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Monday, March 15

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Last update: 4:45 pm ET

I thought when team president Ernie Grunfeld publicly said that Arenas would be back with the Wizards next season, that was ExecuSpeak for, "We're not going to give him away; if you want him, make me an offer. And a good one." But sources maintain that Grunfeld wasn't just protecting his asset's value; he has told people in the organization that he's serious about trying to re- introduce Arenas to the D.C. fan base next season as the team's starter at point guard. (It's an area of need, as Randy Foye has struggled in the role this season.) Now, a lot obviously depends on how much time Arenas gets from Superior Court Judge Robert E. Morin next week as he is sentenced following his guilty plea in January to one felony count of carrying a gun without a license. But if Arenas is available to play next fall, it seems he's playing for the Wizards. NBA.com

The Miami Heat on Monday summoned developmental guard Kenny Hasbrouck to South Florida, with the intent of signing him presuming he passes a physical. The former Siena standout is eligible to sign a 10-day contract (or longer, if the Heat chooses) and would fill the roster spot of Rafer Alston, who was suspended for the season after leaving the team unannounced. Miami Herald

An emotional Dorell Wright returned to practice with the Miami Heat on Monday, four days after being arrested on a driving under the influence charge and being suspended by the team for two games. Wright did not speak specifically of the circumstances surrounding him being charged on Miami Beach around 3:30 a.m. last Thursday with DUI and driving with a suspended license, citing pending legal matters. He did, however, say "the thing that disgusts me the most" was feeling that he let the franchise and its fans down, especially during a playoff chase. "It was way out of character for me," Wright said, his eyes reddening. "I definitely apologize." USA Today

In the end, though, Carter got some of his groove and swagger back -- and, not coincidentally, Orlando has started to look again like the Eastern Conference frontrunner many expected it would be at the start of the season. Carter's averages have improved and held steady in both February and March: 18.6 points on 52 percent shooting. So, what happened? "I really can't answer that," Magic coach Stan Van Gundy said. "He's really playing well now, very efficiently. He had some injury stuff early, both his legs and his shoulder. I think he feels better. He seems very comfortable playing with everyone else. He's shooting the ball well. Everything's gone well for him. He keeps playing like that, obviously, we're pretty good." NBA.com

"The shoulder was bothering me," he says. "It was kind of affecting my shot. But I just, I've never been a person, and I refuse to use that as an excuse. Because when I step on the floor and play, and I choose to play, I have to produce and I have to perform. And it was a battle. But I was able to make it through." NBA.com

Howard says their conversations focused on the common sacrifices everyone would have to make: more people involved would mean fewer shots. "Vince was just telling me he wants to win," Howard said. "He wants to win a championship." NBA.com

With nods to Aaron Brooks, Dwyane Wade, Kevin Martin and LeBron James, any current list would have to focus on newcomers Ty Lawson and Darren Collison. And Collison says there is no debate. In the current issue of HOOP magazine, the Hornets rookie tells Josh Gordon: I definitely think I'm the fastest player. I got a chance to watch Ty Lawson's game and he is probably up there. I'd definitely say I'm the fastest. ESPN.com

Javaris Crittenton was losing money. He jumped in the middle of a conversation between two other guys playing and I didn't want to hear it no more. So I throw my cards down in the middle of the hand, tell them all, "I'm done. I'm getting on up." Javaris is saying, "No, this is some street shit. Where I'm from, you gotta finish the game. My money's on the line." He and another guy say it's a misdeal and they want me to match the pot. "You gotta pay that debt," Javaris says, "or we gotta take it outside." Take it outside? He said, We gotta fistfight. I start joking. I put on some music. Michael Jackson. "You wanna be startin' something ..." Everyone's laughin'. He's like, "Nah, nah, homey. This is real. You ain't gonna joke with this. You owe me my money." So I start to play "Beat It." Esquire

Next practice I come real early, and I get word that Javaris is there. When I see him, my mind says, Boo yow! My guns, put them on the chair. That's where the problem came in — with the "boo yow!" I wasn't using longevity thinking. Rewind. I had a big gun collection. About four to five hundred guns. The guy I bought it from was in his seventies. He'd been collecting them for years. He had First World War guns. I bought his whole collection and added to it. I didn't need a license to keep them in my house. There was an officer who would come by and look out for them. The door was reinforced and a security system was set up. But when my kids came, I said, I can't have these guns around. We put everything in storage, but I kept four: a gold Desert Eagle. There was a Smith & Wesson 500. A Kimber. The other was an old gun with a long clip. None of them were loaded. I kept them in a lockbox in the empty locker next to mine. Esquire

I put my four guns in my backpack so nobody could see them. I wrote the note: "Pick one." Put the guns on a chair where Javaris would find them. I go in the training room where he was. I can see him — "What's this? What's this?" "You said you were gonna shoot me in my knee. I'm giving you the guns to do it." "I don't need you to give me nothing. I've got my own gun." He pulls one out and puts the clip in. That's when some of the other players are saying, Man, I gotta get out of here. But then he puts his earphones in and starts singing. So I pick my guns up. From there, everything settled down. He goes into the Jacuzzi. You know what? I gotta warm my knee up anyway. I go in and sit with him. We're just sitting in there talking. We didn't have no problem. It was just some fun that got out of control. Esquire

I feel like I messed up Abe Pollin's legacy. I have a painting of him in my garage. I just walk by it with my head down. I called Mrs. Pollin and said, "If Abe was still with us, I would've had to talk to him, so I'm gonna give you the same respect. I want to say sorry to you. I deserve to be punished. I'll do everything it takes to get back your husband's respect." Esquire

Chicago Bulls guard Derrick Rose is doubtful for Tuesday's game against the Memphis Grizzlies, and he may be out until the weekend. The Bulls are riding a seven-game losing streak. Rose, who missed Friday's game against the Miami Heat after suffering a sprained left wrist Thursday in Orlando, was severely limited in practice on Monday. "It's still sore a little bit, but if you want me to go out there and play, I will," Rose said. "That's not an issue for me to go out there and play, but I'm just going to do the smart thing. "If they want me to wait, I'll wait." ESPN.com

Shaquille O’Neal returned to the Cavaliers practice facility today. O’Neal, who has been out since injuring his right thumb at Boston on Feb. 25, did not speak with reporters, but according to general manager Danny Ferry, O’Neal met with doctors and will be starting the early phase of his rehabilitation. Since his surgery in Baltimore on March 1, O’Neal has been at his home in Florida. His exercise was restricted, as doctors took a conservative approach to his recovery. It is unlikely he will be traveling with the team because he needs a specific type of hand physical therapist here. Cleveland Plain Dealer

Da'Sean Butler, 6-foot-7, small forward, West Virginia. Butler had a great Big East tournament for the Mountaineers, leading them to the tournament title with two game-winning shots, and a No. 2 seed in the NCAAs. At the next level, Butler's strength and defensive prowess will get him and keep him in some team's rotations. "He's not as good as Evan Turner (the Ohio State sophomore), but he plays the game similar," said one scout. Another scout says Butler is just fair in terms of lateral quickness and burst, "but he's an extremely tough, aggressive defender. That's probably what teams will depend on him on night in and night out at the next level, but there will be nights when he gives you an offensive boost." NBA.com

Yes, O'Brien signed a contract extension before the season. Yes, he has the endorsement of team president Larry Bird. But O'Brien has lost this team, according to multiple sources, in part because he has not taken an interest in developing or establishing relationships with the younger players. Nothing is worse than when a team collectively decides to tune out a coach. There are several indications that the Pacers have done just that, including an Indianapolis Star report that the players have quit on O'Brien. SI.com

One source said that when assistant Lester Conner filled in briefly for O'Brien earlier this season, the players responded well to him. Many around the league wondered why Bird extended O'Brien's deal when he did not have to. It remains to be seen how that decision will affect the next one. SI.com

Bower fired Byron Scott just nine games into the season and stepped into the job himself, leading the Hornets to a 29-29 record since. According to sources in NBA circles, Bower is fighting hard to persuade owner George Shinn to bring him back as coach. Given the Hornets' financial woes, they are the most likely team to go the frugal route; it would make sense for Shinn to let Bower guide this team for one more year at a reasonable price, see what happens with a lockout and go from there. SI.com

Dwane Casey, Dallas Mavericks assistant: How is this guy not a head coach in this league already? When he coached hte Timberwolves, he improved from an initial 33-49 mark in 2005-06 to guide Minnesota to a 20-20 start the following season. Then, inexplicably, he was fired by Kevin McHale, and Randy Wittman went 12-30 the rest of the way, starting the malaise that the Wolves currently enjoy. Casey was a finalist for both the Bulls' job that went to Del Negro and the 76ers' job that went to Jordan, and has given Mavericks coach Rick Carlisle both experience and knowledge. Casey is likely to be the top choice for any of the vacancies. "He has a presence about him," one general manager said. "And there's something to be said for that." SI.com

Elston Turner, Houston Rockets assistant: Turner is probably one notch behind Casey, if only because he does not have head coaching experience. But he does very well in interviews, and has good knowledge of the game. Coaching with Rick Adelman has helped him learn Adelman's offensive playbook, which helped Turner emerge as a finalist for the Suns' opening in 2008 and the Timberwolves' vacancy last year that Kurt Rambis filled. SI.com

Silas underwent a routine colonoscopy procedure and had some complications resulting in organ failure. He spent almost two months in intensive care and another two months in the hospital. Silas is said to be doing well now however sources close to him say he is unlikely to coach again. NBA fans clearly remember him with fondness; it's highly unlikely Silas even considers another NBA job. HoopsWorld

Utah assistant Tyrone Corbin, who played at DePaul, has interviewed at his alma mater, according to a source, and may get that job. SI.com

Say it's all true. At the end of the day, that's not the reason I love Tiger. I got three Tiger Woods games for my Xbox just in case one gets scratched. On the cover, it doesn't have him walking next to his wife. It just has Tiger Woods, hitting shots. Esquire

Last update: 8:41 am ET

With two roster spots available to fill, the Miami Heat are on the cusp of signing former Siena shooting guard Kenny Hasbrouck, a deal that could be done as early as Monday. Barring an unforeseen development, Hasbrouck is expected to fly to Miami on Monday. If he passes a physical, he'll be offered a contract. Hasbrouck was with the Heat for several weeks last summer, then got hurt shortly before training camp - which essentially cost him a chance to be with Miami during the 2009 preseason. Of late, Hasbrouck has been in the NBA Development League with Rio Grande Valley, averaging 16.9 points in 10 games since joining that club, including 13 points Sunday night in a 106-101 win over Tulsa. AP

Kenny Hasbrouck, a former March Madness hero for Siena, is on his way to the Miami Heat according to sources close to the situation. Hasbrouck, a 6-foot-3 guard, had been averaging 16.9 points while shooting better than 50% with the D-League's Rio Grande Valley Vipers. Hasbrouck follows in the footsteps of fellow/former Vipers Mike Harris, Will Conroy, Garrett Temple and Antonio Anderson as players that have earned a call-up from Rio Grande Valley. Ridiculous Upside

The Heat had been carrying only 14 players on the roster, one under the league minimum. A second spot opened Friday night when Miami moved Rafer Alston to the suspended list for the remainder of the season, making it clear that Miami was going to strongly consider adding some depth. "Like a lot of teams that have a spot, you're weighing whether bringing somebody in can actually help, whether it might be a development player (or) somebody you can secure for the summer," Heat coach Erik Spoelstra said earlier this month. "And you're also weighing whether that person can disrupt the continuity based on their expectations." AP

With the Heat's move to suspend point guard Rafer Alston for the rest of the season, coach Erik Spoelstra reiterated Sunday that the team is considering its options but is no rush to sign a replacement. The Heat has played the past five games with only two point guards, Carlos Arroyo and backup Mario Chalmers. The team also was down an additional ball-handler, with Dorell Wright serving the second game of his two-game suspension for a DUI arrest. When Wright returns Tuesday, Spoelstra said Miami likely would have enough because he might shorten the rotation. ``I think, finally, we feel comfortable with the direction we're going,'' Spoelstra said. Miami Herald

Ratliff might be one of those centers who plays until he is 40. As usual, he has no guarantee beyond the end of the season, working again on a one-year contract with no promises that he will return to Charlotte next season. "I've been year-to-year for the last three or four years. It's always possible (that I'll be back),'' he said. "But right now I feel real good physically. There's no reason why I can't keep playing at this level.'' FanHouse

Speaking of LeBron, do you think he’ll stay in Cleveland or bolt to New York? Danny Granger: If I was LeBron, I’d go to New York. HoopsHype.com

Why the Big Apple? DG: New York is the media mecca as far as endorsements and being able to expand your personnel net worth. The exposure you can get there isn’t only nationally but globally. New York does all that for you. HoopsHype.com

The Jazz today said they have signed rookie forward Othyus Jeffers to a second 10-day contract, as it was fully expected they would do. Jeffers has appeared in two games for the Jazz since being promoted from Iowa of the NBA Development League, but the Robert Morris-Chicago product did not play in last Wednesday's win at Detroit or Friday's loss at Milwaukee. Deseret News

"Great news," he said. Jeffers still wakes up every day pinching himself over the fact he's in the NBA. "I'm still getting used to the one-bedroom thing instead of two people in the bedroom at a D-League hotel," he said. Jeffers played in two games since being promoted from Iowa of the D-League, but the Robert Morris-Chicago product hasn't played in Utah's last three games, including Sunday's. When Jeffers' second 10-day expires, the Jazz must decide if they want to guarantee his contract for the rest of the season or return him to Iowa. But they're also giving serious consideration adding a veteran big man — perhaps ex-Jazz center Mikki Moore, if he's fully recovered from a December heel surgery — instead. "Hopefully," Jeffers said, "they sign me for the rest of the season." Deseret News

Rookie Earl Clark will leave today to join the Suns' D-League affiliate in Iowa, where he will play three games. Clark has played the least of any active 2009 first-round pick except B.J. Mullens. "He just needs some minutes," said Suns General Manager Steve Kerr, who will attend two of the games in Iowa. "The best way to develop is to play. He's done a great job in practice, but we haven't had a lot of practice time." Arizona Republic

With their point guard situation in shambles, the Wizards signed Livingston to a 10-day contract. He is currently on his second with the team. His knee is serviceable and Livingston may be able to salvage his career. “To be honest with you, I’m really not thinking about it,” Livingston said. “I’m just thinking about doing my job when I get in there and that’s trying to get others involved, make shots when I get in there and play the right way.” New York Times

“Everything is a day at a time with me, man,” Livingston said. “I’m blessed to be where I am right now, playing basketball with my injury and everything else. I’m not trying to look ahead.” New York Times

But there is a reason why Henry Thomas, Livingston’s agent, called him nearly in tears after the game. The tally represents more than just numbers. They are the most points and assists Livingston has amassed since his gruesome injury in February 2007, in which he landed awkwardly on his left knee, damaging virtually every portion of it. In a medical roll call, he sustained tears of his anterior cruciate ligament, posterior cruciate ligament, lateral meniscus, sprained his medial collateral ligament and dislocated his patella and tibia-femoral joint. New York Times

The return of Maceo Baston in Europe lasted less more than one week. The American center, former Maccabi and NBA player, is in very bad shape and will not be ready until the end of the season. Sportando

Benetton Treviso is close to signing for the rest of the season American center Maurice Mo Taylor. Sportando

Pepsi Caserta decided to waive Robert Hite as soon as his contract with the Italian team expired. Hite, who started the season with Sutor Montegranaro, was inked to replace Bowers, out for injury. Sportando

Chicago Bulls guard Kirk Hinrich said he didn't intend to make contact with a referee during Friday's loss to the Miami Heat, and he is frustrated that the incident led to a one-game suspension. Speaking publicly for the first time since learning he would be suspended for Tuesday's game against the Memphis Grizzlies, Hinrich on Sunday said he is disappointed. "Any time you have to miss time when you're healthy, it's frustrating," Hinrich said. "I was hoping [a suspension] that wasn't going to be the case, but there's nothing really I can do about it now." ESPN.com

Hinrich said it was not his intention to make contact with referee Bennie Adams, and he tried to explain that to NBA security officials before he was suspended on Saturday. "I was following him, I was still upset," he said. "Then he turned, stuck his elbow out and kind of bumped into me. Then I realized I better leave. "I was following him," Hinrich said. "But, I feel like ... I don't know what was going through his head or anything like that. But he stops. Stuck his shoulder and elbow out and the contact was made. I don't even know why that's why I'm suspended. If it's because of contact or what. I haven't really been told yet. I'm going to try and find out more [Sunday] afternoon, but there's nothing really I can do about it." ESPN.com

As for the Celtics, they're still trying to see their future, both short- and long-term. Garnett, Paul Pierce and Ray Allen are not getting younger, and coach Doc Rivers admitted he is trying to point to the playoffs. "Our goal ... is to get us at our peak when the playoffs start and see where we are at," Rivers said. "But we've got to get there and we have to work there. We have a lot of work to do." Especially since the Celtics were outworked on Sunday. Rivers attributed the defeat to not getting loose balls and being outrebounded. The Cavs -- without Shaquille O'Neal -- had 27 second-chance points and 17 offensive rebounds. "I told our guys it was frustrating for me because you could see in a lot of ways how close we are to breaking out to being really good," Rivers said. FanHouse

He also gave his standard defensive effort, being effective on pick-and-roll defense as well as smashing up against the Celtics' various big men who were trying and failing to score much in the paint. "I thought one guy completely dominated the game and that was Varejao," Celtics coach Doc Rivers said. "With loose balls, activity, getting under our skin." Cleveland Plain Dealer

Boston's Glen Davis denies he intentionally tried to hurt Shaquille O'Neal in a game earlier this season, calling the accusations "crazy." Boston Globe

O'Neal is expected to miss the rest of Cleveland's regular season after tearing a ligament in his thumb when Davis blocked his shot in a game in Boston on Feb. 25. After the block, replays seemed to catch Davis squeezing O'Neal's hand on Cleveland's next possession. Davis says he was simply battling O'Neal for position and didn't know the hand was injured until O'Neal called a timeout and said his thumb was broke as he walked toward the bench. Boston Globe

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Gasol received a Flagrant Foul 1 after league officials reviewed the foul in which Gasol struck Amundson's head during Friday night's game. The play led to Gentry's ejection and a $25,000 fine for the coach. Arizona Republic

Gasol smacked Amundson in the head while trying to block his shot, Suns Coach Alvin Gentry was kicked out of the game while arguing for a flagrant foul, and Gasol was commended by Kobe Bryant for "just playing hard" after the Lakers' 102-96 victory. Two days later, Gasol's play still was being discussed when the Lakers returned to practice after having Saturday off. "We really asked him to be firm," Lakers Coach Phil Jackson said Sunday. "We have not asked him to give flagrant fouls at all but we're asking him not to give up three-point plays. We're asking him to be very physical when the time comes. "I don't know if that's having a play in this or not but I don't think it'll really change the demeanor of him. He means well and he's a solid, kind of friendly, guy. We're just asking him that when you have to give a foul, give a hard foul." Los Angeles Times

As if to demonstrate he's not an ogre, Gasol approached reporters after practice and smiled broadly. He wanted everyone to see that his braces had been removed after 2 1/2 years on his upper and lower teeth. "Hopefully now I won't get popped in the mouth and lose a couple of teeth," he said. When the conversation turned more serious, Gasol said he wasn't trying to hurt Amundson. "We have to make sure that we don't give any ‘and-ones' up and just be a little tougher in the lane. It was an accident that my arm got to his face," Gasol said. "In seeing the replay, they could have called it a flagrant." Los Angeles Times

Gasol said he is trying to ramp up his activity level, but not do anything dirty to shed his derisive "Ga-soft" label. "I'm trying to play aggressive, that's all," Gasol said. "I'm trying to play with some physicality and aggressiveness." ESPN.com

Turkoglu scored 14 points, but not before he was booed during the player introductions. And he was booed every time he touched the ball. And he was booed when he committed a foul, or checked in and out of the game, and even when he was leaving the floor after the loss. He was booed so often during the game that he apologized to Portland afterward: "Sorry if I break somebody's heart. I know they want me to be here." I stood in the corner of the Raptors locker room after Toronto's ninth loss in 10 games with Turkoglu talking about what might have been. He's watched from a distance as 12 Blazers players missed a combined 280 games this season. He's suffered, a little, himself, too -- missing games with a sore hip, a sore ankle, a fractured orbital bone, and an upper respiratory infection. He entered Sunday's game averaging 12.0 points and 4.6 rebounds. His shooting percentage (.408) is below his career average, and he hasn't set a career best in any statistical category in any single game this season. Said Turkoglu: "It hasn't worked out the way I hoped." Oregonian

Turkoglu said he did not consult with his wife. This was a business decision, and the small forward who averaged 19.5 points two seasons ago thought he was making a sound choice. And now, he's apologizing to the good people who follow the Blazers because he is sorry he let you down. Also, he wants his wife's name cleared around here in the event she ever wants to see Multnomah Falls or the Oregon coast. "Don't know who made that story about my wife," Turkoglu said. "She would love it here. Or anywhere. The last second Toronto came in and it felt like a good fit -- East Coast style. I thought I fit good. My wife never said she didn't like to be in Portland." Oregonian

Hedo Turkoglu was roundly booed during introductions and it didn't stop until he left the court. The jumbotron and television cameras both caught a sign that read, "Mrs. Turkoglu, thanks for Andre," a reference to the Blazers' settling for Miller after failing to sign Turkoglu last summer when, reportedly, his wife helped convince him to spurn the Blazers for the more metropolitan Toronto. Tonight, Turkoglu went through the motions like so many slightly above average players on slightly below average teams. His shot was falling (4 of 5 from deep), he was careless with the basketball (4 turnovers) and he did not impact the game on the boards or on the defensive end. Don't look now but it could be a really, really, really long 5 years. Blazers Edge

Head coach Jay Triano liked the idea that the things he and his coaches were feeling were actually being shared by the players. “It’s the same thing we have been saying over and over,” Triano said of Bosh’s comments. “Players feel the frustration the same way the coaches do and that’s good. There are times we sit in there as coaches and wonder: ‘Do these guys care as much as we do?’ And they do. When he responds like that, it means that he does care. He’s trying to encourage other guys to get this thing turned around.” Bosh isn’t the outspoken type, but Triano wasn’t surprised by his words. “I don’t think you can say it’s not like him,” Triano said. “There have been times throughout his career where he has been frustrated.” But Triano said words alone aren’t going to get it done. “He has to lead by example. Those guys will follow him with what he says if he backs it up with the way he plays” Triano said. “I think the other guys in the room lose respect when you say it but don’t act upon it. We need to act upon it.” Toronto Sun

It's been a difficult week, folks! I'll just put it out there. After revealing what's been heard for years about Iverson's drinking and penchant for the casinos, I've received the kind of beatdown only Joe Frazier can relate to from the pummeling he suffered against George Foreman decades ago. I've been vilified and excoriated, called a turncoat and a sellout, unworthy of so much as a handshake from several members of Iverson's former team, the 76ers - the last people in need of more adversaries. The truth is, I deserve it. Despite the objectivity exercised while disseminating the news, it's impossible to be completely impartial about someone you've known for 14 years and are incredibly fond of despite the innumerable mistakes he's made. Philadelphia Inquirer

The thing is, if I'm honest enough to express these feelings about Iverson, to stand up and say none of us who care should sit idly by and act as if the combination of Iverson's history in the fast lane and his present family issues will be healed by silence, where are his so-called friends, the ones with the all-is-well expressions while knowing there's mounting evidence to the contrary? No one said Iverson is an alcoholic or a gambling addict. What was reported was that he's drinking and gambling too much, enough to concern quite a few people in the NBA. Philadelphia Inquirer

Before the game, forward Rodney Carney debunked the notion that the players would purposely lose games to gain the Sixers a better spot in the NBA's draft lottery. "It's impossible," he said. "You get out there, your natural instincts are to try to compete to win the game. Rather than, 'Oh, I'll miss this shot.' No way." Carney added: "You hear about it, but you don't want to do it. We want to win every game we can, regardless of some higher draft pick we could get. We don't worry about that, and we don't want to think about it, either." Philadelphia Inquirer

Gilbert Arenas says he deserves to be punished for bringing guns to the locker room. The suspended Washington Wizards guard tells Esquire magazine he wasn't using "longevity thinking" when he took out four guns in what he says was an attempt to play a prank on teammate Javaris Crittenton in December. Arenas pleaded guilty to a felony gun charge in January and will be sentenced next week. He has been suspended until the end of the season by the NBA. AP

The Esquire article hits newsstands next week. In it, Arenas says he "messed up" the legacy of Wizards owner Abe Pollin, who died in November. Arenas says he called Pollin's widow to apologize. AP

In a recent interview with Dimemag.com, Milwaukee Buck's Jerry Stackhouse had the following to say about the Spurs' Richard Jefferson. “I just don’t think he’s as good as everybody talked him up to be, to me,” said Stackhouse. “I mean, I think he has some talent, he’s an athlete but a lot of the best basketball we’ve seen from Richard Jefferson came when he played with Jason Kidd, when he was just pretty much spoon-fed at the basket and was able to run out and just be an athlete. When it comes down to a half-court set and just being able to play half-court basketball I don’t think he’s that special of a player, in my opinion. Project Spurs

Powe said that there's something different about his former team. When asked whether the Celtics' window of opportunity was closed now, he hesitated and offered an honest assessment. ''I wouldn't say it's closed, but just looking at the defense from the championship year, it doesn't look the same,'' he said. ''It looks like the rotation is slower and they're not getting to the shooters and closing out like they did before.'' The Celtics are a team that the Cavs could see in the Eastern Conference playoffs. The Cavs currently have the No. 1 seed and the Celtics are No. 4. ''It'll be fun,'' he said of the two teams possibly tangling in the postseason. ''[But] we have one goal on our mind and that's to be the last team standing.'' Akron Beacon Journal

The Celtics repeatedly have mentioned “turning a corner” to get back on a winning track. But with 17 games left in the regular season, how far away is that corner? “I don’t know, maybe 17 blocks,” Rajon Rondo guesstimated on Friday. “It should be the same zip code.” WEEI.com

Ray Allen understands the regular season can be a series of ups and downs, the reason why he thinks that corner isn’t that distant. “I live on an island. I don’t have blocks or anything in the country,“ Ray Allen said. “Any time you have to turn a corner, the corner is a block away. It’s just a block away because once you do something well, you feel like you’ve turned a corner. So it’s never that far away. Just like when you’re good, you’re just teeter-tottering on being bad, vice versa.” WEEI.com

Maybe this was the game where the Brewer and Maynor trades finally caught up to the Jazz. They could have used the additional depth for sure. Walking out of the locker room, I heard Boozer and Williams commiserating about the loss to the Thunder. Williams eventually closed the conversation with one final thought: “Game tomorrow.” Sure enough, the Jazz will play Washington on Monday at EnergySolutions in what’s almost a must-win. “We’ve just got to go home and play,” Sloan said. “If we have players there, fine. If we don’t, we’ll play somebody else and hopefully try to come and play and win. That’s all you can do. “The biggest thing is I hate guys to feel sorry for themselves, feel like they’re being mistreated because somebody’s not here. That’s part of this business and you’ve got to learn how to play in it and play through it. “It makes you better, it makes you stronger. If you don’t have the mentality for that and you’re looking for an excuse, then it’s tough to win.” Salt Lake Tribune

The result of all the easiness is the uneasy feeling Lakers fans get when checking the Western Conference standings and noticing L.A.'s precarious three-game lead over the Nuggets who have won six games in a row and three and half game lead over the Mavericks who just finished a streak in which they won 13 in a row. "At the beginning of the season nobody had a chance and then we gave everybody a chance," Artest said. Having survived the three-game lull with two wins against Toronto and Phoenix, Artest wants the Lakers to do some streaking of their own. "We just want to win every game and hopefully just win out," Artest said. "That would be the main goal, just not to lose anymore." ESPN.com

As soon as I got the phrase “you got your 14th technical tonight” out of my mouth, Dwight Howard addressed it. “Hopefully it’ll be rescinded,” Howard said. “I just threw the ball like it was a bowling ball. That’s it. I rolled it, pretty fast.” Howard picked up his 14th technical foul in a 96-89 loss to the Charlotte Bobcats on Sunday. The call came with 8:27 remaining in the fourth quarter just after Howard was called for his fourth personal foul. Orlando Sentinel

Players get fined for each technical and once they reach 16 they get a one-game suspension. Magic GM Otis Smith occasionally calls the NBA and asks them to review technical fouls. Sometimes they listen. Howard has had two rescinded already this year from games against Indiana and New Orleans. Still, many of Howard’s technicals aren’t obvious from a distance. Often they’re the byproduct of a few choice words. A few weeks ago Smith joked that he wanted Howard to get to 16 in hope that would quiet him down a little bit. “I think sometimes as a ref they may feel that someone’s trying to show them up when that’s not the case sometimes,” Howard said. “We understand they make mistakes they’re human beings also and our emotions sometimes get the best of us. Sometimes I think there are techs that shouldn’t be techs but we don’t make the rules we just have to abide by them.” Orlando Sentinel

Now what matters is Rashard Lewis’ game and frame of mind. “He is just not playing well at all right now,” coach Stan Van Gundy said. “You know, it’s not just shooting. I mean, he’s not rebounding the ball. He’s just not playing with much energy. I don’t know.” Lewis is a mess offensively, recording three single-digit scoring games in his last six, including three in a row. He is 18-of-56 (32.1 percent) and 8-of-29 from 3-point range in his last six games. “I have to get myself more involved and just be more aggressive,” Lewis said. “I got to create something.” Orlando Sentinel

Jermaine O'Neal was ejected from the Miami Heat's game against Philadelphia after grabbing Samuel Dalembert's face. O'Neal departed after receiving two technical fouls in the third quarter Sunday. Dalembert received one technical and remained in the game. AP

After 12 years in the NBA, Lewis has tempered his frustration over his own struggles. He isn't about to complain about a reduced role while his team is winning. "There is no frustration when you're winning,'' he said. "If you win, you don't worry. I'm not getting as many shots, but it doesn't matter now. If you lose, that's when there is going to be frustration, that's when you need to look at yourself in the mirror.'' FanHouse

But ask Bell who's the best player in the game, and he'll answer without hesitation. He won't say LeBron James or Dwyane Wade or Carmelo Anthony. "Kobe," Bell said. "He's a winner, man. Not that the LeBrons and D-Wades and 'Melos aren't. But he just seems to have a sixth sense about closing and timeliness with his game that I think he's developed over time. I think they don't necessarily have it to the degree he has it yet. They're on his heels. But if you ask me who I'd take to win this year, I'd take Kobe." Contra Costa Times

Warriors guard Monta Ellis, who likely will draw the task of defending Bryant, said that's just it. In addition to his elite skills, Bryant has a supporting cast that opens things up for him. He's got an All-Star power forward in Pau Gasol, an All-Star caliber small forward in Ron Artest, a rising star in center Andrew Bynum and one of the game's most versatile players coming off the bench in forward Lamar Odom. Not to mention a proven big-shot artist in point guard Derek Fisher, ready to make teams pay for leaving him open. "He's got a lot out there," Ellis said. "There is no one way you can guard him out there. There is not much you can say about Kobe. His game speaks for him." Contra Costa Times

The do-you-believe-miracles win in Dallas Saturday night begs the next question: Do you believe in rookie Toney Douglas as the Knicks' point guard of the future? Coach Mike D'Antoni did not believe as recently as nine days ago, but now the rookie out of Florida State is the new flavor of the month as the Knicks point-guard carousel goes 'round and 'round. Douglas, whom the Knicks selected 29th in the draft after buying the pick from the Lakers for a whopping $3 million, has gone from out of the rotation to possibly the starting point guard for the remaining 16 games to cap a rookie season full of stops, starts and unfulfilled promises from the coach. New York Post

He is 24 but since leaving Madrid he has just not gotten enough game minutes - the amount needed to be ready for a lot of NBA responsibility which is what D'Antoni had in mind for him the past few weeks. With the game schedule, there is no space for much on-the-job practice and training. There's just too little time. Rudy Fernandez, Ricky Rubio realized they should wait and mature while Sergio went right away, too young and not ready. It's hurt him big time. He's a talent but at the NBA level and under the bright lights of MSG, he was not grown up enough to handle the heat. New York Post

Some fans have been nervous that O'Neal hasn't been around the team for the last two weeks as he recovers from thumb surgery at home in Orlando. James said he is sure O'Neal is taking care of himself and staying in shape. "I'm giving him his space," James said. "He knows how to police himself, literally. He'll be fine. He knows what is at stake. He's not going to jeopardize himself or our team by doing something that may hurt him when he comes back. He's fine." Cleveland Plain Dealer

Pacers point guard T.J. Ford is expected to miss seven to 10 days with a sore left groin. Coach Jim O'Brien made the announcement before Indiana played the Milwaukee Bucks on Sunday. ESPN.com

New Orleans Hornets backup center Sean Marks will undergo right shoulder surgery on Tuesday morning and will be out the remainder of the season, the team announced Saturday. New Orleans Times-Picayune

A very fragile-looking Jason Terry made an appearance at Rick Carlisle's ping pong tournament on Sunday. I say fragile because I was almost scared to give him a hello hug. His face was a tad swollen after having facial surgery on March 5th. His face was a smidge puffy, would best the way to describe it. He told me he expects to be back in uniform against the Bulls on Wednesday. He and Cowboys owner Jerry Jones are the most optimistic people I know. "You sure?" I asked. "Yep." he assured me. "Wednesday." That Sports Girl

Jamison's knee stiffened up in the first half of last Monday's game against the San Antonio Spurs. He said that he suffers from a cyst in his left knee that fills with fluid occasionally. ''I felt pretty good,'' Jamison said. ''This is the best it's felt after a game in a while. I just have to continue to pay attention to it and do the proper rehabs and things of that nature.'' Despite the positive effect the rest had on his knee, Jamison said that he doesn't expect that he will be taking more time off in the coming weeks. ''I can't play like that,'' he said. ''I've still got to get my timing back. I still have to get my defense down pat. I need these last month of games as far as going to the playoffs.'' Akron Beacon Journal

Farmar played 15 minutes in Vujacic's first game back, when the sixth-year guard out of Slovenia played just three spot minutes against Toronto. Vujacic played 12 minutes in his next game against Phoenix, including playing the backup point guard position when he was on the court and Farmar's role was reduced to just three minutes, all coming in the second quarter. Farmar re-aggravated his sprained left pinkie in the Suns game when he slapped a ball out of the hands of Phoenix center Jarron Collins, but said after the Lakers practice that his hand wasn't the reason he sat on the bench the whole second half. "I was good to go in," Farmar said. "I don't think it had anything to do with [me not playing] & [The pinkie is] messed up so every time it gets hit it's going to be a little sore but it's fine." ESPN.com

If he plays Tuesday, it would be seven weeks after his wrist surgery to remove a cyst. The original timetable was for him to be out four to six weeks. "It's feeling good," Barbosa said. "I'm very happy about the results and can't wait to come back. I'm going to wait one more game. For sure, I'm going to play (Tuesday). The playoffs are right there, so I want to make sure that when I came back, I come back good so I don't need to worry about the playoffs. I want to get healthy, feel good about my wrist and play like I used to - be aggressive and everything." Arizona Republic

Paul was by no means going full speed during this workout, and wasn't running up and down the court, or even going hard to the basket. But for someone coming off of knee surgery, he seemed extremely comfortable out there. Paul was playing without any kind of brace on his healing knee, while doing some light ball handling and getting some shots up over a member of the team's staff. Video of Paul in action can be seen in the following clip. FanHouse

Kings rookie forward Jon Brockman said that he hopes to return to the practice floor in the next "seven to 10 days." He sprained his right medial collateral ligament on Feb. 19 and was expected to miss two to four weeks. He is running without pain, reaching 11 miles per hour on the treadmill. The next test, Brockman said, will be integrating more basketball moves. "I haven't done any jogging or planting or cutting, so we'll see," he said. "I'm real good at running a straight line. If I could just run in a straight line the whole time I'd be fine." Sacramento Bee

Rodney Stuckey said after Saturday night's game that he would miss his fifth straight game tonight at Boston. He also said he would like to participate in practice before returning. That makes it appear unlikely that he will play Tuesday against the Cavs since the next practice won't be until Thursday. He hasn't played since collapsing during a loss at Cleveland on March 5. Detroit Free Press

The Pacers will to have a very high pick in June NBA draft. If you were the general manager of the Pacers, who would you select? Danny Granger: Honestly, you’d want the No. 1 pick and, if we had the No. pick, I’d take (Kentucky point guard) John Wall. I think he’s the best player in the draft. There’s some other good players in this draft: Evan Turner (a guard from Ohio State), the big kid from Kentucky, DeMarcus Cousins ... But I would still take John Wall. HoopsHype.com

James loves what he sees of Ohio State’s Evan Turner. “Evan Turner is really, really good,” he said. “If not for (Kentucky stars) John Wall or DeMarcus Cousins, he’d be the No. 1 pick in the NBA draft. He does everything. He scores, rebounds and passes the ball. He’s a rare talent.” Morning Journal

University of Arkansas power forward Michael Washington has signed an agreement with BP Sports Management (BPSM) to represent his professional basketball career. The 6 foot 10 senior became the fifth Arkansas player to record at least 1,000 points, 600 rebounds and 100 blocked shots in his career. After the 2008-09’ season, Washington was named second-team All-SEC and Arkansas’s first conference rebounding champion since 1999. BP Sports Management

Given that Fisher plans to continue playing after this season ends (and he becomes free agent), such decisions are hardly pressing, but nonetheless intriguing. As always, Fish provided some interesting perspective. Andrew Kamenetzky: What was your reaction when you heard about Corliss getting hired? Derek Fisher (smiles): I just told him to leave a seat open for me, just in case things don't go well for me in July (when free agency talks begin). Nah, I just congratulated him basically. I knew he was serious about coaching but when you take a head coaching at just about any NCAA institution now, that's a 24/7 commitment. ESPN.com

AK: When you picture yourself in that coaching role, is there a particular perspective you think you'd bring? Something unique that comes from from the way you played? The role you played? Your entire career? Derek Fisher: Hopefully, if I was speaking hypothetically, my experiences, like you said, in various roles and various types of teams with all types of individuals and players. Guys of Hall of Fame status to the last guy on the roster and always feeling like I was equal with everybody. Hopefully, that perspective will bring credibility when talking to a student-athlete or a guy. I'd probably have to show them some Blu-ray footage by that time that I actually did used to play. (laughs) ESPN.com

Ugo Udezue: Midnight workout with @HasheemTheDream tweetphoto.com/14468584 Twitter.com

Jared Dudley: JMZ is back!!! But in a different way lol.. twitvid.com/CF856 Twitter.com

Chris Paul: WHEELS DOWN in LA...tired now, yall shouldve seen how happy @JaredDudley619 was when he got his 3rd dunk 2nite...#onlyknewcuzifollow him lol Twitter.com

Stephon Marbury: I know people want to put that on me and say 'Oh because of me I never made it to the second round'... I made it in Boston, but if you don't have a team, you can't advance. Plus.es

Stephon Marbury: I think Derrick Rose, Deron Williams, Chris Paul, Rajon Rondo... those will be the top guards in the NBA for the next 8 to 10 years. Plus.es

Marbury doesn't eat Chinese food and he's always talking with Mo Taylor. Plus.es

Kauffman Sports Management Group, based in Mailbu, Calif., has announced the signing of two new clients, Corbin and ex-Jazz point guard/current ABC-ESPN NBA television commentator Mark Jackson. Deseret News

FSD made it official Sunday with the addition of former Michigan State star Mateen Cleaves as a studio analyst during Pistons telecasts. He was introduced Friday, and his next appearance will be Sunday. Detroit Free Press

Even the sections of the book that most resemble a reference work are written in this same style. His player rankings begin with dense statistics, but then Simmons lets loose. Here is the opening of his mini-essay on the Dallas Mavericks forward Dirk Nowitzki, who led his team to the NBA finals in 2006, only to suffer a crushing loss: The NBA’s alpha dog almost ended up being German. Yup, we came that close in the 2006 Playoffs—if not for the heroics of Wade, Salvatore, Payton, and others, Germany would have made its biggest advancement on American culture since David Hasselhoff infiltrated the horny brains of teenage guys with Baywatch. Personally, I was terrified—this was the same country that started two world wars and deliberately injured Pele in Victory. The Atlantic Magazine

Still, Simmons’s personal recollections of his favorite players are generally smart and well executed. In an especially good section on Larry Bird, he writes, You can’t call him a superhero because he wasn’t saving lives or making the world a better place. At the same time, he possessed heroic qualities because everyone in New England bought into his invincibility. He came through too many times for us. After a while, we started expecting him to come through, and when he still came through, that’s when we were hooked for good … Unfortunately you can’t glance through Bird’s career statistics in the Official NBA Register and find the statistic for “most times the fans expected their best player to come through and he actually did.” The tone here—personal but intellectually open-minded—is just right. The Atlantic Magazine

Jeanie Buss: Dear Peter Graves Rest In Peace fellow Palisadian. Condolences to his family news.yahoo.com/s/ap/ap_en_ce/us_obit_peter_graves. Twitter.com

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