramento Bee

But making either of those deals happen is easier said than done. If the Nuggets are not willing to trade mercurial scorer J.R. Smith, and it doesn't look like they are, they don't have much value to offer. Denver Post

According to CBSSports.com, the Los Angeles Clippers' Marcus Camby could return to the Nuggets in a deal. But according to an NBA source, don't expect Denver to make a trade for the pricey Camby. Denver Post

According to Chicago newspapers, another big man being shopped is athletic big man Tyrus Thomas of the Bulls. But Thomas clashing with coach Vinny Del Negro over playing time shows he has a volatile personality that might not fit with the Nuggets, according to the source. Denver Post

With eight days to go until the NBA trading deadline, George Karl has mixed feelings about whether the Nuggets should make a deal. "I'm 50-50," the Nuggets coach said Tuesday, just before his team blew out the Mavericks to improve to 35-17, the second-best record in the West. "Fifty percent says I don't think anything's going to happen and that's not bad. And there's 50 percent of me every once in a while, after a loss, that goes, 'I wish I had another half a body.' "I'm sure our phones will be a part of the participation but I'm not sure anything will get done." Denver Post

One player the Pacers have been getting a lot of calls about is center Roy Hibbert. The teams that have inquired about Hibbert have been getting the cold shoulder because the Pacers consider him one of their young core pieces. Indianapolis Star

Two league sources said the Magic is one of many teams the Bulls have talked to in their attempts to pare payroll before the Feb. 18 trade deadline. Guard Anthony Johnson has an expiring contract and the Bulls are making John Salmons and Tyrus Thomas available to any takers. Chicago Tribune

The Warriors were in talks with the league late Friday about the possibility of keeping Anthony Tolliver. The forward's second and final 10-day deal expires today, and the team already has the league maximum 15 guaranteed contracts. "We're in concert right now with the league and with the agents, working toward the objective of keeping everybody who is healthy," Riley said. San Francisco Chronicle

Do you ever get a sense from talking to him about whether he’s content to stay in Spain, or if he ever might still be interested in coming over to the NBA at some point in the future? Pete Mickeal: I speak to Fran every day, he has the next locker to me, so I probably have more communication with him than most of the other guys. The thing about the Orlando situation is that he’s never commented on it. He has never said one word about it, and with me, if a guy doesn’t say anything about it, I’m not going to force him to talk about it (laughs). He hasn’t said one word about it, ever. The Painted Area

So we’re wondering if you still have NBA aspirations, or if you’re more comfortable in Europe, where your market value may be higher at this point? Pete Mickeal: Well, I get asked this question a lot, I’ve kind of learned how to answer this question. There’s no aspirations for Europe, there’s no aspirations for NBA. What it is, is every year finding the best possible situation for myself. We’re not only talking about money, we’re talking about living conditions, we’re talking about a chance to win championships, we’re talking about a chance to re-sign for more years. Those are the keys for me. The Painted Area

Pete Mickeal: It’s not only about if somebody in the NBA offers me a contract. First of all, it would have to be enough to at least be the same as my contract here, because of the taxes being so high in the States. You get 45% taxes and another 10% for your retirement fund and that’s 55% of your money already gone. And you get paid in dollars. So those are different things on the business side that I understand. The fact that you have to pay your agent in the States, you have to pay so much in taxes, and it’s a different style of living. For me, I’m very comfortable here in Europe, and I’m also comfortable living in the States playing in the NBA. It’s two great markets. Anybody would be blessed to be in the situation to have both sides wanting you. So that’s the way I look at it – as a blessing more than anything. I don’t really look at it as do I want to be in the NBA or do I want to be in Europe. Every year I’m searching for the best possible situation, and this year I found a great situation here at FC Barcelona. The Painted Area

	Want to follow HoopsHype.com on Twitter too? Click here.

In his first comments since serving a one-game suspension for berating Bulls coach Vinny Del Negro over a lack of playing time, forward Tyrus Thomas told the Tribune he has "no regrets" over the incident. Those two words might have represented the longest of Thomas' answers. Here's the transcript of the interview, conducted before Tuesday's game against the Pacers: Tribune: Do you have any regrets over the incident? Thomas: "No regrets." Tribune: How do you move forward from it? Thomas: "Ain't nothing to harp on. It's over with." Tribune: Are you frustrated? Thomas: "Nah. I'm just going to play. There's nothing to be frustrated about." Tribune: Vinny has said he has a clean slate with you. Do you believe him? Thomas: "If that's what he said, then that's what it is. It's over with. There's nothing to talk about. It's all good." Chicago Tribune

Travis Heath: Jason Kidd leaves before media were allowed in the locker room. Obvious frustration for the Mavs right now. Twitter.com

With the talent they have they should win at least 5-10 games simply by just being halfway decent at home. Catching teams on back-to-backs or with Manhattan hangovers and stuff like that. "I don't see why they are where they are at this poing in the season," LeBron said. "I've never been a part of anything like that so I can't relate to it, but I know it is tough." Cleveland Plain Dealer

Very subtly, Douglas-Roberts had suggested that he was not happy with his role even before he was demoted. His outspokenness, including his habit of taking to the Web to post his feelings, has annoyed the team, particularly Vandeweghe. Douglas-Roberts had a sit-down recently with team president Rod Thorn. He also said he's spoken to Vandeweghe on numerous occasions but that those conversations "don't do anything." New York Daily News

Then Douglas-Roberts sent one more not-so-subtle message that says a lot about the relationship he has with his coach. "Everything is all right," he said. "Me and Rod are all right." New York Daily News

Howard hasn't made a public outcry about not starting. He rarely says much anyway. Earlier this month, Howard did tell NBA.com that the Mavericks "didn't give me a reason why they ain't starting me. I ain't cussing. I ain't been fussing. I ain't been tripping." Though he's certainly not excited about coming off the bench, he hasn't been disruptive among his teammates. That's an improvement from his past and a win-win situation for Howard and the Mavericks moving forward. Dallas Morning News

The Hawks beat the Bulls 91-81 last week and it was the type of game where Rose, had he been more vocal, might have gotten in his teammates' faces, told them man-up and, possibly, help sneak out of A-town with a victory. Yeah he's young, but Chris Paul would have been collaring his guys in the same situation and, yes, I'm comparing the two, because Rose is that good. For Rose, it's more than a responsibility. It's like a chore. "It's hard, real hard," he said. "Yeah, I'm naturally quiet, it's just something I have to grow into." NBA.com

Taking on a more vocal role, he says, will come in time. Lindsey Hunter, a veteran's veteran, says that he can already see young D easing into the leadership role. Rose, according to Hunter, is the one who addresses the team before games. That actually blew my mind, since it's hard to even fathom a silent kid like Rose gathering the troops and giving them a good talking to. But if Hunter says so, I believe him. The odd thing is that Rose didn't exactly back that up when I talked to him. "I'm still young, so a lot of the leadership I leave to the older guys," he said. "I just try to work on my game and help my team on the floor." NBA.com

Fesenko was believed to have missed the early bus to Staples Center -- possibly as a result of miscommunication -- but Sloan's patience with the 23-year-old center clearly was running short by the end of the night. "Fes has got to learn to be a little bit more accountable for being late a time or two and some of those things," Sloan said. "If he's going to play in this league and he doesn't like what we do, that's fine, I don't have a problem with that. "But if he's going to stay involved and try to understand what's going on ... He's got talent, but it's important for him to stay focused on what we're trying to do and not be jackpotting around. "I mean, he's a young guy and it's like he already has the answers to what's going on out there and I haven't always seen that in practice and some of his workouts. He'll tell you he works hard, but I've seen guys work hard. I'm not totally blind." Salt Lake Tribune

"I'm put on the floor for a job and that's to be aggressive, play defense," said Davis. "I'm basically an energy guy. That's what I do. If I don't go out there and be aggressive, I'm not helping my team out. Being aggressive is -- if you have an open shot, take it; if you have a post-up, take it. Me not using my talents is not helping this team. "I have a role, but at the same time I can do other things. You do your role, but you also do what helps this team. That's my mentality, since a couple of games ago, to realize the fact that I can play this game. It wasn't too long ago that I was a key factor in helping us win and I know I can [help us win in the future]. I'm not helping my team if I'm not using my talent." ESPN.com

Kevin Durant's pre-game warmup routine had all of the best elements of LeBron James's without all of the worst elements. Although he wasn't particularly hot while warming up, it was a pretty captivating performance. His eyes were locked in and his manner was no-nonsense as he worked through standstill shots, game situation shots, and pull-ups off the dribble. He even practiced squatting into his sweep through move (a little trick that earned him 3 free throws during the game). His focus was continuous and he would react with frustration just about any time he missed more than one shot in a row. At one point, nearly two hours before the game, Durant punched a ball in disgust, sending it flying about 35 feet into the third row. He was really, truly angry at himself for missing a meaningless warmup jumper. BlazersEdge.com

After the ballboy retrieved it, Durant apologized for the inconvenience and admitted his frustration over missing the shot to the young teenager. You can imagine the ballboy's reaction. Shock. Watching that competitiveness and self-awareness side-by-side was pretty amazing. BlazersEdge.com

As a general rule, visiting players and media typically rarely interact on the court prior to games. If they do, it's the media who initiates the conversation and not the other way around. Generally speaking there's a glass wall between the two groups, at least until the players return to the locker room and are briefly available for questions. An important corollary to this protocol: the better a player, the more likely he is to keep to himself and the more likely the media is to respect his privacy during warm-ups. That's just how things are done. BlazersEdge.com

So imagine my surprise when Durant saunters past Dwight Jaynes and me. We are, as is custom, watching his team warm up intently but without intruding. Out of the blue, Durant offers a "How y'all doin' tonight?" as polite and genuine as can be. It goes without saying that it takes a lot to impress Dwight, who has been to more than 1,000 NBA games in person. I would venture to say that even Dwight was impressed by this unusual and unsolicited politeness from one of the league's best. I certainly was. The determination, the personality, the likeability, the effortless scoring, the developing leadership. He is the real freaking deal. BlazersEdge.com

This will be Iverson's 11th straight All-Star appearance, and the first by a Sixer since 2006. "Our understanding is, he will still be an All-Star," league spokesman Tim Frank said last night in an e-mail. Philadelphia Daily News

A source familiar with the Sixers' situation said Iverson intends to make his All-Star appearance. Philadelphia Daily News

Chauncey Billups and Carmelo Anthony will play in the NBA All-Star Game, though it's understandable that the Nuggets have discussed resting them because of their ankle injuries. But both played Tuesday against the Mavericks and should be able to play Thursday against the Spurs, Denver's last game before the all-star break. "I don't deny (that rest) has been talked about, but I think that conversation for me will be Sunday morning," said Denver coach George Karl, who will coach the Western Conference all-stars in Sunday's game in Arlington, Texas. "I'll ask, 'How much do you want to play, guys?' I think it's an advantage (being the coach). Chauncey's made it very clear to me that he wants to play, but we'll see his ankle in his next two games." Denver Post

They head into the All-Star break at 19-32. Evans will be going to Dallas this weekend to compete in the rookie-sophomore game. It's no big deal, getting picked to play with other rookies against second-year players. John Wall already has a spot in next year's game in L.A. The key is getting to the point where Evans will put on a uniform on Sunday at All-Star weekend. "Maybe next year I'll make the game," he said. "That's on another level." New York Daily News

Marc Berman: Nate Robinson (hamstring) said he will make decision on All-Star Slam Dunk after game. Doesn't want to jeopardize playoff run. Twitter.com

"He has to tell me how he feels," D'Antoni said. "I have no idea how he feels. And if it bothers him, obviously the best thing to do is to rest it. But if he's OK to compete, it's a fun weekend and the NBA has asked him to do something and he's the defending [champion] -- so I can understand why he wants to. But he has to know his body and know what's best for him." New York Post

What’s the gameplan for Friday? Are you going to show everything you have or are you going to save something in case you make it to Saturday’s main event? DeMar DeRozan: I’m going to try to save as much as I can for Saturday so I won’t have to give away too much. HoopsHype.com

What are your thoughts on Eric Gordon, your opponent, as a dunker? DeMar DeRozan: I think he’s a great player. Awesome scorer. Big guard scorer. But I think he’d say the same – he’s really not too much into dunking. It should be interesting how it plays out. Has he done any dunks that have opened your eyes? DeMar DeRozan: He’ll definitely catch you off guard, especially on the fastbreak. He can get up (and) dunk the ball every now and then, but nothing too spectacular. HoopsHype.com

Bryant will pass him the ball during the competition maybe even do more, such as serve as a prop. “Everybody has been throwing me stuff and Kobe was coming up with some stuff while we were practicing out here,” Brown said. “So we got a lot of great ideas and we still got a couple more days of practice.” Orange County Register

Dave McMenamin: Fisher was asked if he's given Shannon any dunk contest pointers: "Not at all. I don't even know what the air smells like that high." Twitter.com

Mavericks owner Mark Cuban said today's superstars don't have an obligation to the fans or the game to participate in All-Star extracurriculars (for the record, Cuban believes players owe fans good health for the stretch run). Cuban did, however, have an idea that just might entice the upper crust to give the dunk contest a go. It's just too bad Cuban never followed Shaq's lead and actually floated the idea publicly. "It’s not like it didn’t cross my mind to do something where it's All-Star picks only, million-dollar, one dunk, charity-of-your-choice, winner take all," Cuban said. "How fun would that be? That’s not to say we still won’t offer it up." ESPN.com

Anthony Randolph will have his injured left ankle in a protective walking boot for an additional 30 days, the Warriors announced Friday, a setback that will probably cost the forward the rest of the season and adds another roadblock to potential trades. San Francisco Chronicle

Randolph was playing some of the best basketball of his career, scoring in double figures in 10 of the 11 games before the Sacramento game. He was averaging 13.2 points and 6.6 rebounds in 28.2 minutes per game during the stretch. "It's very disappointing to have to sit and watch the team, especially with all the struggles we're going through," Randolph said. "I can't even really describe how bad it feels." San Francisco Chronicle

Warriors guard Monta Ellis might play in tonight's game against the Los Angeles Clippers, as the MRI on his left knee Tuesday revealed a mild sprain. He is listed as questionable but will be evaluated before the game to determine if he can play. Ellis has missed two of the Warriors' 50 games, both last month because of a sprained right ankle. "He's the heart and soul of this team," Warriors guard Anthony Morrow said. "You see the work he does night in and night out. It would be tough for us (if he's out)." Oakland Tribune

As Odom stood in the hallway at the team's practice facility Tuesday, with his foot taped and an electronic muscle stimulator connected to his foot, he was adamant about playing against the Jazz. "I'm not missing the game," he said. "I'll be fine. We need the bodies." The Lakers basically have played the last two games without injured starters Kobe Bryant and Bynum. Los Angeles Times

The optimistic projections of point guard Mario Chalmers missing only a week with his sprained left thumb have given way to the reality that Chalmers will not return at least until the Feb. 16 resumption of play following the All-Star break. "He's still in a temporary brace, doing a lot of conditioning," Spoelstra said. "I imagine if it's up to him, he'll get healthy as soon as he can, because we're running him into the ground. The objective is to get him in better shape after this than he was when he was playing." South Florida Sun-Sentinel

LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and Kobe Bryant joined six others from the reigning Olympic champions who are among 27 players on the U.S. national team roster. The players chosen Wednesday will be candidates for this summer's world championships and the 2012 Olympics in London. Also returning from the team that ended the Americans' eight-year gold medal drought in major competitions are: Chris Bosh, Chris Paul, Dwight Howard, Carmelo Anthony, Deron Williams and Carlos Boozer. ESPN.com

FanHouse has learned the Denver Nuggets point guard has agreed to have his name in a list of about 25 players that will be announced Wednesday by USA Basketball. The pool of players, which USA Basketball chairman Jerry Colangelo said could number as many as 28, eventually will be cut to 12 for the Aug. 28-Sept. 12 World Championships. FanHouse.com

I still haven't found one NBA scout, general manager or player personnel director who will tell me they will take anyone other than Kentucky's John Wall No. 1 in the draft, assuming he declares. Ohio State's Evan Turner might win the national player of the year award, but he won't supplant Wall as the top pick. Even if a team like Utah, which has Deron Williams as its lead guard, were to get the top pick (it holds New York's unprotected pick), the Jazz would take Wall. ESPN.com

Jonathan Givony: FMP Zeleznik head coach Vlado Djurovic: "Miroslav Raduljica is not interested in playing in the NBA. He will go to a big team in Europe." Twitter.com

On your blog on HoopsHype, you mentioned that you call him “Rock Star”. What’s the craziest scene of fans interacting with Ricky Rubio that you’ve seen in Spain? Pete Mickeal: Well, he’s got the long, bushy hair and he wears his shorts down… down low (laughs) – and the Rock Star thing came in our first game of the year. We played a team in Galicia, a northern part of Spain, and I saw two girls actually… I mean… I mean… whoa… I don’t know if they passed out, but it was very close to that. I mean, it was unbelievable. I just couldn’t believe it. There were people when we opened the door to come out of our hotel room, and they were already there on the floor. We couldn’t even go to the elevator because they were waiting to see him. And I’ve seen girls... this girl’s face was so red, and she broke down, on the ground. On the ground! Like, two of them – they broke down on the ground. It was unbelievable. I’ve never seen anything like that in basketball. The Painted Area

Maybe they're already looking for his replacement, or home like so many others watching TV rather than the Clippers. Too bad because Hughes is refreshingly appealing, saying before Tuesday night's game he was going to tell Utah Coach Jerry Sloan that Sloan has always been his idol. At one point in his pregame interview with the media, he says, "I know nothing," in response to a question about his chances of retaining the job of head coach, and then laughs when he realizes he has told the media, "I know nothing." Los Angeles Times

He's so new to the job as head coach he hasn't learned yet to lie or speak in clichés. "I'm honest," is how he puts it, "and I need to get better." Better? "Maybe become more tactful," he says, after saying earlier his team lacks chemistry, the players don't know the plays and "we have a trust issue." Los Angeles Times

The report said Vandeweghe and Warren LeGarie – the agent for both men – told Harris how this would play out. Harris was quoted saying, “Kiki and Warren were adamant I not say anything about the plan so as not to undermine it; that it was totally understood between us.” Vandeweghe denied telling Harris anything and said he didn’t have the authority. “There was absolutely no promise made,” Vandeweghe said. “We’ve been friends for over 30 years. I have the utmost respect for him as a coach and professional and a teacher.” Bergen Record

Thorn and Vandeweghe talked briefly Tuesday, according to sources and probably will speak about the matter again. Thorn also reached out to Harris, a source said. “At this point I want to talk to the people involved and see what the story is,” Thorn said. Bergen Record

Thorn’s future – he’s in the final year of his contract – will be discussed and Vandeweghe’s status likely will be broached. People close to Thorn believe he wants his situation squared away before any other decisions are made, but some things that have happened this season don’t reflect well on him, either. Bergen Record

It appears there was a power struggle that existed between Thorn and Vandeweghe last season, sources said. They’re closer now, but the marriage isn’t expected to last much longer. Bergen Record

Cuban and other NBA owners are prevented from discussing the league's current labor negotiations due to a gag order from the league office, but the Dallas Mavericks owner still had plenty to say. One particular comment serves as a fresh warning not only to NFL players, but indirectly to those in the NBA as well. "Can't comment on the NBA, but re the other leagues, if the NFL is looking at a stoppage when they just had the biggest audience in the history of television, that tells you that just maybe the cap approach to their economics might not work," Cuban wrote to CBSSports.com. "I wrote a blog post a few yrs back saying that NHL players lost more than 1 billion in wages for their missed season. It could be more than that if the NFL walks out. The players can't ever get that money back. Their playing time is perishable. That's an awful big hit for players to take and very difficult to justify in any quantitative analysis." CBSSports.com

Rockets second-year center Joey Dorsey was selected the team representative to the player's union on Tuesday, though he is not sure how or why. “I just heard about it today, and I heard about it from my agent,” Dorsey said. “None of the guys on the team told me. I guess because I was in the D-League All-Star game.” Houston Chronicle

BBC veteran Arlo White has been named to replace Kevin Calabro as the radio and television voice of Seattle Sounders FC. The Olympian

Finally, when ESPN sought his services for an NBA conference final that would have demanded two weekends and a full week at the end of May, Calabro hit a roadblock that the Sounders didn’t want to work around. “They needed a guy that’s hungry and driven and passionate about soccer and who is available 24/7 to do the soccer,” he said. “That’s the bottom line, and I was not going to be available 24/7 to do the soccer. And while I like the sport, I certainly don’t have the same passion for that sport that I do for NBA and college basketball.” The Olympian

It’s over 2 hours long, has three Oscar winners and maybe 25 actors you’ll recognize in the cast. But contrary to what Orlando Magic all-star center Dwight Howard had hoped, his cameo didn’t make the final cut of Garry Marshall’s All-star romantic comedy, Valentine’s Day. So many scenes, so many cameos, only two hours and five minutes to get them in. He’s on the cutting room floor. Maybe on the DVD we’ll see him. Orlando Sentinel

San Antonio Spurs guard George Hill is apologizing for nude pictures of himself that were recently posted online. In a statement issued by the team Tuesday, Hill said: "A year ago I made a mistake and take full responsibility for my actions. I have matured and learned from this episode." Hill apologized to his girlfriend, family, the Spurs and fans. ESPN.com

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