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Tuesday, March 9

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Last update: 5:29 pm ET

On the heels of yesterday's workout at Pepsi Center a source close to the team indicated on Tuesday morning that the Denver Nuggets liked what they saw from free agent power forward Brian Cook. The source said the team will likely sign Cook to a contract in the coming days. HoopsWorld

Benjamin Hochman: just saw brian cook at airport. he hasn't heard anythin official from den..hes headed home to la, said workout went well. nugs do like him. Twitter.ccom

Team president Donnie Walsh traded two first-round picks to Houston to finalize the deal and the feeling around the NBA is that Walsh never would have given up so many assets if he didn't have a good indication that one of the top free agents is strongly considering New York. "I don't think it's a reach to say that Arn could influence Joe's decisions," said a Hawks official. "There's nothing wrong with that. But we could still offer the most money." New York Daily News

His teammate Jamal Crawford, the former Knick, said he will lobby on the Hawks' behalf to have Johnson re-sign. In that discussion, he will likely tell Johnson about the losing culture that still exists at the Garden. "There's going to be a lot of pressure on whoever comes here," Crawford said. "Fans have been patient but when these guys come it's going to be like, 'OK, it's time to go.'" New York Daily News

But the Clippers and Nuggets could be interested in his services, and a New York Daily News report over the weekend said the Knicks could make a play for Camby this summer. "I've got no comment on the situation," Camby said. "I don't think it's fair to the Trail Blazers for me to be commenting on that. But like I always say, it always feels good to be wanted. "[I'll] probably sit down with my wife and kids, see what's comfortable for them. It's tough for me right now: They're back in L.A.; I'm in Portland. My kids are in school. I know my kids and wife; they love the L.A. weather, they love being out there. But I've got to make the best decision for my family. "I actually live in Houston in the offseason, so I always thought about in the latter part of my career playing down there. But I like the situation here in Portland. They're definitely in need of big men. So I'll just have to weigh my options." ESPN.com

Miami HEAT guard Rafer Alston's sudden departure from the team is puzzling, to say the least. Granted, he'd gone from 25-game starter to DNP-CD (did not play-coaches decision) in two games. But "Skip to My Lou" just bolted after being benched in favor of Carlos Arroyo and Mario Chalmers, sending only a text message and not responding to repeated attempts to reach him. The always-affable Alston, who wasn't an attitude problem, wasn't happy after his demotion, but no one expected him to leave. "It's probably something outside of basketball, as well," forward Dorell Wright said. "But he seemed fine to me, cheering on his teammates and getting up (off the bench) like he normally does." HoopsWorld

When he was in his early 20s and finishing up at Colgate, Orlando Magic center Adonal Foyle didn’t figure he’d last over a decade in the NBA. But now he’s in his 13th season in the pros. Although Foyle hasn’t appeared in a game yet for the Magic in 2009-10, he said this afternoon that he wants to continue as a player beyond this season. “I’ve been very fortunate to be around this game for as long as I have,” said Foyle, who is celebrating his 35th birthday today. “It’s been fun. I really enjoy it and I still do. It’s wonderful. “I’m not giving it up,” he added later. Orlando Sentinel

American player Robert "Tractor" Taylor has a new team, after being released from Martos Napoli, and not reaching an agreement to join Olympia Larisa. 33-year-old forward was signed by Puerto Rican team Vaqueros de Bayamón, and will debut next game against Gallitos de Isabela. Vaqueros waived center Fran Steyn to make room for Traylor, who is back to Puerto Rico after playing for Cangrejeros de Santurce in 2007. The Hoops Market

In between the Super Bowl and the NBA All-Star Game, you may have missed the following: Antoine Walker, who hasn’t appeared in an NBA game in almost two years, signed to play in Puerto Rico. According to reports coming out of the island, Walker’s deal with the Guaynabo Mets is for one month, guaranteed, as they want to see what kind of shape he’s in. He is reportedly being paid $7,000 a week. Another former NBA player, Marcus Fizer, also joined the Mets at the same time. They started the season 4-0 according to the standings posted on Latinbasket.com. Yahoo! Sports

Saturday night's altercation between the Suns and the Pacers will have lingering consequences for both teams, the league said in a release on Tuesday. Channing Frye and Danny Granger each received a one-game suspension, and several others were fined for their roles in the scuffle. Earl Watson of the Pacers was fined $30,000 for "instigating and adding to the escalation of an on-court incident," while Roy Hibbert and Jason Richardson are each $25,000 lighter in the wallet for "adding to the escalation of an on-court incident." FanHouse

Tyrus Thomas: When I get suspended, y'all all want to know what happened! But I can't y'all to follow my non-profit @tyrusthomasinc SMGDH!!! Twitter.com

Tyrus Thomas: That's y I do me for me and not the fakes! Yea I said it. Got 100 reporters and blog sites following me, waiting for me to mess up so they can write something!! Write about all the good stuff I'm doing. It don't matter bc whether you write it or not I'm gon still do what I do. Twitter.com
Is there a bit of a rivalry developing between the Lakers and the Magic? Is there any difference in the matchup this year? Lamar Odom: I guess. We compete hard against each other. It's the same exact matchups. Really the same team except for Bass, Carter and Barnes. It's really the same offense: high pick and roll, roll Howard, flash Rashard Lewis, pick and roll Lewis in the corner, Howard underneath. Play back and forth, really the same thing. But of course they're trying to get back there as well. They know what it is to get beat in the finals. Lamar Odom

Chris Tomasson: Nuggets small forward Carmelo Anthony said he likely will play some power forward as well during Kenyon Martin's absence. Twitter.com

Chris Douglas-Roberts: I'm late but RESPECT to David Lee for respecting me. I've been preaching David Lee since October. Helluva player & very underrated. 20 & 10. Twitter.com

Young is averaging just 3.2 points and shooting 24 percent (10 of 41). He is averaging just 11.8 minutes since the all-star break, and been limited to three points or fewer six times. "I'm thinking out there, trying to do the right thing and I ain't playing right," said Young, who was averaging 7.7 points and shooting 40.5 percent in 17.6 minutes per game before the all-star break. "It's been hard for me out there. My teammates are saying to me, 'You just got to play your game.' And that's what I'm going to start doing from now on. Start playing like Nick. This ain't working, apparently." Washington Post

LL: Iverson is an interesting figure and a lot of people have different opinions of him but having played with him as a teammate, what’s one thing about him that you think not very many people in the public know? Jerome Williams: He’s an artist. The first thing that comes to my mind is coming into the locker room before big games and before the coaches had chance to put up the game plans on the chalk board, and Allen drawing caricatures of our team, his teammates on the board, in cartoon. And I mean he could really draw and he’d have us cracking up. I remember he drew a picture of Jahidi White with his belly out, holding a hamburger. I mean talk about breaking the ice before the game and getting everybody laughing. John Thompson, when he came in and looked at it, he had a good chuckle too. Lost Lettermen

Williams: But just doing things like that. That’s something that probably nobody knows, but if you give him a pencil and a paper, he can really draw. I remember he drew pictures of me one time and one of my other teammates, who was from Africa – he drew him with a Tarzan suit and a spear. And I mean he just created things like that and making people laugh. He always had a thing for making people laugh. Lost Lettermen

Forgetting the fact that just about anyone can put up big numbers in the offensive category of their choosing against this Warriors team (just ask Brandon Jennings), 20 assists seemed like a lot for anyone -- even in a high-possession game that saw the teams put up a combined 266 points in regulation. And many, including the announcing team for the Warriors, questioned the generosity of the statisticians in New Orleans. They have him with 20 assists tonight... And this is a Hornet's rookie record of 20 assists. I'm going to say this politely. They need to watch the video of this game because Darren Collison has about 13 assists in the game, not 20. The person keeping assists tonight is a little unclear on the rule. FanHouse

Sound like sour grapes from the guy whose team was on the losing end of a winnable game, right? Until you go to the replay and see that some of these assists were absolutely given to Collison when they shouldn't have been. Zach Harper did the heavy lifting over at Hardwood Paroxysm, painstakingly breaking down every single play where an assist was awarded to Collison. The summary of his findings was that one of the assists was questionable, and that four should simply not have been called assists. FanHouse

Brian Windhorst: New Orleans stats crew VERY loose with dimes in Chris Paul era. Twitter.com

Ross Siler: Othyus Jeffers said he has 150 family members and friends coming to tonight's game. Everybody's jaw dropped at the number. Twitter.com

Swingman Ronnie Brewer participated in a non-contact practice with the Grizzlies Tuesday afternoon, signaling that his return is near. Brewer was on the floor with several of the team's reserve players. He moved freely without much pain, and didn't appear limited. Brewer, acquired from Utah at the NBA's trade deadline last month, is almost healed from a partially torn right hamstring he suffered nearly three weeks ago. Memphis Commercial Appeal

Jonathan Givony: Spoke to Jeremy Tyler's agent Bernie Lee. "This year was transition year for Jeremy, showing amount of work needed. Haifa was great to him" Twitter.com

Jonathan Givony: Lee: Jeremy Tyler "Didn't fully understand everything required of him going in.Worked really hard last 3-4 months.Better for the experience" Twitter.com

Jonathan Givony: Lee: Jeremy Tyler's next team? "I prefer European development model over D-League, in terms of practice time, support system, nutrition,etc" Twitter.com

Jonathan Givony: Lee: Jeremy Tyler "Needs to play a little more. I see him staying in Europe, league similar to Israel, where he can contribute a bit more." Twitter.com

Virginia Tech guard Malcolm Delaney said Monday afternoon that he hasn't thought about leaving school early for the NBA but that he would make a decision that is best "for me, Virginia Tech and my family" after the season. Delaney, a junior, capped a stellar regular season by becoming the first Hokies to be a unanimous first-team all-ACC selection on Monday. He led the conference in scoring in the regular season and has been mentioned in the conversation for the league's player of the year. Although his stock is high at the moment, Delaney said he hasn't "talked to one person about the NBA," and as of now, he said he planned to return to Blacksburg next season. Washington Post

Delaney is an earnest leader and a player who seems sincere in his team-first attitude. Asked if he would return to Virginia Tech in order to see through what could be a promising senior season, Delaney said: "That’s a big thing. I think even when I sit down and think about that type of stuff, I'm going to talk to some people on the team to see what they think about the whole situation and just keep it within my family and the team." "I wouldn’t put myself out there and do something dumb and make a dumb decision when I know we’ve got a great team," Delaney said. "I know how good the team will be next year. I don’t have that in my mind and I never had that in my mind-set, that I'm going to leave. But my goal in HS was to make the NBA." Washington Post

Thompkins hasn’t said whether he’ll return for his junior season next year or possibly enter the NBA draft, but teammate Albert Jackson said this afternoon that he “definitely” thinks Thompkins will return and make a run at the SEC’s Player of the Year Award next season. “I can’t say because I’m not him, but definitely he enjoys college,” Jackson said. “He’s enjoying it up here at Georgia, and I think he’s really excited to keep developing. He’s not satisfied with just coming to Georgia and playing; he wants to achieve a lot of things. And I think until he achieves the success at Georgia that he wants, he’ll be here for a long time.” Atlanta Journal-Constitution

How is married life treating you? Lamar Odom: Married life is beautiful. I can't complain at all. There aren't too many times in life where one feels like he finds his soul mate, finds someone who understands you. We fit like hand and glove. We don't spend too much time apart, only for work. As a matter of fact I can't wait to get on the phone, get home and see my wife. Lamar Odom

Atlanta Hawks forward Josh Smith said he would help the family of slain high school football star Rajaan Bennett with their living expenses for the next six months. Bennett was shot and killed last month by his mother's ex-boyfriend. The 18-year old McEachern High School senior, who had a 3.8 GPA had signed with Vanderbilt to play football there starting in the fall. Smith, who also attended McEachern, met Bennett last summer, according to a news release from the Atlanta Hawks. Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Smith said he was "very impressed with him as a person, student and athlete. I can't imagine what this family is going through, but hopefully this will give them one less thing to worry about as they try to cope with this terrible tragedy." Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Tim Donaghy readily admits crossing a lot of gambling lines – betting in casinos even though it broke NBA rules, using inside information to place bets on NBA teams, even betting on games that he himself refereed. But Donaghy wants everyone to know that he never fixed a game. “I know, I know,” he says now in answer to a question about the public’s perception of him. “But I zoned everything out and concentrated hard on just calling the game as I saw it. I know it doesn’t pass the laugh test – calling a clean game that I had money on. And it’s hard to sell that to people. But it’s the truth.” Covers.com

Last update: 8:52 am ET

Speaking of Charlotte, multiple NBA sources said coach Larry Brown has made preliminary calls to the Clippers to try to line up a position with that organization in case things with Jordan go sideways. Brown, according to sources, was concerned that George Postolos, Charlotte's would-be owner if Jordan's group hadn't raised the necessary capital, was prepared to clean house, which meant that Brown would have been out. To preserve his position as an NBA coach, Brown reached out to Clippers owner Donald Sterling to let him know that he is open to returning to L.A. SI.com

One source indicated Brown was seeking complete control, including the ability to make personnel decisions. Sterling is said to still be enamored with the idea of getting Brown, who coached the Clippers to the playoffs in 1992 and '93. Brown also has a home in Malibu and his wife is said to want to move back there. GM Mike Dunleavy stepped down as coach in early February, and it's possible that Sterling will revamp the front office in the offseason. SI.com

Boozer says he won't be distracted by playing a team which might be one of his most ardent suitors when he becomes an unrestricted free agent on July 1. "My thing right now is trying to get my team as high up in the conference standings as we can get," Boozer said Monday morning's practice. "The rest of that stuff will take care of itself this summer. I don't have any worries about the Bulls or their organization at all. Right now, I just want our team to win -- period." Salt Lake Tribune

The Hawks are expected to try to retain Johnson. Meanwhile, the Chicago Bulls and possibly the Los Angeles Clippers loom as potential suitors. “I think everybody is going to be in contention,” Johnson said. “I can’t really say just one team that I’m looking forward to playing for. I don’t know. I think it’s going to be an exciting summer, and we’ll see what happens.” New York Times

Question is, would the All-Star guard be comfortable in a major town like New York? He insists he would be. "Yeah, definitely," Johnson said last night before posting 22 points, five assists and four rebounds in the Knicks' dramatic 99-98 win over his Hawks. New York Post

Johnson, a four-time All-Star, insisted he wouldn't be able to go to a losing team next year -- not at age 29. "I can't backtrack," he said. "My first two years here were very tough and frustrating. But we've overcome that. It was still early in my career. Now it's a little later. I can't do that." New York Post

Lowry sounded likely to be torn between his fondness for his place with the Rockets, sharing the point guard position with Aaron Brooks, and a “goal” to be a starter and full-time playmaker. “I want to be in the best situation for me and to win,” Lowry said. “I think Houston would be a great home. I wouldn't mind being with the group of guys and the organization is one of the best. “What me and Aaron have is rare. Having two point guards that are different and do different things and help the team win, you need that, I think. It definitely helps that we get along. There's no ego. We know each other's game. And help each other so much. There is an understanding and a respect level for what each other does. Houston Chronicle

“I wouldn't be opposed to finding a place I can play those minutes and be that guy. I wouldn't mind being the starter or playing 40 minutes a night. It's one of my goals. Not to be a bench player. “I do want to win. I want to compete for a championship. The situation has to be the best for myself and to win “ Rockets general manager Daryl Morey has pledged to sign Lowry, with no desire to be without him for an extended period again. Houston Chronicle

Asked by the Sentinel on Monday what he hoped the Magic would do, he said, "I hope give me a multiyear offer. "I'm in my eighth year now, and I've had an amazing, up-and-down, roller-coaster career up to this point. Hopefully, the team, the organization and the city likes what I bring. Hopefully, we can make something happen." Orlando Sentinel

Barnes? He's working for the veteran's minimum of $1.7 million. "It's frustrating. I play with a chip on my shoulder," Barnes said. "I play hard to win, but I feel up to this point, I've ended up in the wrong places at the wrong time. That's not to knock every one with money, because if they got it, they earned it. … But for what I'm making, it's hard to swallow." Orlando Sentinel

Barnes said that Orlando "is definitely my first choice," adding that he and his family "love everything about Orlando. So if something fair comes across the table …" Orlando Sentinel

With Rafer Alston's exile extending into a fourth day, Heat coach Erik Spoelstra said the team is looking into free agent options to bolster its backcourt depth. Spoelstra confirmed Monday he has not spoken with Alston, who was suspended indefinitely without pay after he failed to show up for Saturday's game against Atlanta. Miami Herald

Miami could pursue a veteran such as Mike James or Brevin Knight, or go with a younger prospect from the NBA D-League. Among those options could include former training camp invitees or summer-team members such as John Lucas, Kenny Hasbrouck, Jason Richards, Tre Kelley or former UM standout Jack McClinton. Miami Herald

Former Heat guard Mike James, who last month had his contract bought out and was then released by the Washington Wizards, said he would like to re-join the Heat. James, who played 93 games for the Heat over two seasons, from 2001 to 2003, is at home in Houston working out and hoping to be signed. James, who would be eligible for the playoff roster, said he would especially love to be in a playoff race. "I want to get thrown in the fire, please," he said Monday. "Give me only three plays and if I don't do anything from there, if that's my only chance, I'll take that. Let me run with that right there." South Florida Sun-Sentinel

The Nuggets didn't practice Monday. Team officials did observe free-agent big men Brian Cook and Jake Voksuhl in their first of two straight days of working them out at the Pepsi Center. Interestingly, Cook told FanHouse he had considered undergoing PRP treatment late last season after having tendinitis in his left and right Achilles and did much research before opting not to have it. FanHouse

Adrian Wojnarowski: The Spurs are planning to call up Erie's Cedric Jackson this week, sources say. He'll play behind George Hill, with Tony Parker out 6 weeks. Twitter.com

“There's nobody we're going to sign that's going to help us,” Popovich said. “We might bring some guys in just to see if we can discover someone, or lock them up for summer league. But there's nobody we're going to bring in that's going to play.” San Antonio Express-News

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After that season, Johnson orchestrated a sign-and-deal trade with Atlanta, requesting that the Suns not match the offer. He said he wanted to stake out his own identity with a new team and bravely signed with the Hawks, who had just finished 13-69. “It wasn’t a tough process,” Johnson said of free agency. “I had done my job, which was on the court. And then it was time for my agent to do his work. For the most part, it wasn’t hard at all. We looked back and saw a few places and just chose Atlanta as the best fit.” New York Times

The Hawks have made the playoffs the last two years after missing them eight years in a row. Johnson said this season would be incomplete without journeying deep into the playoffs. “He’s been a star player for a long time,” Crawford said. “It just so happens his contract is up. I think he’s focused on trying to win a championship here and going from there, but I think he’d rather be here than anywhere else. I hope, anyways.” New York Times

Now there are stories out of Philadelphia that Iverson is has gambling issues. A Knicks source claims the club was aware of some of Iverson's off-the-court issues. That obviously got to Dolan and in the post-Stephon Marbury era the boss didn't think Iverson was worth the trouble. He was right. New York Daily News

Allen Iverson: To my fans: You all know that my life isn't perfect. I am going through some very tough times right now, like I am sure that we all do from time to time. Twitter.com

Allen Iverson: However, I will stand tall like always with "rhino" thick skin. Even though I have become used to hearing people say things about me that aren't true, it still hurts. I encourage you to continue your ongoing support and I want you to trust that this is another obstacle in my life that, with God's help I will overcome. God Bless You All. Twitter.com

It is no secret in NBA circles that Smith and Iverson are close, a result of their time together when Smith covered the Sixers as a beat writer. This may have felt like a public intervention on Iverson's behalf, but it also paints a bleak future for the former MVP. SI.com

And that is the paradox of being deadline trade filler. Walker was on a winning team in Boston, but didn't have a spot in the rotation. In New York he can get over 35 minutes some nights – just not in May or June. Was Walker cool with being traded? "Not at first," he said. "I wanted to be part of a winning team, but at the same time I knew, coming over here, that I had the opportunity to play. It's like a double-edged sword." HoopsWorld

"The buzz was that he was a great high school player who got hurt, and got hurt at Kansas State as well," said Walsh. "Everyone just wanted to know 'how bad?' and that sort of thing. When I saw him play in, I think (in) the NCAAs, he looked great in the game I saw. I thought he was going to go back to school. He ended up not doing that." HoopsWorld

Walker told HOOPSWORLD he isn't concerning himself with the future of his contract, but he can always confide in his former Celtics and current Knicks teammate, J.R. Giddens, who is in the same situation. While Giddens has yet to be healthy as a Knick, Walsh is eagerly anticipating his debut. "He's a great athlete and he also has a great body," Walsh said of Giddens. HoopsWorld

Kobe Bryant described the Lakers as "upset" and "a little edgy," supporting his descriptors with a series of curt answers to reporters' questions. Asked if he was feeling better a day after stomach issues forced him to miss the team bus to Amway Arena in Orlando, Bryant said, "I'm getting a stomach virus now with all these questions." Los Angeles Times

Gasol had not previously experienced a losing streak this long since joining the Lakers in February 2008, but he said their recent defeats weren't as vexing as the defending NBA champions' inability to play to their potential. "That's what's disappointing and frustrating," Gasol said. "That's why I want us to get ourselves going and playing well and being confident and having that swagger of the best team in the league, and lately we haven't been carrying that with us." Los Angeles Times

Wade & Co. dismissed the Alston situation as a non-distraction, saying the team has to focus on the recent three game win streak and a playoff push - Miami is currently in seventh place in the Eastern Conference. "The one thing I learned about this league is you worry about the stuff you can control. I can't control what's going on with that situation, so I don't worry about it," said Udonis Haslem. CBS4

After Monday's workout, Suns coach Alvin Gentry said he isn't optimistic about his chances of having Channing Frye available Friday when the Los Angeles Lakers visit US Airways Center. He'll have to wait at least until Tuesday to find out if his hunch is correct as an NBA spokesman indicated the league still is reviewing an incident during Saturday's Suns-Indiana Pacers game. "It's really tough because he's the one guy who creates problems for them," Gentry said of adjustments that will be necessary if Frye is suspended. "Even with Pau Gasol and those guys, (Frye) can stretch the defense. They have to guard him out on the perimeter." "Obviously we could use him." Arizona Republic

Granger accused the Suns of "playing dirty" and of throwing "cheap shots," which Gentry found somewhat amusing. "If someone wants to call us dirty, that's the biggest compliment we could (hear), because God knows Grant Hill and Channing Frye, and those guys are really thuggish guys," Gentry said, tongue firmly planted in cheek. "I find it humorous that anybody would refer to our team as dirty. I don't know that I've ever heard that in the six years I've been here. I don't know at what point we played dirty in the game or what point you would perceive us as playing dirty." Arizona Republic

Alan Hahn: Josh Smith is a tremendous athletic talent, but man he does a lot complaining. Hawks bench not even looking at him. Twitter.com

Durant was then informed that the days of being overlooked likely are gone for good. "We’re going to miss those days,” Durant said, "because once you start to get up there everything is in the spotlight. Once you do bad, people are really going to start to pinpoint those things. "My godfather always told me, ‘they build you up to break you down.’ That’s something that nobody wants to go through. But that’s a part of this. I’m sure we’re willing to take the good and the bad. It’s just a matter of us continuing to be focused.” Oklahoman

When Durant recently was asked about his best individual achievement this season, the Thunder’s forward quickly cited being named to his first NBA All-Star team. "That tells you your team is one of the better teams in the league, and you’ve been helping your team win,” said Durant, who ranks second in scoring at 29.7 points per game. "That’s kind of like a reward for that. Being an All-Star is what that means. So it was an honor for me and also for my teammates. I was very privileged and honored to be there to represent our team, my family and the whole state of Oklahoma.” Oklahoman

Further examination of Tony Parker's injured shooting hand Monday revealed both the diagnosis and prognosis the Spurs had feared. Parker indeed has a non-displaced fracture of his fourth metacarpal and is expected to miss the next six weeks. Surgery will not be required. If he were to stick to that timeline precisely, Parker might return for the final three games of the regular season. Spurs coach Gregg Popovich, however, indicated the timeline might be fluid, depending upon how Parker's body responds. “It might mean four to eight weeks,” Popovich said before Monday's 97-95 loss to the Cavaliers. San Antonio Express-News

Even if Parker — who ranks second on the team in scoring and first in assists — does heal before the end of the regular season, it remains to be seen what kind of impact he might make in the playoffs. “He's still going to have an adjustment when he comes back,” Popovich said of Parker. “All players need to get their rhythm back. It doesn't happen instantaneously. I don't expect him to be Tony Parker the day he comes back.” San Antonio Express-News

Kenyon Martin will miss some time due to his knee injury, but the Nuggets power forward plans to return at some point either in the regular season or the postseason, a league source said. Martin will receive platelet rich plasma therapy for his left knee patella tendonitis. Numerous physicians are consulting the results and Martin will likely hear soon from his primary knee doctor, Richard Steadman of Vail. Denver Post

The Los Angeles Lakers, mired in a season-long three-game losing streak, have help on the way in the form of Sasha Vujacic. The sixth year reserve guard practiced with the team Monday and is primed to return from a right shoulder injury suffered against Boston on Feb. 18 that caused him to miss the Lakers' last eight games. "I'm ready. It was a good practice so we'll see what PJ [Lakers coach Phil Jackson] says," Vujacic said. ESPN.com

Leandro Barbosa, who had surgery on his right wrist six weeks ago, returned to practice, and Gentry hopes he'll be available to play against the Lakers. "I'll speak with the trainers, but he'll do a little more contact stuff (today) and practice Thursday, and if everything is OK he should be ready to go, I would think." Arizona Republic

Is South Atlanta High legend Derrick Favors ready for the NBA after one season of college? That’s what we asked one of the members of his inner circle, South Atlanta High basketball coach Michael Reddick. What was Reddick’s response? “I haven’t really thought about that. At the moment, Derrick needs to focus on Georgia Tech and how they can improve. He needs to help Georgia Tech make the NCAA tournament and do well. “You know, when the season is over, you can sit back and think about where things stand. But right now, I wouldn’t even want to speculate on (going to the NBA).” Altanta Journal-Constitution

Perhaps no one knows Derrick like his high school coach. Together, Favors developed into one of the most accomplished prep basketball players in state history. Has he met expectations as a college freshman? “It depends on whose expectations you’re looking at,” Reddick said. “Some people thought he would come in average 20 points and 15 rebounds. But realistically, you’ve got to do the best you can in a great conference like the ACC. I think he has done very well.” Altanta Journal-Constitution

Capel believes Warren will still have options even though the guard didn’t have the kind of season he expected. “I don’t think a lot of NBA teams anymore draft on necessarily on what you do. I think a lot of it is based on potential, and what they think a guy can become. The draft is different than it used to be,” Capel said. “You had to have a body of work in college, but that’s not necessarily the case anymore.” Norman Transcript

Still, Warren isn’t sure his immediate future is in the NBA. “The main thing in my mind is why not come back next year and prove everybody wrong. What could be worse? Be in the lottery again?” he said. “They had me projected there this year. If I come back, they might have me projected there again. I think it would relieve pressure. I probably wouldn’t come in as national player of the year candidate like I did this year. I think it would relieve a lot of stress and I would be able to just go out there and play basketball.” Norman Transcript

At his weekly press conference Monday, Izzo spoke on the topic of junior guard Kalin Lucas thinking about the NBA and how it might be hindering his recent performance for the No. 11 Spartans. “I’ve been through so many guys that have pro aspirations,” Izzo said. “You’ve got to make sure you don’t pack your bags too early. That’s what I’ve been spending time with him about. I said, ‘There’s nothing wrong with getting to the NBA and making it a goal. But enjoy the process a little bit more. Just unpack your bags. Put your clothes on the chair next to the bed. Don’t put them in the closet, just leave them there.’ “Its OK to admit that some of those things are on your mind and I don’t want you to lose those, but let’s learn how to deal with them a little better so they don’t ruin every day.” State News

When asked later if he thought Lucas would leave after this year, here’s what Izzo had to say: “No. I don’t. Like I did with Jason Richardson and Shannon Brown, at the same point, where were we with Shannon Brown? What happens in these cases is there was a time I thought Kalin Lucas was playing great. You don’t know what’s out there yet. But I’m sure, for the first time, I don’t think he’s going to worry about it in the next couple weeks. I don’t think that’s part of his daily thought right now. I think he’s beyond that. I don’t worry about it. I didn’t worry about it before because I talked to him about it. But talking to somebody and going through the pressures that none of us are going through or can understand are two different things. State News

Oklahoma guard Willie Warren said Monday he remains undecided about whether he’ll return to school for his junior season or declare for the NBA Draft. "I’m not sure what I’m going to do,” Warren said. "We’ll see how the rest of the season goes, and then after the season, me and Coach (Jeff) Capel and my mom and the rest of the coaching staff will talk. And we’ll make the best decision for me and my family.” Oklahoman

Jonathan Givony: According to Israeli media, Maccabi Haifa has asked Jeremy Tyler's agent to find him another team. Fed up w/poor behavior +lousy performance. Twitter.com

Beaubois is from Guadeloupe -- a French holding in the Caribbean -- and is eligible for the French team, which already has five NBA players. However, San Antonio's Tony Parker, out with a hand injury, has said he won't play this year. Could that open up a point guard spot for Beaubois? "I got a call a few days ago and they talked about coming here to talk about it," he said Monday. "We'll see when they come. But until then, I just try to focus on the season. If they come, we'll talk and I will think about it." Fort Worth Star-Telegram

There's still another loss left in the season. And there are important questions to be answered. But when it comes to the University of Oregon men's basketball program, the journey back to respectability bounced along on Monday with a new twist. It's this: P.J. Carlesimo. An athletic department source told The Oregonian that Carlesimo was on the short list of candidates to replace Ernie Kent. Oregonian

Which coach will open Matthew Knight Arena? That's the question to ask. What's clear is Nike will act as consigliere. The people in Eugene want a big name to rally around at cocktail parties. The emphasis will be on winning, but also on filling the arena with enthusiastic season-ticket holders. Also, the new coach is going to have to have enough splash and charisma to woo boosters to open their checkbooks and make donations in tough economic times. Oregonian

Adrian Wojnarowski: In past decade or so PJ Carlesimo turned down ND and St. Johns and has always told me CBB holds no appeal to him. Oregon would surprise me. PJ came to hate recruiting when he left SHU in 90s, and it's only more distasteful now. He loves pro lifestyle -- even as asst. or radio-tv. PJ knows he won't get another head coaching job in NBA. So if he wants to be HC again, it would have to be on campus. Still, i don't see it. Twitter.com

The Mavericks are scheduled to play in Phoenix's annual outdoor preseason game in the Palm Springs area next October. The Suns started the tradition in 2008 when they played Denver at the tennis mecca. Last season, Golden State played the Suns at Indian Wells. Now it's the Mavericks' turn. The exact date of the game is unknown, but TNT has televised the last two games from the California resort area, with chilly temperatures adding to the spectacle. Dallas Morning News

Kelenna Azubuike: Aw I didn't even get to watch the oscars. I think I could be an actor so I like watching. I think me and all my siblings can act. Twitter.com

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