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Monday, March 8

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Last update: 5:17 pm ET

The Warriors won't be spending this summer -- they're capped out, and even if they weren't, nobody on the elite list of free agents is coming anywhere near them. To fix this, they have to start dealing. "We'll explore the (trade) market," general manager Larry Riley said last week. "We'll do everything we can. I'm not sure we can make the trade we want, but we're going to try like the dickens to make one." NBA.com

The Warriors will almost certainly have to move Ellis, whom a lot of teams like, even at $11 million a year through 2014. There will be too many teams that lose out on the LeBron-Wade-Bosh Sweepstakes this summer, and they'll need to make a big move to placate their fans. Golden State should be a trading destination for a lot of teams. But Nelson is the elephant in the room. Would Riley get rid of his good friend in order to provide the necessary housecleaning the franchise desperately needs? NBA.com

The Sixers are in the bottom third of the league in scoring, and are in the bottom half defensively -- an area Stefanski says has to be improved this summer. He also says he hasn't talked about next season with Iverson, but there's no way the Sixers are going to re-do that decision. "When he came here," Stefanski said, "we needed a spark in the worst way, and he gave it to us on the court. And he showed some of the young guys what it takes to play in the league. He had his knee drained four times just to get out there." NBA.com

Former NBA All-Star Stephon Marbury has failed to help his new team, Shanxi Zhongyu, to qualify for the CBA play-offs. Marbury has made good numbers in China (23.1 points, 9.4 assists y 6.2 rebounds), but it's not happy with the cold weather of Shanxi province, and has demanded $2 million to continue next year. Marbury is earning $25K a month right now, since signing for the Chinese team a month and a half ago. The Hoops Market

Hasheem Thabeet used his Twitter account, bright and early, this morning to announce his return to Memphis from his NBA Development League stint with the Dakota Wizards. The expectation is for Thabeet to receive more playing time so the Griz can see if he's more inspired to play than before. Now that the Griz acknowledged Thabeet as a questionable pick at best; now that the franchise tossed aside whatever PR hit it took from sending the No. 2 pick to the minors, it's time to do the same with the 27th overall pick. Memphis Commercial Appeal

For the second time this season, the Jazz have assigned center Kosta Koufos to the Utah Flash on the NBA Developmental League. Koufos will not make the Jazz's upcoming four-game trip to Chicago, Detroit, Milwaukee and Oklahoma City. Salt Lake Tribune

After the hour-long workout at the Blazers’ practice facility, head coach Nate McMillan met with Morrison – the eccentric 6-8 sharpshooter – in his office where the two “talked for a little bit” about the upcoming draft. “He told me he wanted to pick me if I fell to that spot,” says Morrison, a reserve forward with the Los Angeles Lakers. “He said he’d draft me.” Portland Sentinel

The Miami Heat practiced again Monday without suspended point guard Rafer Alston, whose tenure with the club appears to be over. Alston's suspension was announced late Saturday night after Miami beat Atlanta. After leaving the arena Thursday when the Heat beat the Los Angeles Lakers, a game in which Alston did not play, his lone communication with the team has been by text message. Heat coach Erik Spoelstra says it's "unfortunate that it came to this." Alston has not returned requests for comment. USA Today

Dwight Howard and Orlando Magic fans have some news to celebrate, courtesy of the NBA’s office of discipline. NBA officials informed the Orlando Magic communications staff Monday morning that the all-star center has accrued 13 technical fouls, not 14, as Magic spokesmen thought Sunday afternoon. In an e-mail message sent Monday to Magic Vice President of Communications Joel Glass, an NBA official wrote that a technical foul Howard committed on Feb. 8 against the New Orleans Hornets had been rescinded by Stu Jackson. Orlando Sentinel

Tania Ganguli: "I'm not goin 2 get into a name-calling battle... If thats what u do @ the top, that's what u do. Talk [censored]" barnes on odom's comments. Twitter.com

The Lakers are long gone, but Matt Barnes and the Orlando Magic gave them one more parting shot Monday, just in case they happen to meet again in an NBA Finals rematch. "They aren't going to come in here and punk us,'' Barnes said after practice Monday, still steaming over some of the perceived arrogance the Lakers showed in defeat Sunday. FanHouse

"I have no problem playing physical, but throughout the game, he (Bryant) elbowed me three times. If I did that, I would have been kicked out,'' Barnes said. "(Pau) Gasol takes a swing at Dwight (Howard). If we do that kind of stuff, we get kicked out, suspended. He (Bryant) is the best player. He gets to do whatever he wants. It is what it is.'' FanHouse

"If he's going to throw elbows, I'm not just going to let him do it,'' Barnes said. "Kobe is a killer. He has that killer instinct. If you let him mentally get to you, you don't have a chance.'' FanHouse

Los Angeles Lakers forward Ron Artest, who sported a Dennis Rodman-like yellow hair style on Sunday against the Orlando Magic, said he doesn't mind the comparison. In fact, Artest, who like Rodman is a former Chicago Bulls forward, said he's a long-time Rodman fan. "You can't compare me to a man with five rings," Artest said Monday on "The Waddle & Silvy Show" on ESPN 1000. "But I've never shied away from that Dennis Rodman question. ESPN.com

Dominique Wilkins, winner of the 1985 and 1990 NBA Slam Dunk Contest, thinks LeBron James should step up and dunk one of these years. The contest, which used to feature the game’s biggest names, has taken a hit in recent years. The back-to-back champion after all, Nate Robinson, isn’t even a starter. “I’d love if all the big names got involved again,” Wilkins said from New York, while promoting Panini’s new online card game. “It’s something you can do to give back to the fans.” CNBC.com

San Antonio Spurs guard Tony Parker will miss approximately six weeks with a broken bone in his right hand. Earlier Monday in San Antonio, Parker was examined by Dr. David Green, and the Spurs said the exam confirmed that Parker has an undisplaced, stable fracture of his right fourth metacarpal. ESPN.com

The Golden State Warriors say center Andris Biedrins will need to undergo surgery to repair a small tear of an abdominal muscle. Biedrins was examined Monday by a specialist in Philadelphia who confirmed that he had a sports hernia and the muscle tear. Biedrins will undergo surgery Tuesday. The prognosis for his recovery will be determined after the operation. Biedrins is averaging 5.0 points and 7.8 rebounds in 33 games this season. If he does not return this season, his 16 percent free throw shooting (4-for-25) would be the worst in NBA history for a player with at least 20 attempts. USA Today

Seattle University forward Charles Garcia will be the first player this year to announce he is testing the NBA waters. According to sources close to the situation, Seattle will make an announcement sometime this week. FOX News

According to NBA executives, Garcia is a potential first-round pick in the June NBA Draft. Garcia was slated to go to Washington this season after spending two years in the junior college ranks, but wasn't admitted and chose to go to Seattle University with former Washington assistant Cameron Dollar. FOX News

Kevin Pelton: Whoa, did Goodman say Garcia is a potential 1st-round pick? in December, yes. Not now unless he really kills workouts. Twitter.com

But the Spanish certainly have made up for it by winning the gold medal 2006 World Championships in Japan, when Fernandez averaged 9.1 points, earning silver at the 2008 Olympics in Beijing, when Fernandez averaged 13.1, and taking gold at the 2009 European Championships in Poland, with Fernandez averaging 13.2. Now, he'll try to lead the Spanish to another Worlds gold. "I want to play for the World Championships,'' Fernandez said. "It's a good experience for me. I want to play on the national team, and represent my country.'' FanHouse

There does figure to one major difference for the Spanish this time around. Star center Pau Gasol, the anchor of the team throughout the past decade, is not expected to be in Turkey. "He's probably not going to play,'' Fernandez said. "I respect his decision. He has played a lot of games, playing with the Lakers in the Finals (the past two years). He played last summer (winning MVP at the European Championships). He's not a machine. It's not like he's 18 years old. He's (29). He's got to rest. I understand.'' FanHouse

He's got one eye on Ankara, which is where he and Turkey will face Greece, Russia, China, Puerto Rico and the Ivory Coast in Preliminary Round play at the FIBA World Championship. Ilyasova knows it will be a pivotal time for basketball in Turkey. National team success will win new fans to the sport and reward those supporters who have stuck by the players through thick and thin. It is also a great opportunity to remind everyone of what a wonderful country Turkey is. "I am sure that the championship that we will play in our home will be very exciting," Ilyasova said. "I want to win a medal in my own country with our fans. “Organizing this is very important for Turkish basketball." FIBA.com

Sixers president Ed Stefanski said Monday that management hasn't decided to fire head coach Eddie Jordan at the end of the season. Another source said that team management has yet to make a determination on Jordan. Reaction followed a report Sunday night in which Howard Eskin said on NBC10 that sources told him Jordan wouldn't be back for the 2010-11 season. phillyburbs.com

As for Nelson, who'll turn 70 in May, Riley -- Nelson's close friend, brought to Golden State by Nelson three years ago -- will only say, "he's our coach, and he's under contract for the next year. I've seen him coach, and I know what he can do." NBA.com

Morey's work in unearthing proprietary information for the Rockets is the stuff of modern NBA legend, detailing hidden worth in players like Chuck Hayes and Shane Battier for what they bring defensively to the table. And while there are still skeptics ("people who haven't won anything, who think they have something to teach us," sniffed a Western Conference team executive Saturday), the trend line is moving toward guys like Morey and Mavericks owner Mark Cuban, who attended the Sloan conference again this year. NBA.com

"I dont look for info from teams," Cuban e-mailed Sunday afternoon. "I look for info from outside sources who might take a different look at the NBA with fresh eyes. This year there was the value of the shot clock, advanced plus minus, omission bias from officials in all sports. All kinds of good things." NBA.com

Can another job be on the horizon for Worthy? With his former University of North Carolina teammate and close friend Michael Jordan recently becoming the majority owner of the Charlotte Bobcats, Worthy says he has talked with Jordan about just such a possibility. "He’s really interested in helping some people I know," Worthy said of Jordan. "He’s talked to myself. He’s talked to (former UNC teammate) Sam Perkins. When he gets ready to hire, he has our numbers. And I’m sure he’ll call people that are interested. Gaston Gazette

Since Worthy has recently done work for the Los Angeles Lakers’ television network shows, does that mean he’d like to do the same in Charlotte? "It wouldn’t be TV," said Worthy, who was in Gastonia promoting his foundation and other charities last Friday before the Lakers’ loss to the Bobcats. "It would be more front office-type stuff – player personnel, assistant GM (general manager), anything that he needs community-oriented. Michael’s busy, so he’s not going to get out as much. So those are the type of opportunities that he might offer up." Gaston Gazette

Last update: 8:55 am ET

General manager R.C. Buford talks regularly with Ginobili's agent, but the Spurs have not told Herb Rudoy they want to pre-empt free agency. “I don't think they've felt any rush to do this because they have exclusive rights until July 1, so they've felt no pressure,” Rudoy said. San Antonio Express-News

But the window is closing fast. Ginobili will listen if the Spurs want to talk extension, but only before season's end. “Of course, it will depend on the amount and the years,” he said. San Antonio Express-News

“You've got all these teams with all this money, and only one can sign LeBron (James),” Rudoy said. “His heart is really in San Antonio, but the onus is not on me, it's on the other side of the table to want to discuss this. I'd be surprised if they let him go to free agency, but it's their decision.” San Antonio Express-News

Keep in mind that Johnson's agent is Arn Tellem, who's tight with Knicks president Donnie Walsh. Tellem helped send Tracy McGrady to the Knicks and also represents Danilo Gallinari and Sergio Rodriguez. "He's one of those guys you'll say, 'Well, Joe hasn't given us too many problems today,' and you look up and he's got 22 points, eight rebounds and seven assists," said David Lee, who played with Johnson in the All-Star Game. "And you'll be like, 'Wow, I didn't even see that coming.' " New York Post

During the 2003-04 and 2004-05 seasons in Phoenix, D'Antoni coached Johnson, the four-time All-Star who's set to be a free agent this summer and could be a prime Knicks target. "The best," D'Antoni said when asked yesterday what he remembered about coaching Johnson. "An unbelievable work ethic. Great family. Six-[foot]-eight guy that plays one through four, and just a really, really good basketball player." New York Post

"The Nets are an interesting team," said Lee, sounding more like Phoenix's Amar'e Stoudemire and Memphis' Rudy Gay who claimed they would not be scared off by the Nets' hideous record. "They're a clear example of a team whose talent level doesn't reflect the record. "If statistics work out, they get the No. 1 pick," Lee said, "They have a great center in Lopez, an All-Star point guard, Devin Harris, great athleticism with wings Chris Douglas-Roberts and Terrence Williams. They could have a big turnaround year next year if they get a good free agent and the No. 1 draft pick. It's going to be interesting which direction they go." New York Post

Now the trick is to get a guy like Lee, who has nothing decided. The Knicks have the most cap space, nearly $32 million, but two max guys would eliminate Lee from their plans. So the Brooklyn-bound Nets might appeal to Lee, who could shed his center position and play the four next to a legit 7-footer. "I would subscribe more to what Amar'e said in that I can see their potential," Lee said. "As far as what I'm going to do, it's to be determined but I would fall in line more with what Amar'e said." New York Post

"It would be great," Lopez said of possibly teaming with Lee, "a guy who loves to crash the offensive glass for so many extra possessions. Then with Yi, if you had the three of us playing together, it would be a great situation." New York Post

Will you re-sign Rudy Gay, who is a restricted free agent this summer? Michael Heisley: I feel we're going to sign him. I don't know what else you want me to say. Rudy is an outstanding player. He fits our team well. We've got the best front line in basketball. Memphis Commercial Appeal

People wonder if trading for Ronnie Brewer was done in part to get insurance against losing Gay. Do you intend to re-sign both players? Michael Heisley: I don't know where people get this stuff. We were very active at the trade deadline. We just didn't look at Brewer. We think Brewer is an outstanding player. But if you want to put it that way, let's say this: He's insurance for a couple of guys. OK? He's a great defensive player, which we can use. But I never even thought about Brewer being insurance for Gay. You're the first person to bring that to me. In fact, I thought he was more of a two guard than a three. I absolutely am going to try to re-sign Brewer and Gay. What do you think I gave up a first-round pick for? For fun? Memphis Commercial Appeal

New York, where he played from 1998-2002, is expected to have interest. So is Denver, where he played from 2002-08. The Clippers have been the most vocal in wanting to bring back Camby, but the Clippers perhaps didn't get bonus points by dealing him last month to Portland after 1 1/2 seasons in Los Angeles. For now, the Trail Blazers are the leader. "My top priority is to come back [to the Trail Blazers] if things work out the right way like we all want them to work out the rest of the season,'' Camby said in an interview with FanHouse before Sunday's game at Denver, one he sat out due to a sprained left ankle. "This is my first choice. They really wanted me here, and they got me here. So hopefully things can work out.'' FanHouse

"No question,'' McMillan said. "We definitely were thinking beyond this year. Both of our centers are out this year. And the possibility of bringing him on board, not only because he can help for insurance. We wouldn't have [traded for Camby] if we didn't think we could re-sign him. It wasn't a move for just this year.'' FanHouse

So does that mean Camby will consider a return to the Clippers? "Anything's possible,'' he said. That seems to be a familiar answer from Camby. He was asked about the possibility of returning to the Knicks after a New York Daily News story Sunday called that a possibility. "Anything's possible,'' he said. FanHouse

Matt Barnes can opt out of his contract after the season ends, and if the Magic let him leave, they will go backward in their title quest. Pay the man. He makes the league veteran’s minimum of $1.8 million. He’s the lowest-paid starter, and it’s criminal. “I want to stay here, of course….but I need to get paid, too,” Barnes says, matter of factly. Orlando Sentinel

Orlando Magic General Manager Otis Smith said he expects some offseason interest in SG J.J. Redick, who can become a restricted free agent after the season. Smith said before Sunday's game against the Los Angeles Lakers that he's been impressed with Redick's improvement since the club drafted him in 2006, but added, "I'm not going to bid against myself" to retain Redick. Smith said he would — "for the most part" — handle Redick the way he has previous free agents, basically matching or not matching any offer the player receives. "We know how he's done over the last couple of years," Smith said. "I think that J.J.'s on the incline. We like him on our team, but you have to evaluate everything." Orlando Sentinel

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Suspended point guard Rafer Alston remained away from the team Sunday, when he was the only player on the roster to not attend the Heat's Family Festival. The Heat suspended Alston indefinitely without pay just after midnight Sunday when he failed to show up for Saturday's home victory against Atlanta. Alston also skipped Friday morning's practice, and the team claims he has been unresponsive, with the exception of a text message, to attempts to communicate with him in three days. Miami Herald

Team officials said Sunday afternoon that there was no change in Alston's status and declined further comment until the matter is resolved. Miami Herald

Alston has had limited contact with close associates but has notified them his health is not in danger. He signed with Miami after he was released by New Jersey following a similar fall from starter to the inactive. Miami Herald

Where it gets tricky for the Heat is that in order for an addition to be playoff eligible, he would have had to be released by a previous team by March 1. Among the limited options in that group is former Heat point guard Mike James, who recently received a buyout from the Wizards and is awaiting calls at his Houston home. South Florida Sun-Sentinel

Alex Kennedy: Jordan Farmar believes that there will be "a list of teams" looking to sign him when he becomes a FA this summer, according to source. Twitter.com

With Kenyon Martin's status in doubt moving forward, the Denver Nuggets will begin looking more seriously at possible reinforcements for their front-line. Sources close to the team confirmed to HOOPSWORLD on Sunday night that both Brian Cook and Jake Voskuhl are expected to be in town early this week to workout at Pepsi Center. The 32-year-old Voskuhl played 38 games for the Toronto Raptors last season and was invited to training camp by the Dallas Mavericks. He is known for his physical style of play and hustle around the basket. HoopsWorld

The Nuggets also have talked to Bartelstein about three other of his big-man clients: Mikki Moore, Mark Blount and Rob Kurz. Bartelstein said it's possible any still could work out for the Nuggets, although Moore might not be able to go until around the middle of March due to continuing to recover from Dec. 18 surgery to remove a right heel spur. "I'll talk to (the Nuggets) on Monday, and we'll go from there,'' Bartelstein said about the possibly of his other players auditioning. FanHouse

The Wizards have signed Alonzo Gee to a 10-day contract this afternoon. Gee a 6-foot-6 forward, averaged 21 points and 6.6 rebounds this season NBA Developmental League's Austin Toros. He will wear No. 24 and be available when the Wizards play the Boston Celtics on Sunday - on ESPN?!? (Sorry, I'm still baffled that the folks at ESPN wouldn't immediately bump that game off the broadcast schedule the minute Josh Howard tore his ACL). Washington Post

Did you try to trade O.J. Mayo? Michael Heisley: I'm not going to get into who we talked about trading or not. People bring trades to you at all times. I would say we were approached about a number of our better players at the trade deadline. If somebody came to me and said we'd trade you Kobe Bryant for O.J. Mayo then everybody would say obviously, you'd take that. If they gave me Dwyane Wade for O.J. Mayo, obviously, you'd do that. The point is everybody is traded if you can get somebody better. Right now, no one has offered me something that I think is better. Golden State called us at one point, and we called them at one point. It never got together and couldn't be done. I'm not going to go into what it was; what we would do and not do. There's not a player on my team that somebody hasn't talked to me about trading for. Not one. It just so happens that Golden State has diarrhea of the mouth. But I'm not going to talk potential trades. Memphis Commercial Appeal

Was Hasheem Thabeet a bad pick with the No. 2 overall selection? Michael Heisley: No. I don't think Thabeet's a bad pick. Everybody told me I should pick (Ricky) Rubio. What would we be doing with him now? Winning the Spanish League? Quite frankly, there were a lot of highly respected people who said you cannot pass on Thabeet. I've said before that people pat me on the back for the good things but a lot of this is sheer luck. Memphis Commercial Appeal

Odom yelled out that Barnes was “a monkey,” adding: “He picked the right game to act tough.” Orange County Register

Later, after most reporters had left him, I asked Odom for clarification on that “monkey” comment. Odom said it referenced rapper Rick Ross calling 50 Cent “a monkey” in their rivalry. “That’s an inside joke,” Odom said. “The rappers that are feuding with each other, Rick Ross and 50 Cent … they’re feuding with each other. That’s an inside joke with this team. Matt Barnes is a cool dude. If I call him a monkey, I don’t mean it. If I call him a superhero or a wrestling figure, I don’t mean it. “He did what he had to do. He played a great game. He got the crowd involved. Basketball’s entertaining, as well. He did a great job for his team today.” Orange County Register

"It's that time of year, it's good to get a little chippy," Bryant said before adding that Barnes' play, which included swinging his knees into Bryant's upper body after a made dunk and later faking a pass right at Bryant's face on an inbounds play was, "entertaining." "It is entertaining," Bryant said twice, before adding, "There was a lot of bumping going on. I've played with teams that were more physical. Matt Barnes is physical in terms of putting hands on me and things like that, but him bumping me and Kenyon Martin bumping me are two different things." ESPN.com

Matt Barnes took a step back in the hours after Orlando’s victory over the Lakers and praised Kobe Bryant in a Twitter post that will make it harder for Lakers fans to dislike him. Barnes wrote in his Twitter account: “No such thing as a (Kobe stopper) he’s the badest man n the league. He had 35pts 2day. I jus try 2 make him work 4 every point. Respect!!!” Orange County Register

"We haven't been playing with a good flow out there offensively and it takes a lot of people out of their rhythm," Gasol said. "We need to figure out how to move the ball a lot more so there's a flow out there, there's a rhythm." When Gasol was pointedly asked if the offense was being bogged down by how many shots Bryant has been attempting. He answered, "I don't know" at first, but then made the point he was trying to make regardless if it was going to be treading a little harshly on the guy that just hit back-to-back 22-footers with 26.4 seconds left and 12.9 seconds left in the fourth. ESPN.com

"Kobe's a great player," Gasol said. "We have to find balance as a team, as a unit out there. Kobe's a great player and he's probably the best offensive player out there. We understand that ... But at the same time, we need to find that balance and we need to find balance with our interior game developing, it a little more and using it a little more and moving the ball and changing sides more because, that's the triangle, that's what it does ... We need to get focused on that a little more. To find that balance, to find that flow." ESPN.com

Frye could be suspended for Friday's game because he took a left-handed swipe at Granger and a threw lighter left jab at Hibbert. Neither connected. "It could happen," Frye said. "That would be disappointing because it's against the Lakers. It just wouldn't be a good reflection not only on me but on the Suns and this organization. That's not the type of people we are or players. Sometimes, stuff happens out there that's not the right thing. Sometimes, stuff happens so fast, based on emotion and not on actual logic. "I've been in scuffles but I'm always the guy who breaks it up. It's just my style. I'm a peacemaker. Too expensive (to fight)." Arizona Republic

Saunders was infuriated that his young charges couldn't' keep their composure, and felt Blatche was particularly unwise in talking to Garnett -- who limited him to two missed shots and a turnover in the last six minutes. "Randy had bad decisions, 'Dray had terrible decisions. 'Dray's woofing the whole time at Kevin Garnett. You can't do those things. He had 23 points with six minutes to go [but] he didn't piss a drop the last six minutes." (Except, one presumes, for the portion that went down his leg above). ESPN.com

Blatche disagreed with Saunders' opinion -- he felt Garnett was stepping over the line with his trash talk and was just defending himself. He's certainly not the first player to register displeasure with Garnett's on-court vocal antics. "I was defending myself as player," said Blatche. "I'm a man just like he is. A man is talking to me this close to my face, I'm going to say something back. He has to respect me just like I respect him." "I could feel his lips touching my cheek," he added, emphatically. "I wasn't bragging, I was just saying back up." ESPN.com

Blatche was noticeably upset and appeared to hold back tears as he explained his encounter with Garnett, which nearly got heated when Garnett approached Blatche and tried to wrestle the ball away from him. Blatche appeared to throw an elbow as Garnett continued to taunt him. Blatche later flung Garnett into a cameraman and sent him to the foul line for two free throws. Garnett smiled as he was helped off the ground. Reserve forward James Singleton said Garnett used his "veteran senses" to needle Blatche and get under his skin. "I see myself as defending myself as a player. I'm a man, just like they a man. If a man is talking to me this close to my face," Blatche said, moving his hand toward his cheek. "I'm going to say something back. He has to respect me just like I respect him. I just, 'Get up out of my face.' He was this close in my face - I can feel his lips touching my cheek - I wasn't bragging saying 'Ah we winning.' It was 'Back up.' " Washington Post

With so much young talent, the Thunder must now make it a point to not allow similar questions and concerns to become a distraction or, worst, disband the group’s chemistry. By all accounts Westbrook, Harden and Jeff Green, who, by the way, is also up for an extension this summer, each packs promise in his own right. And Serge Ibaka is beginning to make a case for being thrown into that mix. "It’s going to be challenging to deal with,” Durant admitted. "But I think we all have good personalities here. We all know where we came from, so we’re going to continue to be humble. That’s one thing we always preach here is being humble. "We’re not full of ourselves even though we can be. We’re in the NBA making a lot of money and providing for our families and being on TV all the time. It can easily get to you and make your head big. But everybody stays grounded, and I have a feeling it’s going to be like that for a while.” Oklahoman

"Egos are fine, as long as they’re team goals,” said Thunder coach Scott Brooks, a member of those Kidd-Mashburn-Jackson Mavs and presumably the front-runner for Coach of the Year. "Kevin has an ego. I have an ego. But we’re focused on getting this team better, and I see no problem with that. "We’re not arrogant. We’re a confident group that works hard every day, and that’s all you can ask for with any team.” Oklahoman

Martell Webster: Thank youfir the words of encouragement...I'm staying postive on and off the court and I won't ever give up! You guys keep me motivated! Twitter.com

Rodney Stuckey wasn't in the Pistons' lineup or The Palace Sunday, but he could be soon. Stuckey, who collapsed at the bench during Friday's game in Cleveland, will have more tests in the next two days. From all indications, Stuckey is doing well. "We'll have a better feel in the next 48 hours, in regards to seeing him and evaluating what the doctor says," coach John Kuester said. "But he's on the right path." Detroit News

Kuester hasn't seen Stuckey but talked to him late Friday night. Kuester has spoken with trainer Mike Abdenour and director of player development Ryan Hoover, both of whom have spent time with Stuckey. "I've been in contact with people who were with him and he's doing well," Kuester said. Detroit News

Trail Blazers center Joel Przybilla will undergo surgery on his right patella tendon in the next few days. Przybilla re-ruptured his right patella tendon Saturday morning after slipping in the shower at his home in Milwaukee, Wis. He returned to Portland today to undergo an MRI, which revealed the rupture. Blazers.com

The team said there is no timetable for his return. After his original injury and surgery, the team estimated a return at 6-to-8 months. But a source said because this is a re-injury, the timetable for his return can be more difficult to determine. Training camp is seven months away. The injury all but guarantees Przybilla will exercise his option to return next season to the Blazers at more than $6 million. Przybilla had been deciding whether to opt-out and test his worth on the free agent market. Oregonian

On Sunday, one NBA scout told The Daily Progress that Landesberg, as it stands now, would not have a very good chance of getting selected in the first round. The scout, who spoke on condition of anonymity because he isn’t permitted to talk about college players, said that Landesberg, in all likelihood, would be a second-round pick — in which case his contract would not be guaranteed. However, the majority of NBA mock drafts don’t have Landesberg being selected in either of the first two rounds. “I don’t want to kill the kid, but he’d probably spend the next year or two in the D-League,” said the scout, referring to the NBA’s minor league, “which is not a better life than staying at UVa. I can tell you that.” Charlottesville Daily Progress

Of course, Landesberg could very well decide he is tired of school, hire an agent and pursue his pro dreams with full force beginning now. However, the scout doesn’t believe that would be in Landesberg’s best interests. The scout, who has seen Landesberg play in person on a number of occasions over the last two seasons, said Landesberg made improvement from his first year in college, but still has work to do. “His freshman year, it seemed like he went to his right almost every time,” the scout said. “This year, there was a lot of growth in putting the ball on the floor with either hand and making some perimeter shots.” Charlottesville Daily Progress

Brandon Roy is still thinking he could be a 2012 Olympian. So is his coach, and Portland's Nate McMillan just happens to be a USA Basketball assistant. Wanting to rest a surgically repaired left knee, Roy declined an offer last month to be on Team USA's roster, of which 27 players are in a pool to be selected for this year's World Championships in Turkey and the 2012 Olympics in London. But the Trail Blazers star said in an interview with FanHouse before Sunday's game against Denver he might welcome being a candidate for the 2012 Games if Team USA then needs a shooting guard. "I still hope so,'' Roy said of playing in the London Olympics. "Besides winning the NBA championship, that also has been a dream of mine to have a gold medal. But I kind of had to choose right now (whether or not be on the roster). FanHouse

"If there's a chance, I'm healthy and playing well and somebody can't play that year, you never know what happens. I would love to try to play. If they are looking for a reserve, I would raise my hand and say, 'Here I am.' I would love to try then if the opportunity presents itself.'' FanHouse

"It was more health,'' Roy said of why last month he declined being on USA Basketball's 27-man roster. "I just didn't think it's the smartest decision for by body going through an 82-game season and playoffs. My knees need to rest rather than going out and playing another month and a half of basketball. "I was invited, and I had to decline and it was a tough decision. I sat down and talked to just about everybody about it. My coach and my family, they wanted me to play. But I know my body and I know how it feels so I just respectfully declined the offer.'' FanHouse

Asked by the French newspaper L’Equipe if his recent injury could change anything in his decision to play with France this summer at the World Championship, Spurs’ Tony Parker answered: “No, it does not change anything. I still want to play.” Hoops Notes

What is the status of coach Lionel Hollins' contract extension? Michael Heisley: It's in my hands. But I'm not going to get into the negotiations with Lionel or Rudy or anyone else. I'll tell you that Lionel's our coach. Why wouldn't I feel as strongly now about bringing Lionel back as I did in January. You think I'm going to basically change my mind in 30 days? I'm the guy that went and got him. Nobody else was thinking about that. Lionel is an outstanding person. He's a good coach. He deserves a lot of the credit for the success of this team. That's where we are. Memphis Commercial Appeal

Denver Nuggets coach George Karl, who is being treated for throat and neck cancer, will have a surgical procedure on Monday followed by chemotherapy on Tuesday. “You probably won’t see me for a while,” Karl told media members before the Nuggets played the Portland Trail Blazers Sunday. ESPN.com

Karl will miss the Nuggets’ game at Minnesota on Wednesday and hopes to make the game at New Orleans next Friday. The radiation treatments he has received so far have affected his taste buds, reduced his saliva and given him a sore throat. The procedure involves inserting a tube to assist feeding. “I don’t think it’s a serious surgery, but they’re going to have to cut your body open and put something in your stomach,” Karl said. “There’s always concerns." ESPN.com

Charlotte Bobcats owner Bob Johnson absorbed roughly $80 million in operating losses over the course of his NBA investment, driving the billionaire founder of BET to sell the team earlier this month to Michael Jordan. Sports Business Journal

Is selling the team a dead issue? Michael Heisley: I'll reiterate my position again. I'm 73 years of age. My family is not going to take over this basketball team. My point is very simple. If the right person makes a reasonable offer for the team I will sell it. If the minority (local) owners want to come up with a reasonable offer, I would love to sell it to them. I think they would make great owners. If it's not to be, it's not to be. Quite frankly, I don't have to sell this team. I'm not in any financial difficulty. We have to be a model for what has to be done in the new era of pro basketball when teams are losing the kind of money they're losing. Some people have got to be more fiscally responsible. We've lived within the rules. I've taken the heat. Everybody says I'm cheap. But I've shown that it does you no good to just go out and spend huge amounts of money. Memphis Commercial Appeal

The owners of the NBA Development League’s Bakersfield Jam say they are headed in the right direction financially after moving the club’s home games to its practice facility, where every seat is a premium seat. It’s a new business model that other D-League teams are watching closely. Sports Business Journal

When the NBA Season is over, the speculation over LeBron James' next destination is going to hit a fever pitch. To coincide with the immense buzz, Nike is set to release the "Rumor Pack" Nike Air Max LeBron VII Lows. Each of the sneakers is inspired by LeBron's rumored destinations; the New York Knicks and Russia. The New York Knicks Nike Air Max LeBron VII features a Knicks inspired colorway of Blue textured and perforated leather with Orange piping and contrast stitching. The upper sits on a White midsole, with an Orange speckled trim around the Orange Visible Air Unit. Unlike some of the pictures that have hit the Net in the past, the Knicks Nike Air Max LeBron VII does not feature the "I LION NY" graphic on the sole. kixandthecity.com

Back in 2007, Davis was a top candidate for the lead role of Michael Oher in “The Blind Side.” (Bullock won Best Actress for her work in the film Sunday night.) The casting seemed like a perfect fit for Davis, a former high school football player who shared a love of athletics and the arts. He performed in Improv shows while playing college basketball at Louisiana State University and enjoyed being on stage. So when he was approached to audition for the film at the start of his rookie season with the Celtics, Davis jumped at the opportunity. “I’ve always wanted to act,” he explained. “I knew about the football player, he played at Ole Miss, and I heard there was a book out about that. So I said, sure, I’ll try out.” WEEI.com

After submitting his tape, Davis learned he was one of the top three candidates for the role. Because of the NBA schedule, however, he never met with film’s executives. Regardless of the opportunity to act, Davis had priorities. “I never flew out because I didn’t have time,” he said. “I was playing, it was at the beginning of the season. That would’ve been tough. I would’ve had to shoot during the summer time, and that was a really important time.” The role ultimately was given to Quinton Aaron and the movie went on to become a blockbuster hit, earning over $200 million in theaters. Davis smiled as he recalled his thoughts after seeing the film. “I wish I was in that movie,” he remembered thinking. “It would’ve been a good experience.” WEEI.com

Rudy Gay: No disrespect to Hurt Locker! But Avatar was the greatest of all time! (Kanye shrug) lol. Twitter.com

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