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Friday, March 12

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While Evans wasn’t named to USA Basketball’s original list of 27 players for the national team program, a source said he is still being considered. “I’d love the opportunity to have a chance to go there to play against all those guys and improve my game,” Evans said. “It would be a good opportunity. It’s always good to go to an event like that.” Yahoo! Sports

Manu Ginobili: I know there have been some conversations between my agent and the Spurs, but they didn't go too far. It was like "we get together soon". Maybe they don't offer me anything as of today. It really doesn't make a lot of sense doing it right now, when we haven't played the playoffs yet. Cancha Llena

But re-signing Camby, who will be a free agent this summer, would give the Blazers three centers and present McMillan with the challenge of distributing minutes, particularly because Camby still wants to start and play major minutes and Oden will need playing time to develop if he indeed can stay healthy. "We want depth," Pritchard said. "A few years ago we didn't have any depth. It's not a bad thing to have too many talented players and have to figure out how to distribute minutes. I'll take that second option every time." SI.com

Pritchard's decision may have been made easier when Przybilla slipped in the shower recently and reinjured his knee, prompting a second surgery. Pritchard said he did some research and discovered that Denver Broncos running back Correll Buckhalter suffered a similar set of knee injuries and has enjoyed some reasonable success since, reinforcing his belief that Przybilla will recover effectively. But Przybilla's situation won't be resolved until next season at the earliest, a few months too late. For now, Pritchard and the Blazers are stuck, and will likely have to re-sign Camby this summer. And then hope with all their might that Oden's injuries are freak occurrences and not a sign of things to come -- as they were with Bowie. SI.com

The Golden State Warriors have signed forward Reggie Williams to a second 10-day contract. The team announced the move Friday. The 23-year-old Williams has played in six games with Golden State since being called up from the NBA Development League earlier this month. AP

The Bulls were determined to land no less than a first-round pick when they parted with Tyrus Thomas before last month's trade deadline. Yet you have to wonder if Chicago is already wishing it could have a do-over on the Thomas deal it struck with Charlotte. ESPN.com

Chicago, remember, could have sent Thomas to the Knicks for Al Harrington and a second-round pick. That deal would have given them a decent future trade asset -- since second-rounders have some value, too -- as well as the productive Harrington, who would undoubtedly be helping the Bulls cope better with the injury absences of Joakim Noah and Luol Deng. ESPN.com

One source close to the team said general manager Kevin Pritchard was swayed toward Oden not only because of the Blazers' needs but also because nearly every GM inquired about making a deal for the right to choose Oden, including San Antonio, which was said to be open to offering Tim Duncan. If rivals were considering trading cornerstone players for Oden, it's hard to blame Pritchard for making that choice. SI.com

It appears as if Oden is a bust, the calamity of untimely injuries derailing his career before it even got started, the second coming of Sam Bowie, whose body betrayed him -- and the Blazers -- in the same fashion in the '80s. But the Blazers don't view Oden as the next Bowie, the player taken ahead of Michael Jordan in the 1984 draft, a time when Portland already had Clyde Drexler and did not want to duplicate the position. "We are not there yet," Blazers coach Nate McMillan said. "There is potential there. He's doing well right now. We got a year to get him stronger. We aren't giving up." SI.com

Not a surprising reaction given that McMillan swears that Oden was the correct choice at No. 1, even as he watches Durant blossom into one of the league's premier scorers and lead Oklahoma City into contention for home-court advantage in the playoffs. "Durant is playing great," McMillan said. "And I knew he would be a good player. But we had Brandon Roy. What we needed was a center. And Oden was the right pick. I've never felt [like we should have taken Durant]. Of course, he may lead the league in scoring, maybe this year, but I have never second-guessed. For me, at that time, it was looking at what we had and what we needed." That would seem to contradict the Bowie lesson, which spawned the advent of the draft paradigm "take the best player available." "It depends on who you ask," McMillan said. "I still feel we needed a center. And he is the center of the future. That type of guy doesn't come around a lot. And he was sitting right there for us. You do that." SI.com

Dorell Wright has been suspended for two games by the Miami Heat, one day after he was cited for driving under the influence. Heat president Pat Riley says Wright's conduct was "detrimental to the team." Wright will not be with the Heat for home games Friday against Chicago and Sunday against Philadelphia. AP

This year, with Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook and Jeff Green setting the pace, the Thunder have stunned the league by occupying the fifth-seed in the rugged Western Conference. Nets GM and interim coach Kiki Vandeweghe notes that the Thunder's success -- and the process to get there -- is something the Nets will try to mirror. "I'm a big admirer of [Thunder GM Sam] Presti," Vandeweghe said. "They set a plan in motion. You also have to have good fortune on your side. They had the second pick and I think they've done very well with Westbrook. They've had the No. 2 and No. 4, where we've had 10 and 11. "We weren't quite as high on the draft board, but I agree, our situation is not dissimilar." FanHouse

If you can't get with this team, your phone number must begin with 206. (Seattle residents are free to seethe at what's happened since their erstwhile SuperSonics left town in 2008. Just remember to direct your anger at owner Clay Bennett and NBA commissioner David Stern, not the players and coaches.) This group is everything you could want from an NBA team, regardless of the location. Professional skills, collegiate attitude. Actually, I'll go one step past that. They're like the Carver High team in "The White Shadow" (though coach Scott Brooks looks more like Dudley Moore than Ken Howard). "We're so close. It's so fun to be around each other; it's really like brothers," Kevin Durant said. "Just growing as a group and getting more comfortable with the game. … Our coaches do a great job of getting on top of us, never letting us slip and always wanting us to get better. I think we do a great job of responding to our coaches and not getting upset." ESPN.com

Who would get your Rookie of the Year vote and how disappointed are you that you're not getting much consideration? Jonny Flynn: Tyreke Evans. Has to be [Rookie of the Year]. He's averaging 20 points a game in the NBA as a rookie. ... I don't think I'm doing as much as all the rookies that are mentioned [for Rookie of the Year]. I'm just looking forward to getting better with time. ESPN.com

One addendum to the Jonny Flynn chat in Box 2: Flynn admits that he hasn't been closely tracking Ricky Rubio's work with Spanish giants Barcelona this season. The last time they spoke? Draft night. Flynn, though, insists that he has never approached his bosses to ask for more insight into why the Wolves drafted point guards with the No. 5 and No. 6 picks in the 2009 draft. "I was just happy to be picked that high in the draft," Flynn said. ESPN.com

The six-week delay between Michael Redd's most recent knee injury in January and the operation Redd underwent March 2, according to one source close to the situation, was merely to solicit a few extra medical opinions after the former Team USA sharpshooter suffered a major injury for the second successive season. After the additional research, Redd and the Bucks scheduled the surgery with Chicago Bulls team doctor Brian Cole, who performed Redd's surgery in March 2009 as well. ESPN.com

Terry, who originally was not expected to return to basketball activities for 10 to 14 days, said he expects to play in one of the Mavs' two games next week. Although his conditioning felt good during Friday's practice, Terry admitted that he struggled to see while wearing a protective mask. ESPN.com

He planned to pick up a custom mask later in the day. He hopes to use the mask only during practices and the first couple of games after his return. "This mask they had me wearing was like a hockey mask," Terry said. "It was terrible." Terry, the NBA's reigning Sixth Man of the Year who is averaging 17.0 points per game, went through full contact Friday despite still lacking feeling on the left side of his face. His vision made shooting difficult. "Oh, man, he better get used to that mask quick because that was ugly whatever he put out there," Dirk Nowitzki said, cracking a smile. "But he's a warrior. I knew he was going to come back quick." ESPN.com

Chicago Bulls guard Derrick Rose will not play Friday night against the Miami Heat after an MRI exam confirmed he has a sprained left wrist. The Bulls, in a news release, said there was no fracture or ligament damage. He is listed as day to day. ESPN.com

Brian Windhorst: Evan Turner is a stud. Scouts tell me he's a top 3 pick and he just went Kobe on the Wolverines from 40 feet at the buzzer. Twitter.com

Iowa State coach Greg McDermott says junior forward Craig Brackins will skip his final year of eligibility and enter the NBA draft. Brackins, a 6-foot-10 forward from Palmdale, Calif., averaged 16.5 points and 8.5 rebounds per game this season as the Cyclones finished 15-17. Brackins nearly left for the NBA last spring before deciding to return to school. AP

Manu Ginobili: A lot of people were surprised because I said I wanted to play the World Championships in Turkey. I've always wanted to play there. To think about watching the Worlds in front of the TV instead of playing would be terrible. It would be very hard not playing the Worlds. Cancha Llena

George Karl will skip the last three games on the Denver Nuggets' road trip as he adjusts to a feeding tube that was placed into his stomach as part of his cancer treatment. The Nuggets coach has already missed two games since being diagnosed with neck and throat cancer last month. He is undergoing a rigorous six-week treatment program of radiation and chemotherapy. AP

When Kobe Bryant's basketball upbringing is mentioned, it's said Bryant is the son of a player, but it's often overlooked that he's also the son of a coach. Bryant's father, Joe "Jellybean" Bryant, played eight seasons in the NBA for Philadelphia, San Diego and Houston, and seven more as a professional in Italy. When his playing careerended, he embarked on a career on the sidelines, first as a high school girls' coach and later as a collegiate men's assistant coach at his alma mater, LaSalle University, as head coach of the Los Angeles Sparks of the WNBA and, most recently, as head coach of teams in Japan and Italy. ESPN.com

His son gives "Jellybean" a full endorsement. "I might be a little biased, but he's a great basketball mind," Kobe Bryant said after the Lakers' shootaround at the U.S. Airways Center on Friday afternoon, as the team prepared for a game against the Suns. "He taught me from an early age how to view the game, how to prepare for the game and how to execute and things like that. I know first-hand what a great teacher he is and I think players that played for him, with the Sparks and things like that, can attest to it as well." ESPN.com

The NBA has signed off on Michael Jordan's bid to buy the Charlotte Bobcats, and commissioner David Stern expects the league's board of governors to approve the $275 million purchase by the end of next week. In an interview with The Associated Press on Friday, Stern said he expects the vote to pass "very easily." Jordan will become the first ex-player to own an NBA team and the second black majority owner. He'll replace the first, Bob Johnson, who has lost tens of millions of dollars annually. "He considers himself a North Carolina native and he's quite anxious to make this team into an important part of the community," Stern said. "I think he has the capacity and the will to do that. I think he's the right majority owner at the right time." AP

Stern said the league updated its background and financial checks on Jordan and found nothing to stop the deal. Stern said the six-time NBA champion is the sole investor in the ownership group for now, but expects him to try to find local partners. Jordan is putting up all the cash in the deal, which is for less than the $300 million Johnson paid for the expansion franchise that began play in the 2004-05 season. "I think it's fair to say he can afford it," Stern said. AP

According to interviews with every team, The Wall Street Journal found that half the league's teams this season have at least one of these statisticians who helps make in-game, draft-day and trade-deadline decisions. Many of these teams are among the NBA's best. The list accounts for all six division leaders, including the Orlando Magic and Dallas Mavericks, who have a data analyst traveling with the team. These 15 teams that have invested heavily in statistics have combined to win 59.3% of their games this season. The 15 teams without such analysts have won 40.7% of their games, and only three—the Phoenix Suns, Utah Jazz and Atlanta Hawks—are on pace to make the postseason. Houston Rockets' general manager Daryl Morey, one of the pioneers of statistical analysis in the NBA, says more teams will soon come over to the quant side. Wall Street Journal

Shaquille O'Neal's trade to the Heat may have been good for the team, but apparently bad for his marriage. His very-soon-to-be-ex-wife Shaunie has blamed the entire city of Miami for their pending divorce, or more specifically all the hoochies in the arena who show up in bras and panties. "Miami is a great city. It just wasn't a great city for our marriage. I know they say L.A. has its groupies, but Miami has a different mentality. Even going to the games, the whole environment is so different. Girls are practically sitting in their bra and panties in the arena. When you're trying to keep your husband, that's a lot to take. It was a whole new lifestyle I wasn't ready for. Apparently we didn't have a strong enough foundation for Shaq to withstand that type of temptation," she recently told Essence magazine. Miami New Times

Shaunie says that while the two are becoming friends once again, she obviously believes he cheated on her. Though, she also denied reports that she was cheating with her personal trainer. "I wouldn't even entertain a man flirting with me. I was that conservative. But when those rumors came out, I felt I was so small and Shaq was so big that it didn't matter what I said; nobody was going to believe me." Miami New Times

Police in Salt Lake County arrested former Utah Jazz center Robert Whaley and found marijuana "between his buttocks," according to a jail document. Whaley, 27, had warrants for his arrest for absconding from a probation in Michigan. A police document filed with the Salt Lake County jail says gang detectives stopped a car about 4:30 a.m. Thursday. Whaley was a passenger and was not wearing a seat belt, the document says. Salt Lake Tribune

Whaley identified himself as Kareem Johnson, the document says. But police discovered his real name and that he had warrant for his arrest. "Robert was also found to be in possession of several baggies of marijuana that he was holding between his buttocks," a police officer wrote. Whaley remained in the Salt Lake County jail on Friday morning. The jail's Web site says he is being held in lieu of $10,000 bail. Salt Lake Tribune

The confrontation never went beyond shouting and posturing. Some garbage cans were thrown and somehow Whaley slit his hand. The real trouble came when Whaley and Williams gave fictitious names to Park City police and received misdemeanor citations for providing false information. Whaley also lied to the Jazz about how he received the cut. Whaley gave his name as "Bobby Williams" while Williams gave "Torrey Ellis." Salt Lake Tribune

Last update: 8:57 am ET

Comcast-Spectacor and the 76ers are balanced on a ledge. In the next few days, they will either fire coach Eddie Jordan or step back and wait until the season ends. Philadelphia Inquirer

Former Sixers coach Larry Brown, now coach of the Charlotte Bobcats, advised Comcast-Spectacor chairman Ed Snider against firing Jordan before the season ends, according to a source close to the situation. Brown told Snider to keep Jordan, play the young guys, and make the necessary changes in April, the source said. Philadelphia Inquirer

According to other sources, the organization is weighing two schools of thought: Keeping Jordan through the season and demanding that he give more playing time to younger players such as Jodie Meeks, Jason Smith, Jrue Holiday, and Thaddeus Young. Firing Jordan immediately, allowing time for an interim coach to evaluate the younger talent and restore some semblance of order to the season. Philadelphia Inquirer

The decision on whether to fire Jordan likely no longer belongs to one man. A source told The Inquirer on Wednesday that Stefanski's job was in jeopardy. There's also the issue of how Jordan would coach the season's final month. On Feb. 18, the NBA's trading deadline, Stefanski acquired Meeks, a rookie shooting guard, from Milwaukee. At the time, Stefanski explained the trade by saying the organization's scouts thought highly of Meeks and wanted the opportunity to further assess him. Philadelphia Inquirer

If Walsh can't land either James or Dwyane Wade but ends up with Johnson, another option is luring Toronto's Chris Bosh in a sign -and-trade. Sources claim the Raptors would be open to such a deal if it included David Lee. New York Daily News

There is a growing sentiment among opposing team executives that at the very least the Knicks will sign Atlanta's Joe Johnson, whose agent, Arn Tellem, orchestrated the Tracy McGrady trade to the Knicks and has been friends with Walsh for 20 years. It's called a "wink-wink deal," and even though it is against NBA rules, the practice does exist and is nearly impossible to police. "I think that's a done deal," said one Eastern Conference GM. New York Daily News

During the Hawks’ recent visit to New York, Joe Johnson was peppered with questions about his pending free agency this summer. Reports speculated that Johnson’s history with Knicks coach Mike D’Antoni and agent Arn Tellem’s relationship with Knicks boss Donnie Walsh could lead to Johnson signing with the Knicks. But Johnson said not to read too much into it. “That is always going to be kind of scrutinized and everybody wants to know what’s what,” he said. “So we’ll see. I don’t know what is going to happen, to be honest with you.” Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Jeff Green on Thursday expressed his desire to sign a contract extension this summer and continue his career with the Thunder. "I'd love to," Green told The Oklahoman. "It's a great thing going here." Oklahoman

How much money Green will command after this season could have a long-lasting impact on the team's salary cap and the caliber of players the Thunder can sign this summer with the future financial state always in mind. "When that time comes it comes," Green said. "I'm worried about what we got this season, and I've got to focus on what we're trying to accomplish this season. I can't worry about what's going to take place this summer." Oklahoman

Green squashed any small-market theory that assumes he wouldn't be open to re-signing in Oklahoma City. Green said he doesn't have any problem committing to the Thunder for the foreseeable future. "Not at all," Green said. "This is a great city to play in. The basketball atmosphere is great, and it's a great place to raise a family. So I wouldn't mind." Oklahoman

The Erie BayHawks signed former NBA player Michael Sweetney on Thursday. GoErie.com

Caron Butler: I want to make one thing clear first… I never asked to be traded out of Washington or anything like that. I was always professional with the team and I have to say the organization was very classy about the whole trade thing. They told me in advance the day of the trade deadline that something was going to happen. Although at the end of the day this is a business, they handled me well. They were very respectful and didn’t treat me like an ordinary player. That goes a long way with me. I’m grateful with the front office for that. HoopsHype.com

"I knew I was going to be traded; it was just a matter of where I was being traded to," Salmons said. "The Dallas Mavericks came in late and for a long time there were rumors about me going to the Houston Rockets or the San Antonio Spurs. So I thought it would be one of those three Texas teams. "When I found out I was traded to Milwaukee, I was just shocked. I wasn't even thinking about them." Racine Journal-Times

Guys around the league are pissed at Stephen A. Smith right now for his most recent column on Allen Iverson, the one in which he claimed Allen is going to drink and/or gamble his life away. One of my NBA friends in Philly says a bunch of Sixers can't wait for Stephen A. to show up in their locker room so they can have words with him. ESPN.com

Now, everyone in the league knows Allen has been a big partier his entire career. Crazy thing is, he actually drinks a lot less than he used to. I know there was talk because Allen was at some party on a night he was supposed to be playing. But right now NBA players are just talking about how they can't believe Stephen A. chose to write that column now, when Allen's partying is way, way tamer than it used to be. We all think the timing is suspicious. ESPN.com

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Caron Butler: I’ve been in touch with him to see if he’s doing well. He’s in good spirits. I wanted to let him know that me, my mom and the rest of my family are praying so that everything works ut well for him. We’ll always have his back. HoopsHype.com

Caron Butler: They often ask me to compare how’s playing with Jason Kidd now as opposed to doing it with Gilbert. Well, they are both great players. Gilbert has always been a scoring guard and can do so many things with the ball in his hands. His thing is scoring. Meanwhile, Jason has a special gift… And that is making people better. I’m fortunate to be playing with a guy like him. I remember before my first game with Dallas, we had just one practice and I was already able to pick up some plays because of his knowledge of the game and his ability to teach us where we should be on the floor. He’s making the game and the adjustment to a new system a lot easier for DeShawn Stevenson, Brendan Haywood and myself. HoopsHype.com

After the Wizards lost their fifth game in a row to the Atlanta Hawks, the question that had to be asked had nothing to do with the performances of Andray Blatche and JaVale McGee, or how they were going to stay energized playing three games in three consecutive nights. No, Mike Miller had to explain his thoughts now that Gilbert Arenas's desire to abandon No. 0 - and all of the Agent Zeroisms that came with it - to switch the No. 6 currently in Miller's possession. As expected, Miller had no problem with it. "He gave me a call, asked me about it. I gave him the go-ahead," Miller said. "If he wants No. 6, he can have it." Washington Post

When asked what number he'll wear if he and Arenas are teammates in Washington next season, Miller said he would probably go with his familiar No. 33, which became available when the Wizards traded Brendan Haywood to Dallas last month. Miller will be a free agent next season, so he added that he'll make the switch "if I have the opportunity. We just got to play it out and see how it happens." As for the game, the Wizards were finally get some offensive generated, scoring 99 points despite committing 21 turnovers, which led to 32 points for the Hawks. That truly was the difference in the game, with the Wizards beating the Hawks in rebounds 42-29 and with points in the paint (48-36). "When the other team scores 32 points off turnovers, you don't really give yourself much of a chance to come back," Coach Flip Saunders said. "Basically, turnovers are what killed us." Washington Post

Rather, Salmons was curious why something he has repeatedly said wasn't included in any story about him. "I know when I have gotten interviewed, reporters don't really like talking about God," Salmons said slowly. "I have mentioned God a lot, but I never see it in the papers when I do read the papers. "Like if I hit a big shot, I'd say it's God," Salmons said. "And I really believe that. I don't believe that was me who made that shot. I believe it was all God's doing. When I'm out there, I rely on him 100 percent." Racine Journal-Times

In a city where temptations abound, Salmons said he struggled to stay on the straight and narrow. "I've always felt a spiritual connection with God," Salmons said. "When I was in high school, I would always go to church with the family of one of my best friends. But once I got out on my own, it was up to me to continue that spiritual growth. In Miami, it's tough for a guy to continue his faith. I wanted to live a Christian lifestyle and I wanted to live the Miami lifestyle. "There's some guilt that comes with that." Racine Journal-Times

Jennings didn't back down when fouled hard by Boston's Glen "Big Baby" Davis on Tuesday night, and both players drew technical fouls on a play which seemed to spark the Bucks' fourth-quarter rally. After the game, Jennings exchanged chirps with noted trash talker Kevin Garnett of the Celtics as the players exited the Bradley Center floor. "Well, actually, I just sat back and laughed," Jennings said after the Bucks' practice session at the Cousins Center. "I just thought it was funny. Garnett is a guy who has been known to talk trash to you and try to get in your head. "My main thing was, don’t try to talk trash to him during the game, just try to get him after the game. It was cool. It’s nothing personal, but hey, we’re just competing." Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel

Last week, Williams used the word "rocky" to describe his rookie season with the Nets, who play the Thunder tonight. Williams got in trouble in December for wondering aloud — on his Twitter page — what life would be like for him if another team had drafted him. He also was late for a shootaround and benched in Chicago. Last month, interim coach Kiki Vandeweghe threw Williams out of a practice after a disagreement about him playing a little too flashy. But Williams has shown there’s plenty of substance to his versatile game. His playing time is no longer erratic as it was during stretches in December and January, and knowing he’s going to play has lifted his confidence. Bergen Record

Williams played 29.8 minutes in his last five games and has been a fourth-quarter mainstay. He’s averaged 14 points, 7.8 rebounds and 6.6 assists in those five as he’s growing into the player the Nets envisioned when they drafted him 11th. "He’s just scratching the surface of what’s yet to come," guard Keyon Dooling said. "He’s kind of playing like the Terrence we saw at Louisville," Devin Harris said. "He’s really doing everything. He’s rebounding, assisting and attacking the rim with tenacity." Bergen Record

Michael Cunningham: Wiz coach Flip Saunders denies Hawks use of weight room. They are kinda ticked because they let Wiz (and all teams) use theirs. Twitter.com

LeBron James was thrilled to hit the practice court Thursday and is looking forward to returning to action tonight at Philadelphia. The Cavs' star sat out games against Milwaukee and San Antonio to rest nagging injuries. "I was excited about practice," James said. "I'm always one to practice. I never sit out a practice. Definitely a little more excited today, being that I've been out a week. I'm looking forward to [tonight]." Cleveland Plain Dealer

With a week of rest, James said he was ready to finish the season strong. "I'm always a guy who wants to play every game," James said. "Now, looking back on it, it was definitely the right decision to give the injuries that I had some rest and at the same time take some time off. It's not often you can look at the schedule and get a week off and only miss two games, so we took advantage of it. I regenerated a lot, did a lot of treatment, did a lot of exercise to get me back to feeling where I can definitely close out the season. Cleveland Plain Dealer

Entering their game Thursday against the Orlando Magic, the Bulls knew they would face an uphill climb playing without center Joakim Noah (plantar fasciitis in left foot) and small forward Luol Deng (strained muscle in right calf). But when point guard Derrick Rose went down with a sprained left wrist late in the first quarter -- courtesy again of a hard foul by Magic center Dwight Howard -- the Bulls' task went from an uphill climb to an uphill climb on a sheet of ice while carrying a piano. Needless to say, the crowd at Amway Arena -- and the national TV audience on TNT -- was subjected to three quarters of garbage time as the Magic coasted to a 111-82 victory. Chicago Sun-Times

''Derrick has a sprained wrist,'' coach Vinny Del Negro said. ''I have no idea how bad it is. He'll get an MRI in the morning, and we'll see where we are then.'' Del Negro wouldn't even say whether the X-rays taken were negative, but a report a couple of hours after the game said they were. Rose didn't speak with reporters after the game. For the Bulls, Rose tumbling to the court after being fouled by Howard brought back bad memories of the last time the teams played. That was Feb. 10 at the United Center -- the last game before the All-Star break -- when Rose suffered a bruised right hip. Chicago Sun-Times

But both of those fouls are essentially the same. Howard never tried to block Rose’s shot on either play, though in the Feb. 10 game, Howard did take a swipe in a failed effort to keep Rose from getting a shot off after the collision. The two plays in question were definitely, “I’m going to knock you on your butt to show I’m a bad man” fouls. Both times, Howard claimed he had no intention of injuring Rose, which may be true. But he had every intention of drilling Rose in mid-air. Arlington Heights Daily Herald

Following both games, Howard bragged about his success as a road block. “I think if you hit something that doesn't move, you usually end up falling,” he chuckled after Thursday’s game. Orlando coach Stan Van Gundy joined the chorus. “He (Rose) is going full speed, and he's hitting basically an immovable object,” Van Gundy said. Arlington Heights Daily Herald

Howard claimed he even offered Rose some advice on how not to get injured by guys like Howard in the future. It’s known as the “two-foot rule.” “I always tell him, ‘If you come down the lane, always come off two feet,’” he said. “That way you'll be on balance. You come off one (foot), all it takes is for somebody's body to hit you and you're going to fall.” Arlington Heights Daily Herald

Asked how his first platelet rich plasma therapy session felt on his left knee, Kenyon Martin used an expletive in quite a descriptive way — alas, you won't read it in newsprint. The power forward said Wednesday he isn't sure when his next PRP therapy session will be and said "we'll see how it works," in reference to the first session Monday. The therapy takes place at Vail's Steadman Hawkins Clinic, and it's possible Martin could be out for a couple of weeks. Johan Petro again started for Martin on Wednesday at Minnesota (Petro, Denver's only 7-footer, took the tipoff). Asked what he brings with Martin out, reserve post Chris Andersen deadpanned: "I bring some more injuries. My back and my knee, man, I've been trying to get the necessary treatment and strength and conditioning to get it back to 100 percent." Denver Post

Forward Michael Beasley received extensive treatment on his bruised left thigh during the Heat's scheduled off day Thursday, but his availability for Friday's game against Chicago remains questionable. Beasley sustained the injury during a collision late in the third quarter of Wednesday's victory against the Los Angeles Clippers. He did not return and had 15 points in 25 minutes. Beasley is expected to go through shootaround Friday and receive more treatment before a determination is made on his playing status. Miami Herald

Charlie Villanueva: I read on @solecollector, Pistons banned Nike Hyperizes sneakers cuz the it contributed to the ankle injuries we've had. Are u kidding me??? Twitter.com

Charlie Villanueva: First off I still rock my Nike Hyperizes, I love them! I've yet to had any problems whatsoever; ankle injury can happen to anyone at anytime. The Nike Hyperizes are good money, trust me. Like the great MJ once told Mars Blackmon... "it's not the shoes mars" Twitter.com

Hours after Fresno State was bounced from the WAC tournament, sophomore forward Paul George let it be known on Twitter that he intends to declare for the NBA draft and is strongly considering leaving school. "Testing the waters my tweets but I'm leanin towards leavin to the draft," George tweeted. ESPN.com

ESPN.com reporter Chad Ford says that Luke Babbitt may be making the jump to the NBA after his sophomore season. Ford wrote a blog about underclassmen who are considering leaving school early for the NBA. He specifically lists five players he's heard may declare for the draft, and Babbitt is one of them. He lists Babbitt as a second-round selection if he were to declare this season. But Ford does say that he has first-round talent. KOLOtv.com

If the Clips have any intentions of savoring the creamed corn of the free-agent crop, they'd be wise to recall the rankling days of yesteryear. While playing for Larry Bronze in the Greece Olympics, LBJ and Wade (Carmelo Anthony, too) weren't exactly charmed by his bedside manner. In fact, I'm told the three pin-ups were so fed up with Brown's negativity they were set to bolt the Queen Mary where Team USA was housed, and return to the States -- charter jets were on the runway -- until a Nike sneaker power-broker reasoned them back to reality. New York Post

Argentina’s basketball icon Manu Ginobili is back to full fitness and playing a pivotal role for the play-off chasing San Antonio Spurs. Injuries have hindered him in international competition in recent years but his performances of late with the Spurs have fuelled hopes that he will play for his country at the 2010 FIBA World Championship in Turkey. “The tournament in Turkey is coming soon and as it gets closer, I am more and more looking forward to playing it,” Ginobili said. “It would be a strange feeling not to be part of the World Championship, it’s inevitable.” Hoops Notes

The veteran guard’s wife, however, is going to be giving birth to twins. “As I said many times, there are things that come into play,” Ginobili said in the Argentinian media. “This is a complicated decision and whatever I decide, it will be a difficult choice.” Hoops Notes

For whatever it's worth, Brown has assured his posse he'll remain with Jordan as long as the Bobcats' new majority owner can stand his incessant demand for personnel change. New York Post

Now, if the Clippers have their wandering eyes on Phil Jackson -- available to go down the hall until I hear otherwise -- then we have something here. I've broached the prospect of Jackson before and I refuse to take "no" for an answer until he -- not Jeanie Buss -- gives me grounds to think otherwise. One thing's for sure: LeBron can see how well playing for him worked out for Jordan and Kobe. New York Post

Elie has twice interviewed for head-coaching positions, including when the Kings hired Eric Musselman in 2006. For Kings basketball president Geoff Petrie, it was an opportunity to pick the brain of a player he signed while working for Portland in 1992. Petrie says Elie has a "presence" and a knack for communicating well with players, who feed off his enthusiasm. "I think one of the reasons we did (interview Elie) was because of the good impression of Mario the player, Mario the guy," Petrie said. "He really hadn't had much experience at that point, but you could just see he had the right demeanor and I think the right attitude. He's always had perseverance." Sacramento Bee

Elie is in no rush to become a head coach. "I think when (becoming a head coach) happens, it's going to happen," Elie said. "God will make that choice for me. In the meantime, the journey is good." Sacramento Bee

Avery Johnson was Knicks team president Donnie Walsh's second choice to coach Mike D'Antoni. If D'Antoni took the Bulls job, Johnson -- and not Mark Jackson -- would have become the Knicks head coach in May 2008, bringing his disciplinarian, defensive demeanor. "From what I was told, yeah [that's the truth]," Johnson told The Post Wednesday night at San Antonio's AT&T Center. The Knicks face the Grizzlies tonight (8:00, MSG, ESPN 1050 AM). New York Post

Johnson, the former Mavericks coach who is an ESPN studio analyst, took a three-hour drive to attend the Spurs' 97-87 victory over the Knicks on Wednesday. Johnson said he was there to take his former coach Gregg Popovich out to dinner, not to see Walsh. Johnson said D'Antoni's job performance cannot be evaluated until next season. "These two years for the Knicks are not a measuring stick for where they need to be," Johnson said. "You have to wait until that third year in this particular case and give D'Antoni a chance and Donnie a chance to improve their personnel, then see where it goes from there." New York Post

Johnson said he's not averse to sitting out another year. "After the season is over, like every year, we'll probably get a phone call and we'll sit down and talk to folks as we always have and see if there's a fit somewhere," Johnson said. "If not, I'll keep doing what we're doing." New York Post

Another notable candidate has emerged for the Rainbow Warrior basketball head coaching vacancy. Joe "Jellybean" Bryant told KHON2 today that he plans on submitting his application tomorrow. Bryant is a former professional hoopster who played in the NBA as well as overseas. He’s also the father of current NBA superstar Kobe Bryant. "Jellybean's" coaching career took him all over....from an assistant at his alma mater, Lasalle University to head coach of the WNBA’s L.A. sparks. KHON2

Joe Bryant is a frequent visitor of the islands. He’s even assisted with the Lokahi program, which has long been affiliated with KHON2. U.H. athletics director Jim Donovan said previously that he hopes to name a new U.H. head coach, within a few weeks. KHON2

LA severed heads with its general manager (and used-to-be coach) the media way -- by modem. Too bad Dunleavy didn't get team president Andy Roeser's text message to please call the office until long after the fact. "I learned I'd been fired from the Internet," Dunleavy told me later that night. "I was all set to scout the ACC Tournament [in Greensboro] and had spent a few hours at the club playing some golf and doing other things. When I came out of the clubhouse and turned on my phone my message box was full." New York Post

"I'm stunned. I thought we were in really solid position," said Dunleavy, whose first call was to Sterling. "I wanted to ask him what happened. When he didn't pick up I basically just thanked him for the opportunity. That was pretty much it." New York Post

Bing, a former Piston who played for the franchise when it was downtown, told a group of media executives he believes Detroit could see a joint-use arena for both basketball and hockey similar to other stadiums in other markets. "The mayor would love to see the Pistons return to Detroit and has expressed his interest in them doing so," said Karen Dumas, Bing's communications director. "While there are no formal plans, we hope the dynamics will lend themselves to this outcome." Detroit News

Hours before breaking ground on a new arena in Brooklyn Thursday, outgoing Nets owner Bruce Ratner defended his decision to move his team deep into Knicks territory by comparing the teams' future rivalry to the one the Yankees and Dodgers shared a half century ago. "When the Dodgers were here they were right up there with the Yankees. That's what we're going to have," Ratner said in an interview on WFAN radio. "We can afford two teams. It's going to be a great rivalry and I think it's just going to create more excitement for basketball. Just like the Dodgers, we'll get a lot of fans, and just like the Yankees, (the Knicks will get) a lot of fans." New York Daily News

"Jay-Z has been involved since the day we bought the team, and very involved," Ratner said. "Whether it was advice on players or advice on marketing, aside from being a great musician, he's a great business person. And he will stay quite involved and I think even more so." New York Daily News

Jared Dudley: I have a question to the Suns fans.. When Jordan beat Phx in the finals did u hate him as much as u hate Kobe Bryant now? And Why? Twitter.com

Jared Dudley: All 200 responses said u hate Kobe more the Jordan cuz of his ego mostly and that the lakers are our rival Twitter.com

Maurice Williams: If I hear I look like John legend 1 more time. Lol. FYI, he looks like me dammit. Twitter.com

The Miami Heat's run of offcourt troubles continued early Thursday morning, when forward Dorell Wright was arrested in Miami Beach for driving under the influence of alcohol and knowingly driving with a suspended license, his second such offense. Bond was set at $1,000 for each offense. Wright, who played 22 minutes in Wednesday night's 108-97 victory over the Los Angeles Clippers at AmericanAirlines Arena, was stopped at 3:37 a.m. in his 2005 Bentley for erratic driving. South Florida Sun-Sentinel

According to the report, Wright was noted with red, watery eyes, slurred speech, smelling of alcohol. The Heat's only response was a statement released Thursday night that read, "We are aware of the traffic stop involving Dorell Wright last night and until all the facts are known we will have no further comment." South Florida Sun-Sentinel

Amar'e Stoudemire: - thought I'd send this to everybody Heat F Dorell Wright charged with DUI and driving with suspended license. Be Smart people. Twitter.com

Former NBA all-star Alvin Robertson, facing sexual assault of a child and sex trafficking charges, is back in jail in San Antonio after a judge increased his bond. Prosecutors say they had asked that Robertson's bail be doubled to $450,000 (U.S.) after allegations surfaced that he was threatening two women. He has been accused of being part of a sex trafficking ring that kidnapped a 14-year-old girl. Robertson, through his lawyer, has denied the allegations. Toronto Star

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