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Monday, January 7

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» 07:37 PM ET Update » 06:01 PM ET Update » 04:43 PM ET Update » 02:05 PM ET Update » 09:49 AM ET Update

» Update: 07:37 PM ET

Houston Rockets General Manager Daryl Morey announced today that the team has signed guard Patrick Beverley to a multi-year deal. Beverley will be assigned to Houston’s single-affiliation NBA D-League partner the Rio Grande Valley Vipers. To make room on the roster, the Rockets have waived guard Scott Machado. NBA.com

Houston Rockets, Patrick Beverley 

While the tweet was a good-natured way to poke fun at the Daily News story, members of the Lakers were not as jovial when asked about the validity of the report when questioned by reporters. "We all try to be professional about what we do, be professional about how we do our jobs," said Bryant. "I guess some people try to skate around that a little bit." Howard called the story "funny" and questioned the motives of whoever made the story surface. "We're losing," Howard said of the 15-18 Lakers. "Every little story that comes out is geared towards breaking our team up, but we're bigger than that. We're stronger than that and we're not going to let anything divide us." ESPN.com

Los Angeles Lakers, Kobe Bryant, Dwight Howard 

"It's completely false," said D'Antoni. "Completely false. It doesn't surprise me that reports like that get out, but most of the time it's a little sad, because it's not true. If it was true or close to true, then OK, but it's not close to true." ESPN.com

Los Angeles Lakers, Kobe Bryant, Dwight Howard 

Minnesota Timberwolves forward Kevin Love met with doctors in the Twin Cities on Monday to evaluate his right hand, which is broken for the second time this season. Love also will consult with a hand specialist in New York this week before determining a course of action, president of basketball operations David Kahn said. There is no timetable for his return, but the All-Star forward and Olympic gold medalist is expected to be sidelined for an extended period. ESPN.com

Minnesota Timberwolves, Injuries, Kevin Love 

Dallas center Chris Kaman hasn't ruled out playing for Germany if it qualifies for 2014 World Cup in Spain. “I’m up for (playing for Germany again). I just don’t know what Dirk’s decision will be,’’ said Kaman, who played for Germany in the 2008 Olympics and before only has wanted to play for the country if Dirk Nowitzki, now his Dallas teammate, is playing. “I can’t say no now. But I can’t say yes.’’ Sulia

Dallas Mavericks, Dirk Nowitzki, FIBA, Chris Kaman, Germany 
 

» Update: 06:01 PM ET

There was never any truth to the rumors that Gordon was sitting out because he didn’t want to be in New Orleans. The simple truth is that he and the team wanted to err on the side of caution so he wouldn’t suffer another setback right away. “Yeah, for sure,” says Gordon. “This is like my eleventh game in two years and now I’m coming back into the fold where I wasn’t in full shape, just now starting to feel good and trying to get back to 100 percent. I’m still in the rehab process; with me it’s a long-term thing, trying to get better and better long-term and just now trying to work my way back.” HoopsWorld

New Orleans Hornets, Eric Gordon 

Lakers center Dwight Howard was diagnosed Monday with a torn labrum in his right shoulder and is out indefinitely, set to be re-evaluated in a week. His injury is not severe enough to necessitate surgery to repair the tear, which is the process that usually forces athletes to be sidelined for months, not a week. Howard said after the Lakers’ loss to Denver on Sunday night that the pain in his shoulder from aggravating his strained right shoulder in the game was not as bad as when he hurt it Friday night vs. the Clippers. Orange County Register

Los Angeles Lakers, Dwight Howard, Injuries 

Lakers power forward Pau Gasol is also out indefinitely with a concussion from a blow to the face by Denver’s JaVale McGee with 1:05 to play in that game. And the primary backup for Howard and Gasol, Jordan Hill injured his right hip in the game and will miss at least the upcoming trip to play Houston on Tuesday and San Antonio on Wednesday — likely meaning rookie Robert Sacre starts at center but forwards Metta World Peace, Antawn Jamison, Devin Ebanks and Earl Clark will get plenty of action in a small lineup. Orange County Register

Los Angeles Lakers, Pau Gasol, Injuries 

The Indiana Pacers have signed coach Frank Vogel to a contract extension. The team did not provide details Monday about the length or terms of the new deal. Oklahoman

Indiana Pacers, Coaching, Frank Vogel 

Atlanta Hawks general manager Danny Ferry has been fined $15,000 by the NBA for inappropriate interaction with game officials following Saturday night's game against the Boston Celtics. ESPN.com

Atlanta Hawks, Danny Ferry 

Chris Vivlamore: According to a league source, Ferry handed officials a DVD following the game. Could it contain play Rondo was just suspended for? #ATLHawks Twitter @ajchawks

Atlanta Hawks, Danny Ferry 
 

» Update: 04:43 PM ET

In its exploration to sign a big man, the Miami Heat will work out ex-Denver Nuggets center Chris Andersen, league sources told Yahoo! Sports. Yahoo! Sports

Miami Heat, Free Agency, Chris Andersen 

The Dallas Mavericks intend to call up veteran guard Mike James from the D-League's Texas Legends this week to sign him to a 10-day contract, according to sources with knowledge of the team's plans. James has played only one game with the Legends, but sources told ESPN.com that he quickly convinced the Mavericks that he can help address the team's lack of veteran leadership in the backcourt after the departure of Derek Fisher last month. ESPN.com

Dallas Mavericks, Free Agency, Mike James 

Marc J. Spears: Big man depleted @Lakers haven't reached out to free agent Kenyon Martin, source said.Lakers also would have to cut a player for roster spot Twitter @SpearsNBAYahoo

Los Angeles Lakers, Free Agency, Kenyon Martin 

Veteran guard Jannero Pargo received fresh interest from three NBA teams on Monday and is in discussions with two organizations about a potential 10-day contract, agent Mark Bartelstein told RealGM. Pargo’s representatives have stayed in contact with teams ever since the Washington Wizards released the 33-year-old on Nov. 15. Nevertheless, Pargo now has renewed hope about a return to the NBA, and he is open to a 10-day deal. RealGM

Free Agency, Jannero Pargo 

The Miami HEAT announced today that they have waived center Josh Harrellson. Harrellson appeared in five games with the HEAT this season, averaging 2.0 points and 1.4 rebounds in 5.6 minutes per game. NBA.com

Miami Heat, Josh Harrellson 

Los Angeles Lakers: OFFICIAL: Lakers have waived guard Darius Johnson-Odom. He appeared in 4 games this season, totaling 4 rebs & an assist in 6 minutes. Twitter

Los Angeles Lakers, Darius Johnson-Odom 

Washington Wizards President Ernie Grunfeld announced today that the team has waived guard Shelvin Mack. Mack, who signed as a free agent with Washington on December 25, 2012, appeared in seven games, including two starts, and averaged 5.3 points, 2.3 rebounds and 3.3 assists in 20.1 minutes per contest. NBA.com

Washington Wizards, Free Agency, Ernie Grunfeld, Shelvin Mack 

The New York Knicks' Carmelo Anthony and the Houston Rockets' James Harden today were named Eastern and Western Conference Players of the Week, respectively, for games played Monday, Dec. 31 through Sunday, Jan. 6. Anthony, who topped the league in scoring at 36.0 ppg, led New York to a 2-1 week, including a home victory over the San Antonio Spurs. He bookended the week with a pair of 40-point performances against the Portland Trail Blazers on Jan. 1 and the Orlando Magic on Dec. 5. His 45 points against the Blazers tied this season's single-game high (accomplished three times, twice by Anthony and once by Harden). USA Today

Houston Rockets, New York Knicks, Carmelo Anthony, James Harden 

Specific information regarding Derrick Rose’s rehabilitation from left knee surgery has been scarce. But from the smiles emanating from Rose and management lately, it’s clear the franchise centerpiece remains on target to return in the coming weeks. “We’re not trying to be evasive,” general manager Gar Forman said Monday. “We just have stayed true to the process of taking things step by step, knowing we have to get him back to 100 percent. Once he’s at 100 percent and cleared medically, he’ll be ready to play. We’re not going to skip steps. We’re optimistic that he’ll be back at some point this season.” Chicago Tribune

Chicago Bulls, Derrick Rose, Injuries 

Kevin Love had his broken right hand examined by a local doctor today, but no definitive course of action has been decided on, nor has a timetable been set for his return. Kahn said Love will still confer with the New York City-based specialist he has dealt with before with problems with both hands. But that doesn’t necessarily mean Love will have to travel to New York; the MRI of Love’s hand was sent to New York this morning. Still, it might be a day or two before that specialist can offer an opinion. “I think the doctor is unavailable today,” Kahn said. “So maybe tomorrow, maybe Wednesday at the latest. I think it’s important that we let that doctor weigh in.” Minneapolis Star-Tribune

Minnesota Timberwolves, Injuries, Kevin Love 

Gasol, who suffered a blow to the face in the fourth quarter of last night’s game, was examined by neurologist Dr. Vern Williams. Tests determined that he has a concussion. He will not travel with the team, and will be out indefinitely. NBA.com

Los Angeles Lakers, Pau Gasol, Injuries 

Howard, who originally injured his right shoulder Friday night against the Clippers and re-aggravated his shoulder last night, was examined today by team doctor Steve Lombardo. An MRI exam revealed that he has a torn labrum and will be out indefinitely; he will travel with the team this week to Houston and San Antonio and will receive treatment from the team’s training staff. He will be re-examined in a week. NBA.com

Los Angeles Lakers, Dwight Howard, Injuries 

Sixers center Andrew Bynum seemed more optimistic today about his ailing knees than at any other time since it was first announced by the 76ers that he would not participate with the team during training camp. Here are some of the things he said following practice today regarding the state of his knees: “It’s definitely moving in a positive direction,” Bynum, who has been out with bone bruises and swelling cartilage, said. “I’m feeling better every day. I’m back to the weights and on the treadmill and I should be running here soon.” Philadelphia Inquirer

Philadelphia 76ers, Andrew Bynum, Injuries 

Portland Trail Blazers center Meyers Leonard told reporters at shootaround on Monday that he expects to miss "weeks" more with his sprained right ankle, suffered during a Dec. 29 win over the Philadelphia 76ers. Leonard did not travel on Portland's recent four-game road trip. Jay Allen of 750 AM The Game reports on Twitter... Meyers Leonard says his ankle is improving but he could be out for a couple more weeks. No official timetable for his return. Blazers Edge

Portland Trail Blazers, Injuries, Meyers Leonard 

The Indiana Pacers announced Monday they have signed head coach Frank Vogel to a contract extension. Per team policy, no terms were revealed. Vogel is in his third year as Pacers coach after taking over on Jan. 30, 2011. Going into Tuesday night’s home game with Miami, Vogel has coached exactly 100 games, compiling a 62-38 record. Last season, the Pacers had a 42-24 record, fifth best in the NBA and reached the Eastern Conference Semifinals before losing to eventual NBA champion Miami. NBA.com

Indiana Pacers, Coaching, Frank Vogel 

The drama over the Sacramento Kings' possible move to Virginia Beach will last at least one more day. Although Virginia Beach's mayor set a deadline of today for cutting a deal on a new NBA arena, the mayor won't make any announcement today. Mayor Will Sessoms is likely to make an announcement Tuesday, when the City Council meets, said city spokesman Marc Davis. Sessoms imposed the deadline because he needs a deal in place before he can go to the state legislature for a proposed $150 million subsidy. Sacramento Bee

Sacramento Kings, Virginia 

Indiana Pacers guard George Hill will recognize 10 young, Hoosier community leaders in the making and be part of a partnership that will give a $5,000 scholarship to one of them at an upcoming Pacers' game. Hill is partnering with Herff Jones, the Indiana High School Athletic Association and the National Federation of State High School Associations to create the scholarship, which will be announced at the March 22 Pacers vs. the Milwaukee Bucks game at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. The winner, who will be chosen by a committee that includes Hill, will receive a $5,000 college scholarship, courtesy of Herff Jones, to the accredited school of his or her choice. Indianapolis Star

Indiana Pacers, George Hill 
 

» Update: 02:05 PM ET

Dropped out of the Cleveland Cavaliers' rotation, forward Omri Casspi, the NBA's first Israeli-born player, has requested a trade, league sources told Yahoo! Sports. Yahoo! Sports

Cleveland Cavaliers, Trade, Omri Casspi 

Cavaliers general manager Chris Grant has been making calls on possible deals for Casspi, but nothing has materialized. The request for a trade was made through Casspi's representatives with Creative Arts Agency (CAA), sources said. Yahoo! Sports

Cleveland Cavaliers, Trade, Omri Casspi 

Cleveland officials privately insist that no such request was made, but multiple league sources with knowledge say that CAA recently made the request. Per league rules, neither the agent nor Casspi can publicly make a trade request without being subject to league-mandated fines. Yahoo! Sports

Cleveland Cavaliers, Trade, Omri Casspi 

One team that the Celtics have been in contact with is the Sacramento Kings. Boston has expressed significant interest in DeMarcus Cousins and would like to put together a package for him. Ainge seems willing to part with some combination of his recent acquisitions and draft picks. He doesn’t want to move Rondo, Pierce, Garnett or Avery Bradley, according to sources close to the situation. HoopsWorld

Boston Celtics, Sacramento Kings, Trade, DeMarcus Cousins, Avery Bradley 

Over the offseason, Donte Greene was on the verge of signing with the Brooklyn Nets when he suffered a broken ankle during a workout. Greene had to undergo surgery to repair his ankle and the Nets pulled their contract offer. Now, Greene has recovered and is receiving interest from several teams. On January 11, Greene will begin working out for teams, according to sources. The Brooklyn Nets, San Antonio Spurs, Minnesota Timberwolves, New Orleans Hornets, Chicago Bulls and Houston Rockets have all expressed interest in Greene and discussed potential workout dates with the unrestricted free agent. HoopsWorld

Chicago Bulls, Houston Rockets, Minnesota Timberwolves, Brooklyn Nets, New Orleans Hornets, San Antonio Spurs, Free Agency, Donte Greene 

Dominic McGuire has been signed to a 10-day contract to play for the Indiana Pacers, the team announced just after noon today. "McGuire, a 6-9, 235-pound forward, has been with six different teams in his six-year NBA career, most recently the New Orleans Hornets," said a news release from the Pacers. "He played nine games with the Hornets this season, averaging 2.1 points and 3.1 rebounds per game. Indianapolis Star

Indiana Pacers, Dominic Mcguire 

The New Orleans Hornets announced today that they have signed guard Donald Sloan to a 10-day contract. Sloan most recently played for the Sioux Falls Skyforce of the NBA Development League, where he appeared in two contests and averaged 22.0 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 4.5 assists in 36.5 minutes per game. The Texas A&M product appeared in 20 regular games earlier this season with the Cleveland Cavaliers before being waived on December 25. Sloan averaged 4.1 points, 1.9 assists and 1.4 rebounds in just under 13 minutes per game. Sloan was originally signed by Cleveland on March 16, 2012. USA Today

New Orleans Hornets, Donald Sloan 

"It's been frustrating," Nowitzki said earlier. "Losing is not something we're used to in this franchise and this organization. The fans are used to a lot more. I heard a couple of boos there when we lost to San Antonio by 25, rightfully so. I feel like we've just got to compete on a high level. If we compete defensively and rebound we give ourselves a chance to be in games. I mention all the time that I don't think that we're not as talented as the top four, the top five in the west. If we compete and play together on both ends of the floor, we can definitely be effective." NBA.com

Dallas Mavericks, Dirk Nowitzki 

"I think we started kind of smelling our own stuff a little bit, got relaxed," Mayo said. "Obviously with the big fella [Nowtizki] coming back, we got even more relaxed -- like, 'He's here now. We held it down; he's here now.' And he wasn't all the way ready, you know? He was happy to be there, obviously, but he got tired from the workouts and the conditioning. So it was better to get him in some games. But I think we got even more relaxed when he came, thinking he was gonna come and take control of everything." NBA.com

Dallas Mavericks, OJ Mayo 

Carlisle has been unrelenting, demanding, driven at practice and in film sessions as he has tried to figure out a way to get the Mavs out of their dive. But the results have been middling at best. "I don't mean this in a bad way, because I love it, and this is probably not the best language," Mayo begins. "But to be all the way real? He's a [12-letter word]. He's on it, every little detail, every little thing -- 'You're not cutting hard.' We're five-on-oh [in practice], you're not moving fast enough. Defense, you're not help-side talking. Help, ball.' -- I love it because he hates to lose, and I hate to lose and we're losing games. We carry the attitude at home that maybe we shouldn't." NBA.com

Dallas Mavericks, OJ Mayo 

After Vince Carter's 3-point attempt at the buzzer bounced off the rim and to the hardwood, Cuban marched to midcourt and engaged in an animated discussion with referee Bill Kennedy. Via email, Cuban declined to specify why he was upset with the officiating after the Mavs' eighth loss in nine games or otherwise elaborate on the incident. ESPN.com

Dallas Mavericks, Vince Carter, Mark Cuban, Referees 

The Bucks, sources say, have told Skiles to keep an open mind, and in case he has a change of heart, they would be willing to talk about another deal. Usually, teams that really want someone back -- a player, a coach, whomever -- figure out a way to make it happen. But the Bucks have done nothing substantive toward offering Skiles a new deal. Both sides appear willing to play out the season, and there is no animosity either way, sources said; Skiles is fond of owner Herb Kohl, and vice versa. NBA.com

Milwaukee Bucks, Herb Kohl 

The Glove belongs in The Hall. And it could happen. The list of nominees for the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame were released on Monday and Payton is among them for the first time. So was Bulls owner Jerry Reinsdorf, as well as returning guys like Bernard King who should be in. Of course, it’s never that simple with the Hall of Fame, which is an international hall of which the NBA is only part. Everybody on the nominee list goes before a nine-person panel and if they get seven yes votes move on to the finalist stage (who makes the cut is announced All-Star Weekend in Houston). A group of 24 writers makes the final votes later, the list of guys getting in comes out in April. NBCSports.com

Chicago Bulls, Houston Rockets, Jerry Reinsdorf, Hall of Fame, Bernard King 
 

» Update: 09:49 AM ET

Sam Amick: DeMarcus Cousins is not going to the Celtics. Teams continue to be told that he's not available. That is all. Twitter @sam_amick

Boston Celtics, Sacramento Kings, Trade, DeMarcus Cousins 

None of the league contacts I've spoken with have indicated Cousins is available, and if you're the Kings and moving your biggest asset, wouldn't you want to find out exactly what you can get for him? Sulia

Sacramento Kings, Trade, DeMarcus Cousins 

According to league sources, the Celtics have, indeed, inquired about Cousins, but that shouldn’t come as a great revelation in that they, like most every NBA club, are constantly checking the marketplace to see if a bargain can be had. Boston Herald

Boston Celtics, Sacramento Kings, Trade, DeMarcus Cousins 

Word is, however, that the Kings are asking for a high draft pick and people who can help them now. So, forgetting the fact the Celts’ first- round pick will be middle of the road at best, would you want to part with a young starter (and more) for someone as uncertain as Cousins? Boston Herald

Boston Celtics, Sacramento Kings, Trade, DeMarcus Cousins 

By our rough per-game calculation, the Celtics save about $275,000 by cutting Joseph after 33 games. That's right around what a late- season, veteran-minimum addition would cost. Considering the Celtics are hard-capped at the $74.3 million tax apron -- and roughly $71.2 million is committed to current costs -- every available dollar gives the Celtics a little bit of extra wiggle room to maneuver later in the season. ESPN.com

Boston Celtics, Free Agency, Trade 

“It’s going to keep happening,” Gay said in assessing such trade discussions. “Because of our salary cap, someone has to go. I mean, I love playing with my teammates and (team officials) may find different ways (to reduce salary). But I guess the easiest target is me and it’s always been me, so I’m not worried about it. If that’s the way you want to do business, I guess that’s what you’ve got to do.” Memphisport

Memphis Grizzlies, Trade, Rudy Gay 

Phoenix is one team that hasn’t been mentioned much in trade speculation, but it’s believed the Suns would be more than willing participants, especially assisting in multi-player deals. They have zero untouchables, and word is, they plan to see what they might be able to get for the likes of forwards Jared Dudley and Michael Beasley, and even center Marcin Gortat. FOXSportsOhio

Phoenix Suns, Trade, Michael Beasley, Marcin Gortat, Jared Dudley 

The Cavaliers waived Samardo Samuels on Sunday, and the hustling big man is already drawing interest from around the league. Both the Brooklyn Nets and Oklahoma City Thunder are among the teams that may be interested, league sources said. FOXSportsOhio

Cleveland Cavaliers, Brooklyn Nets, Oklahoma City Thunder, Free Agency, Samardo Samuels 

While Larranaga wasn't available for an interview, he told ESPNNewYork.com he's "really happy for the success Chris is having." Copeland also gives major props to Spencer for first connecting with Larranaga. "He's a great dude," the rookie said. "I wouldn't be here today without the work John has done. He played overseas and knows the business." ESPN.com

Boston Celtics, New York Knicks, Jay Larranaga, Chris Copeland 

According to a person familiar with the situation, White wants the NBA, the National Basketball Players Association, the Rockets and himself to sign a document detailing his wishes for the mental health protocol, and White has told the Rockets he won't show up for work until all parties sign the document. The person spoke to USA TODAY Sports on the condition of anonymity because the document was supposed to remain confidential. The person added that such agreements are banned under the terms of the collective bargaining agreement. According to the uniform player contract detailed in the CBA, "no amendments to the form of the Uniform Player Contract provided for by Section 1 of this Article shall be permitted," and if a team or player agree on such an amendment, "such Contract or subsequent amendment, as the case may be, shall be disapproved by the Commissioner, and consequently, rendered null and void." USA Today

Houston Rockets, Royce White 

Another person who requested anonymity because of the sensitive situation told USA TODAY Sports that White insists he wants to play. USA Today

Houston Rockets, Royce White 

"It's going to be tough now," Nowitzki said after the Mavs' home overtime loss to the Western Conference cellar-dwelling New Orleans Hornets. "I always liked to think you don't want to build your franchise on hope. "We hoped for Deron last year. We hoped for Dwight. Why would he leave the Lakers? To me, it makes no sense. He's in a great situation. Why would CP3 leave? (The Los Angeles Clippers are) the best team in the league probably right now. They're probably the deepest team. So are you going to hope that we get something? ESPN.com

Dallas Mavericks, Dirk Nowitzki 

"Maybe Cuban has something up his sleeve. Maybe you have to take a chance on a bad contract to get him in here and make something happen. I mean, I don't know. That's something we'll have to see this summer. We're going to play out this season. I'm going to get better and better, hopefully from game to game, so I can actually close out some of these games. And then we'll see what happens." ESPN.com

Dallas Mavericks, Dirk Nowitzki 

"We knew that coming in, that eight or nine new guys on one-year deals is not really an ideal situation, but what else is there to do?" Nowitzki said. "So either you break the whole thing up and trade me or you get a bunch of one-year deals and try to be a player next summer. That's the decision we made, so now we've got to fight through it." ESPN.com

Dallas Mavericks, Trade, Dirk Nowitzki 

Howard was restrained from going at his teammate, according to the source, and there have been rumblings from the center’s camp that he’s been unhappy with Bryant since earlier in the season. New York Daily News

Los Angeles Lakers, Kobe Bryant, Dwight Howard 

For those wondering, I was told on Thursday that the rumor of a Dwight-Kobe altercation was nothing more than talk. I also know of two other reporters that were made aware of the rumor last week and also told the story wasn't true when they looked into it. Sulia

Los Angeles Lakers, Kobe Bryant, Dwight Howard 

In a continuance of their differing ruminations on chemistry following Saturday's practice, after Sunday's game Bryant welcomed a little dissension in the ranks, while Howard issued a plea for unity. "I think it's fine for us to boil over a little bit," Bryant said. "It's fine to get a little chippy. I kind of get the sense in this locker room that that's finally starting to happen." ESPN.com

Los Angeles Lakers, Kobe Bryant, Dwight Howard 

The difference Dwight Howard notices between the Clippers and Lakers mostly address how they interact with each other. "Those guys on the Clippers team," Howard said, "they really enjoy each other off the court and it shows." What about the Lakers? "We have to play like we like each other," Howard said. "Even if we don't want to be friends off the court, we have to respect each other." Los Angeles Daily News

Los Angeles Clippers, Los Angeles Lakers, Dwight Howard 

Lakers General Manager Mitch Kupchak told a group of about 1,000 season-ticket holders at Staples Center that he was "disappointed" with the team's performance this season. "If you have a bunch of cylinders, we're not running on all cylinders right now," he said during a Q&A session Sunday morning, before the Lakers fell to 15-18 with a 112-105 loss to the Denver Nuggets on Sunday night. Los Angeles Times

Los Angeles Lakers, Mitch Kupchak 

Saturday night, Williams went scoreless through three quarters, then scored 18 points in a fourth quarter when the Wolves erased a 22-point, third-quarter deficit and got within a basket in the final minute before ultimately losing 102-97 to a Portland team they are chasing for the West's final playoff spot. Williams played the entire fourth quarter, much of it in a small frontcourt with Cunningham and Andrei Kirilenko where it's not exactly clear who's at what position. "I think I am," the 6-8 Williams said when asked who the center is in that configuration. Minneapolis Star-Tribune

Minnesota Timberwolves, Derrick Williams 

A majority of Chandler’s highlights this season have come on alley-oop dunks off pick-and-roll plays. But Chandler said he enjoyed tapping the ball out to an open teammate just as much as dunking because he knows the play is an important weapon for a Knicks team that features a number of strong shooters. “It’s been something that I’ve kind of just fell into over the course of my career,” Chandler said. “I’ve done it in the past, but now I think me and my teammates are starting to get a rhythm on it. I’m starting to know where they are on the floor. It’s an effective play.” New York Times

New York Knicks, Tyson Chandler 

Westbrook and Durant each had seven assists. For Durant, that was his most since dishing out a career-high 10 against Golden State on Nov. 18. "Kevin is the best scorer in the game," Westbrook said. "He can score whenever he pleases but he does a great job of keeping his teammates involved." ESPN.com

Oklahoma City Thunder, Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook 

Dwight Howard will undergo an MRI on his right shoulder on Monday. Howard aggravated his shoulder during the Lakers' 112-105 loss to the Nuggets on Sunday. RealGM

Los Angeles Lakers, Dwight Howard, Injuries 

It seemed too good to be true. So Collins called the player with an estimated $37.9 million in career earnings to ask, in essence, why the heck would you want to do this? "I just want to coach,'' Abdul-Wahad told him. So there he was Wednesday night, lugging an equipment bag through a near-empty gym, barking directions at willowy teenagers and jousting with referees during a 59-46 loss at Evergreen Valley High. Why the heck would he want to do this? A clue comes during a timeout with 4:49 to play in the third quarter. That's when Abdul-Wahad shouts one last instruction at his players. "Go use your minds," he says. San Jose Mercury-News

Coaching, Tariq Abdul-Wahad 

During an interview in the bleachers during Lincoln High's junior varsity game last week, Abdul-Wahad was noncommittal when asked about his coaching aspirations. He said he despises the politicking it can take to move up to the big time. "A lot of college coaches -- and I'm saying this outright -- are a bunch of frauds. And you need to write this down," Abdul-Wahad said. "I don't need to name names, but there are a lot of coaches out there who work their way up because they know the right networks. But they're not even good people to start with." San Jose Mercury-News

Coaching, Tariq Abdul-Wahad 
 

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