HoopsHype.com RumorsSaturday, February 2Visit the HoopsHype Forums to discuss the latest news and rumors in the NBA. |
| » 08:29 PM ET Update » 04:41 PM ET Update » 12:09 PM ET Update » 08:54 AM ET Update |
|
» Update: 08:29 PM ET |
 Delonte West won't play for the Dallas Mavericks' D-League team after learning that Mavs owner Mark Cuban had no interest in bringing him back to Dallas, a source told Yahoo! Sports. Yahoo! Sports Marc J. Spears: Delonte West opted not to play for D-League Texas after Mavs owner Mark Cuban expressed no interest in re-signing him,a source told Y!Sports Twitter @SpearsNBAYahoo West was under the impression that the Mavericks might re-sign him after a stint in the minor league, the source said. The Texas Legends claimed West off waivers on Jan. 25 and expected him to report. After that acquisition, however, Cuban said he wasn't bringing back West. Once West got wind of Cuban's words he changed his mind about playing for the Legends and has not reported, the source said. West was on the Legends' roster early Saturday afternoon, but did not have a jersey number assigned to him. Yahoo! Sports  The Cavs made their big deal already, so the pressure is off them to get something done at the deadline. They’re still looking and would be open to renting their remaining $4 million in cap space for another draft pick, but I’d suspect they’re done. Incidentally, they could use the rest of their cap space and still sign Greg Oden to a contract for the remainder of the season for the veteran’s minimum and give him more next year. Oden’s interest in the Cavs is very real. I’d suspect the Cavs might be more patient with him next season than a team like the Miami Heat, which is in win-now mode and looking for a center. And don’t underestimate the team’s ties to the Cleveland Clinic, which they are using as a big selling point. Akron Beacon Journal New Detroit Pistons guard Jose Calderon isn't expected to have his work visa cleared in time for Sunday's game against the Los Angeles Lakers, which brings his availability Monday against the New York Knicks into question, too. Calderon has watched a shootaround, a game and a practice. He has taken notes and studied plays. He can fly on the team plane late Sunday afternoon. But the Spaniard can't work with the team until his visa situation is resolved and with Sunday's game followed by a road game the next night, there is some question whether Calderon could play Monday against the Knicks. Booth Newspapers His decision could be driven by the timing of Calderon's visa ruling. If Calderon is cleared early Monday, he could get a shootaround in and play the Knicks that night. Even then, he's running a new team with little more than what he has picked up in study. It gets even sketchier with no shootaround. "I've thought about it but I don't know what my answer is yet," Frank said when asked about that scenario. "I don't know what I'd do." Booth Newspapers Brooks has been plagued by sporadic playing time as the Nets have undergone the coaching change from Avery Johnson to Carlesimo. Brooks said he was unaware of Carlesimo’s pre-game proclamation. “I wish he would tell me some [stuff] like that,” Brooks smiled. “Nah, he wouldn’t tell me that.” Carlesimo also wouldn’t yank Brooks too quickly this time. and stayed true to his claim that the game dictates minutes. “That [second unit] group was going so good, the only real problem that [Brooks] had was just physically trying to box out [Jimmy] Butler,” said Carlesimo, who lifted Brooks for Joe Johnson with 3:19 left. “We wanted a bigger body. ... MarShon played well enough to stay in the game, but I was afraid a rebound was going to hurt us.” New York Post Though Brooks may not have heard all that was going on in Carlesimo’s head, he had heard his name mentioned repeatedly in trade rumors. But, hey, this is the NBA. This is New York. Brooks has been here over a season. You get immune. “I’m used to the trade situation,” Brooks said. “That’s just the way the business works. I was traded on draft day. There have been trade rumors ever since.” New York Post  Lakers center Dwight Howard is expected to play Sunday against Detroit after making a quick trip to Los Angeles for a minor shoulder procedure. "He's going to give it a go," said a person familiar with the situation. Los Angeles Times Howard missed the Lakers' 111-100 victory Friday over the Minnesota Timberwolves on Friday night so he could return home for a relatively non-invasive platelet-rich plasma (PRP) treatment in his right shoulder. Howard aggravated a torn labrum in the shoulder Wednesday against Phoenix. "I think he's on a plane [to Detroit] in 10 minutes," Coach Mike D'Antoni said after the Lakers finished practicing Saturday at about 3 p.m. Eastern time. Los Angeles Times  Chicago Bulls guard Kirk Hinrich (right elbow) won't play Saturday night against the Atlanta Hawks and likely will be out at least a week after having a procedure to "clean" out the area. ESPN.com Center Joakim Noah (plantar fasciitis in right foot) and power forward Carlos Boozer (right hamstring) also won't play against the Hawks. The Bulls started Luol Deng, Richard Hamilton, Taj Gibson, Jimmy Butler and Nate Robinson against Atlanta. Bulls coach Tom Thibodeau said Hinrich flew back to Chicago on Friday to be examined by team physician Dr. Brian Cole. "It's probably going to be about a week or so," Thibodeau said. "They cleaned it up; he needs a little bit of time for it to heal up ... It was just swollen. It was in a tough place because he kept breaking it open. He's on the floor all the time so they just had to go in there and clean it up a little bit." ESPN.com Do you “xoxo” the Philadelphia 76ers? The Sixers and Greater Philadelphia Tourism Marketing Corporation (GPTMC) launched a photo contest on Friday, February 1 inviting fans to take photos at Philadelphia hotspots to win tickets to Sixers home games and hotel packages. “Sixers fans’ enthusiasm is contagious,” says Meryl Levitz, president and CEO of GPTMC. “By taking photos at iconic Philly spots and sharing them with their friends on Instagram, they’re adding to the incredible buzz this city has been getting this season.” NBA.com |
|
» Update: 04:41 PM ET |
|
Celtics president of basketball operations Danny Ainge confirmed Thursday during his weekly appearance on Boston sports radio WEEI that the team is "monitoring" former Portland Trail Blazers center Greg Oden, but haven't made an attempt to sign the 7-footer. ESPN.com "Yeah, so we're monitoring Greg, like all the NBA teams are, but we have not attempted to sign him," Ainge said Thursday. "But we are monitoring him and having (conversations) with his people just to see where he's at." Oden hasn't played in an NBA game since December 2009, and reportedly wouldn't return until the 2013-14 season. "I don't think (he'd be ready to play this year)," Ainge said. "I don't know any of that for sure, but I would suspect that anybody that would sign him would have their eyes looking more towards his contribution in the future than now." ESPN.com A. Sherrod Blakely: #Celticstalk: The rumor is true. The #Celtics did meet with Greg Oden today in Waltham. More to come on #CSNNE.com. Twitter @SherrodbCSN A. Sherrod Blakely: “@TAyLORMADE823: What does this mean sherrod?” Oden is a player the #Celtics are keeping an eye on for next season. #Aingedoinghisjob Twitter @SherrodbCSN A. Sherrod Blakely: “@CityOfChampion2: why gamble again on another injury player. 1 false move then he is out 4 the rest of yr.” -Oden won't play until next yr Twitter @SherrodbCSN The Celtics met with free agent center Greg Oden today to discuss his potential signing. Reached a short time ago, president of basketball operations Danny Ainge said the meeting was mainly an informational process for each side. "We wanted to talk to Greg to see where he is physically," Ainge said. Boston Herald "We're just finding out as much as we can and letting Greg know what we have here," said Ainge. "He's not ready to play now, but he's someone who's very interesting." He added that there is nothing imminent with Oden, who is investigating his options as he tries to get his knees ready for another run at the NBA. There had been a report that Oden was not interested in the Celtics, but Ainge said, "I haven't heard that. If it was true, then why would be fly in to speak with us?" Boston Herald  Cousins was called for a personal foul while diving for the ball against Philadelphia center Spencer Hawes. After the foul, Cousins slammed the ball against the floor while still sitting on the court. "I was mad that I fouled," Cousins said. "I wasn't mad about the call. I was mad I didn't steal it. I never really got an explanation (for the technical)." Sacramento Bee The technical was Cousins' first since Jan. 14. He would be suspended for one game if he reaches 16 technicals. A suspension would follow with every other technical from then on. The Lakers' Kobe Bryant, the Clippers' Blake Griffin and Matt Barnes and the Knicks' Carmelo Anthony also began play Friday with nine technicals. Sacramento Bee Mike Trudell: Dwight Howard (shoulder) is on his way to Detroit after receiving a PRP injection. He’s a game-time decision to play the Pistons on Sunday. Twitter @LakersReporter The Clippers' Jamal Crawford suffered a broken nose in the fourth quarter of Friday night’s game against the Toronto Raptors and has been listed as a game-time decision for Sunday’s game against the Boston Celtics. Crawford said that he was hit with Kyle Lowry’s elbow and was bleeding after the game. Crawford got an MRI on Friday night after the game and a CT Scan on Saturday that revealed the fracture. The Clippers were trying to find a mask for Crawford to wear in the game against the Celtics. Asked if he was going to play against Boston, Crawford said, “We will see.” Los Angeles Times  In what was not really a shocker, the NBA fined Dallas Mavericks coach Rick Carlisle $25,000 today for publicly criticizing the referees following Thursday's 100-97 loss at the Golden State Warriors. Carlisle sent texts to reporters today, letting them know that he is in complete agreement with the NBA's decision to dock him a few thousand dollars. "I spoke to the NBAS office today and agreed that I should be fined for my comments following the Golden State game,'' Carlisle texted. "In this league we all have challenging jobs, and the job of the officials is one of the toughest. "Those postgame remarks about the officiating were not appropiate and I accept the fine.'' Fort Worth Star-Telegram The Grizzlies' new owner is defending the trade of his team's leading scorer and other moves to dump salary, saying he believes they can do some ''serious damage'' in the playoffs with the changes. Robert Pera took part in a web chat Friday with Memphis' season ticket holders along with chief executive officer Jason Levien, and Pera's first question was about whether the new ownership group has the financial ability to run the team. ''This team was built for playoff basketball,'' Pera wrote. ''In playoff basketball, getting defensive stops and creating high percentage scoring opportunities under pressure becomes much more important. ... And that is what this team can do best.'' Yahoo! Sports 'We made the second trade because we feel it allows us to put a more competitive product on the floor this season and in future seasons,'' Levien wrote. ''We got better. We also picked up a valuable draft pick as well as trade exceptions that will allow us to be opportunistic in going on the offensive moving forward.'' Pera wrote that NBA teams have won titles with superstars and without, and he believes the Grizzlies as they are now built potentially can become the next example. ''Between Tayshuan's winning pedigree, the league's best perimeter defense, and Mark/Zbo returning back to the focal point of the offense; I believe we are a far more dangerous playoff team today,'' Pera wrote of Marc Gasol and All-Star forward Zach Randolph. Yahoo! Sports  Friday night, Nuggets NBPA representative Andre Iguodala stood behind NBPA president Derek Fisher and suggested it was time for the players to handle the issue internally, without "outside influences." "I'm really behind Derek Fisher," Iguodala said. "He's been in the league a long time and done a really good job representing us as the head player rep. I think it's a smart decision [to place Hunter on leave]. We didn't let him go; we just placed him on leave. Now we get a chance to sit down with no outside influences, just the players, and really discuss what we're going to do next. And I think Derek's going to do a really good job leading us in that direction." CBSSports.com "I think [a vote] would be something that needs to be talked about and looked at as far as more players having a percentage of a vote, as far as eight guys," Iguodala said. "We need to avoid conflicts of interest, and who's close to who." Iguodala credited the more vocal opinions of the league's elite in these matters as one of the positives coming to light in recent events. "One thing that's postive about this is our superstar players are stepping up and voicing their opinions," he said. "They need to because they really keep our league going." CBSSports.com Hunter responded to the report this week by firing his family members and implementing new restrictions against nepotism and limiting the executive director’s powers, but Pierce said the gesture was too late. “I think with the way things have been going with the association, with all the accusations, I think it’s finally time for some change,” he told the Globe after the Celtics’ 97-84 win over the Orlando Magic Friday night at TD Garden. “A lot of the players have been unhappy with what’s going on and so I think it’s time. “I definitely think it’s time [for new leadership], too much controversy going on right now. Players [need to] rally around each other and find some new leadership to lead us into the next generation.” Boston Globe |
|
» Update: 12:09 PM ET |
 The Atlanta Hawks have signed veteran guard Jannero Pargo to a second 10-day contract, Hawks President of Basketball Operations/General Manager Danny Ferry announced today. Since signing his first 10-day deal on January 21, 2013, Pargo has averaged 5.2 points, 2.6 assists and 1.0 rebounds in 16.0 minutes (.400 FG%, .462 3FG%), appearing in five contests. In his ninth NBA season, Pargo played in seven games earlier this year with the Washington Wizards, putting in 3.0 points and 2.0 assists in 14.6 minutes per contest (.250 FG%, 1.000 FT%). In 50 games last season with the Hawks, he averaged 5.6 points, 1.9 assists and 1.5 rebounds in 13.4 minutes (.415 FG%, .384 3FG%, .950 FT%). NBA.com The Delonte West saga has taken another detour. Who knows where it goes from here? West, the colorful journeyman guard who has been out of basketball since his detrimental conduct caused the Mavericks to release him just before the season opened, has left the D-League’s Texas Legends in limbo. The Legends claimed West on Jan. 25 after he put his name in the D-League player pool, but he has yet to report to Frisco. A source said it’s up to West whether he will play for the Legends, who are still open to having him on the team and continue to list him on the roster on the team’s website. West has complicated the process by parting ways with agent Dan Fegan. ESPN.com  Villanueva said Friday that Calderon's fluent English isn't all that has changed since they were Raptors rookies in the 2005-06 season. "He has a better feel for the game, playing with a lot more confidence," Villanueva said. "He's just a tremendous point guard. His assist-to-turnover ratio is tremendous. He knows how to play the game. Just to see him grow, from coming in as a rookie to now, he's changed his game a lot and he's playing with a lot more confidence." Booth Newspapers Pistons coach Lawrence Frank immediately declared that Calderon will become his starter after working out some kinks with the player's work visa, which kept Calderon in street clothes Friday against the Cleveland Cavaliers, and perhaps a couple of quick practices. "It's no different than in football when you've got a quarterback," Frank said. "It's no knock on anything that you've got now. It's just that Jose is really elite at it. He understands how to get guys the ball in the right place at the right time. Plus, he loves doing it. That's his instinct. His instinct is to give. His instinct is to get everyone involved." Calderon has ranked in the top three in NBA assist-to-turnover ratio for three consecutive years. His 4.44 ratio ranks fourth in the league this season. "He's a giver," Frank said. "He makes other people feel real good about their games." Booth Newspapers Before his team got taken apart by the Spurs on Wednesday, Charlotte coach Mike Dunlap revealed that he uses tape of two players to help mold budding Bobcats point guard Kemba Walker. One of them is the Los Angeles Clippers’ Chris Paul, a perennial candidate for NBA Most Valuable Player who is widely regarded as the top lead guard on the planet. The other is Tony Parker. “We really feel, mentally and physically, the way those two lead their teams is very special,” Dunlap said. “Different, but they get the same results.” Dunlap isn’t the only NBA coach to use the Spurs’ five-time All-Star as a blueprint for what it means to be a professional point guard. San Antonio Express-News Carlesimo has an assortment of bigs in Brook Lopez, Reggie Evans, Andray Blatche, sometimes four Gerald Wallace, Mirza Teletovic and Humphries. “It’s not a good situation,” Carlesimo said of the logjam. “It’s so much easier to play, ‘I’m getting 20 minutes, I can play through my mistakes, I know I’m going to be on the floor.’ But unfortunately most of those guys don’t have that luxury.” So if you get the chance and make the most of it, you will stay on the floor. Like Humphries did Feb. 20 in the Nets’ 100-92 win over the Knicks, in which he had 14 points and 14 rebounds in 44 minutes. “I’ve had some good games, had some tough games,” Humphries said. “I don’t know [what’s happened]. Maybe I’ve got to play better. Maybe the team is playing good, and they don’t want to shake things up too much.” Humphries has suffered two separate injuries, an abdominal strain and a sprained ankle in a season where he last started Dec. 19. “I’m not focused on all that,” he said. “I just have to play hard when I get in there and not put any [undue] emotions into it. I’ve taken that approach. Just keep working. Humphries said. “I have to get over the ankle. Really turn the corner on [that] and play better consistently.” Jose Manuel Calderon: Good morning! First win with the Pistons. Everything is alright. Getting set and stuff ready. #onedayless Twitter @josemcalderon8 Mike Woodson calls Iman Shumpert “Rook” and treated him a little like one when he pulled him 61 seconds into the second half. But Woodson had faith in the second-year guard and brought back Shumpert and he played more aggressively down the stretch of the Knicks 10-point win over Milwaukee. “He’s just pushing me to be aggressive and hiss way of teaching me is that if I’m not aggressive he’s going to take me out,” Shumpert said. Sulia Chris Forsberg: Maine Red Claws announce they’ve added 7-footer Garrett Stutz, who spent some time with Celtics’ summer league team. Twitter @ESPNForsberg  Jeff McDonald: Through a team spokesman, NBPA VP Matt Bonner declined to comment after shootaround on the ongoing Billy Hunter imbroglio. Twitter @JMcDonald_SAEN |
|
» Update: 08:54 AM ET |
 I've likewise heard from a couple of teams that have pursued Smith in recent weeks that they've cooled on the idea because the 27-year-old is likewise reluctant to commit to an extension as part of the trade. J-Smoove clearly wants to make it all the way to free agency on July 1 after nine seasons with the Hawks. ESPN.com Atlanta general manager Danny Ferry, by all accounts, wants to avoid any salary that strays beyond this season unless the talent coming back is irresistible. Another factor: Josh Smith's recent declarations that he sees himself as a max player don't make it any easier to find a trade partner ready to take on the enigmatic swingman in fear of not being able to meet Smith's demands in free agency come July. ESPN.com Unless there's a bona fide star player to be had in exchange, indications persist that the Hawks don't want to do anything that cuts into the considerable cap-space haul they're headed for in July. Because they're going to be right alongside the Dallas Mavericks, sources say, in trying to steal Howard from the Lakers. ESPN.com If Ainge ends up trying to move The Truth, it's my belief -- out of respect for the way Pierce stuck with the Celts through years of futility and ultimately helped haul the franchise, alongside KG, back up where it belongs -- that he'd try to work with No. 34 to send Pierce somewhere he could get somewhat excited about. And that leaves only one realistic option: Pierce going back home to Los Angeles with the Clippers for a package headlined by young point guard Eric Bledsoe. ESPN.com Yet everything you hear out there to date, heading into these final three weeks before the trade buzzer, suggests that (A) Ainge realistically knows he can't get enough back at this point in Pierce's career to send a Celtics living legend packing, and (B) Bledsoe remains untouchable because the Clips, like the Lakers with Dwight and Pau, can't afford to part with their prized QB prospect until they know Chris Paul is signed for the long term. ESPN.com  Raptors president Bryan Colangelo, in the wake of the Gay trade, is now openly acknowledging that he's shopping former No. 1 overall pick Andrea Bargnani. The Lakers' interest in Bargnani remains a matter of debate in the midst of the Italian's worst-ever season by far, but the not-for-public-consumption message that continues to emanate from Canada is that Toronto remains intent on pursuing Gasol even after trading for Gay. ESPN.com At a news conference Friday, Colangelo acknowledged that the Raptors are prepared to stray into luxury-tax territory in the "right transaction." One source close to the situation says Gasol is a guy who fits those parameters, depending on the rest of potential trade principals besides Bargnani. ESPN.com I will say, though, that there's been more chatter recently to back the notion that Jefferson is staying put for the rest of the season. Which is another way of saying that the Jazz, based on the latest forecasts on the personnel grapevine, intend to either trade Millsap or stand pat until the offseason. ESPN.com DeMarcus Cousins remains firmly off-limits while the Kings are in sale limbo, according to NBA front-office sources. ESPN.com  What's life like for you right now with the trade deadline approaching and your name being out there quite a bit? Marcin Gortat: I really thought that our season was going to be looking a little bit different than it is right now. I really thought that I was going to be in a different position than I am right now. I was just wrong. But if my name is out there, I think it's an honor that someone wants to get me. That just motivates me to play better. Quite honestly, I don't worry [about] if I'm going to get traded. ESPN.com In the days leading up to the Rudy Gay deal, which required Toronto to surrender Jose Calderon, there were rumbles emanating from the league's personnel grapevine suggesting that the Raptors were actually willing to trade both of their point guards -- Calderon and Kyle Lowry -- and not just one or the other. Don't see that happening now, though. Lowry has indeed clashed with Raptors coach Dwane Casey, just as he clashed with Kevin McHale in Houston, but there's also no denying that he's more of an all-around talent than the Spaniard and, in what would appear to be a bonus of sorts, ranks as one of Gay's closest friends in the league. If not the closest. So … The Raptors can only hope that Gay's arrival brings out more of the good Lowry, especially since Toronto surrendered a quality first-round pick to acquire him from Houston last summer. ESPN.com A couple of teams consulted have volunteered the notion that Kings GM Geoff Petrie is ready to move Evans, but you have to wonder how much shot-calling Petrie can do at the minute. The greater likelihood is that the Kings don't do anything at this deadline unless it saves money or comes in cash neutral. ESPN.com There's a rising expectation among some of Ainge's peers that Boston will instead try to move out at least one member of the Brandon Bass/Jason Terry/Courtney Lee trio before the deadline to make getting under the luxury-tax threshold his February focus. ESPN.com Calderon becomes an unrestricted free agent in July and, sources say, is certain to attract interest from Dallas among others, as well as interest from the Pistons in hanging on to him. They've been trying to acquire Calderon since the fall -- offering Corey Maggette in a straight-up exchange months ago that the Raptors resisted in hopes of making the more high-profile trade they ultimately swung -- but like him as much for his expiring contract as his floor leadership. ESPN.com Delonte West has pulled an Allen Iverson and decided that the D-League isn’t for him. Iverson, though, never actually signed a contract. He simply turned down an offer earlier this week to play for the Texas Legends, the affiliate of the Dallas Mavericks, as a means to help attract the attention of NBA teams. West did indeed sign a contract last week to play for the Legends, who are co-owned by Mavs president of basketball operations Donnie Nelson. NBA.com According to a source with knowledge of West’s thinking, the troubled combo guard has decided not to play in the D-League against the advisement of his representation. West is represented by agent Dan Fegan. The source said that NBA teams have been reluctant to bring in West, even on a 10-day contract, until he gets back on the court and they see him play. The Memphis Grizzlies recently kicked around the idea of offering West a 10-day contract, but no offer materialized. NBA.com Earlier on Friday, a league source said that West is in the process of changing agents, which could be delaying his arrival in Texas. That is, if it happens at all. As of Friday night, West’s name was on the Legends’ roster on the team website, although no number had been issued. Legends officials did not immediately answer messages Friday night. NBA.com As for Evans? Word is the Grizzlies would have loved to acquire him as part of the big trade that sent Gay away, but the Kings really aren't in a position to take on salary as they await clarification on who'll be buying the team from the Maloof brothers. ESPN.com DeRozan and newcomer Rudy Gay, the centerpieces on the wings for the rejuvenated Raptors, had combined for 39 points in a 98-73 rout of the Clippers, giving fans a glimpse — for one night at least — of what could be a wonderful relationship. “I’ve known Rudy for a couple of years now and jokingly we said this summer we were going to play together,” said DeRozan, who had 19 of those 39 points. “It’s just crazy, he knows my game, I know his game. It’s as simple as that. We don’t make it difficult, other than that, we just know each other’s games.” Toronto Star The aforementioned Jose Calderon had a 10 percent trade kicker in his contract, meaning he earned an extra $484,609 when he was traded to Detroit earlier this week, increasing his salary-cap number to $11,046,591. ESPN.com  Ray Richardson: D'Antoni fires back at Rubio for criticizing his use of Gasol: "When he gets a team he can coach, then he can make that decision!" Twitter @Twolvesnow Gasol started at center Friday because of Howard's absence. But what does D'Antoni need to do to convince Gasol to buy into his new role? "Pay him $19 million. I think that should help," D'Antoni said, smiling. Los Angeles Daily News Kevin Ding: Kobe: "Nothing that Lakers fans haven't seen for the past five years. ... This is the Pau who helped us get back-to-back championships." Twitter @KevinDing Next stop is Detroit on the Lakers’ seven-game trip, and Metta World Peace was trying to meet up with guy who threw cup at him back when he was Ron Artest and the “Malice in the Palace” was a national controversy in 2004, John Green. “He’s cool,” World Peace said Friday night. “He’s good people.” It turns out their schedules aren’t working out, but World Peace said they’ve met once previously and get along well. “I’ve spoken to him quite a few times,” World Peace said. Orange County Register Then Garnett, asked what the team has learned about itself, brought back Rivers' comments from late November. "We have a lot of fight in us," Garnett said. "I know Doc made his bulls**t comments about us being soft, we're a team that will fight and we are a team that is very competitive and is very prideful. We're learning that when you pieces, you learn to fight through with each other and follow that. More than anything, we're just being competitive out here and sharing the basketball and playing." WEEI.com There was Beasley, last Sunday, warming up for his new reserve role before a game in Dallas -- having lost his spot in the lottery-bound Suns' starting lineup -- with a basket of concession- stand fare less than two hours before tipoff. He wasn't the only Sun who had one, to be fair, but seeing a player eating right off the NBA writers' menu so close to game time is always an eyebrow-raiser. ESPN.com Talent, of course, has never been Beasley's issue. "No more nonchalant Beas" is the new mantra he keeps repeating over and over, acknowledging that he hasn't taken the game seriously enough to this point in his career and has to grow up. ESPN.com How much do you miss Steve Nash? Marcin Gortat: Oh, man. I miss him just like [a] human needs water, or air to breathe. He makes it happen. We all know he just makes everything happen. And there's probably nobody on this team who misses him more than me. Everybody wants to play with him. ESPN.com Marcin Gortat: I actually crashed with the reality that I didn't have the role on the team that I wanted to have. Obviously, I wanted to be in a different position than I am right now. A lot of things [are] looking different than I thought [they] would. But I'm trying just to come back to being me, just trying to play better. That's it. The whole season has just been a huge, huge experience. I've never been through situations like that my entire life and I've learned from it. Our chances to make the playoffs are really small right now, but I'm just going to try use the chances I'm getting and that's it. ESPN.com  Meantime, Singler's backup appears most likely to be Rodney Stuckey, who also is playing as backup shooting guard. "L (Lawrence Frank) said that to me as well, so I've just got to be ready for anything," Stuckey, who began his career as a point guard, said of potentially extensive playing time at small forward. Booth Newspapers Portland Trail Blazers rookie standout Damian Lillard has been invited to participate in the NBA All-Star Weekend Skills Challenge during All-Star Weekend in Houston, CSNNW.com has learned. According to a person close to the rookie point guard, the three-time Rookie of the Month has every intention of accepting the invitation. Lillard is known for his offensive ability, but just as well, he has dazzled this league with his ball handling ability and passing skills ever since he stepped foot in the league. CSNNW.com First, Ed Davis. He looks like a young Lorenzen Wright. Except skinnier. Much skinnier. "I'm excited," Davis said. Next, Austin Daye. He seemed mixed up on his geography. "It's good to be on the West Coast and also in a city like Memphis," he said. Memphis Commercial Appeal Eric Koreen: Jonas Valanciunas was rather annoyed about Butler's last second play. And, um, disappointed the two teams don't meet again this yr. Twitter  During his visit to a hand specialist in New York this week, Beal was told that he should take his time before coming back and plans to heed the advice. “I’m not going to rush back. Going to take my time and wait until it heals,” Beal said. “It’s always because the type of kid I am, it takes a lot for me not to play. If I’m hurt or not. But I have to be smart now. But if I want to have a long career and just finish the season out strong, I have to take care of my body more than anything. It’s real tough, but I’m still cheering my teammates on.” Washington Post There is work to be done, of course. The Grizzlies wouldn't have beaten many teams the way they played Friday. It will help when they learn one another's tendencies, or at least one another's names. But for one night, there was happiness. Thanks to the Prince who may find a home in the city of kings. Or, as assistant GM John Hollinger put it: "We're not idiots yet." Memphis Commercial Appeal Celtics forward Paul Pierce, the team's union representative, called for the removal of NBPA executive director Billy Hunter after Hunter was placed on a leave of absence Friday by the union and president Derek Fisher. Boston Globe “I think with the way things been going with the association, with all the accusations, I think it’s finally time for some change,” he told the Globe after the Celtics’ 97-84 win over the Orlando Magic. “A lot of the players been unhappy with what’s going on and so I think it’s time. “Yeah I definitely think it’s time (for new leadership), too much controversy going on right now. Players (need to) rally around each other and find some new leadership to lead us into the next generation.” Boston Globe For Mo Williams, the removal of Billy Hunter from his role as the National Basketball Players Association union chief was important stuff. "We are going forward as a union," the injured Jazz point guard said, "to try and get everything back on track. Obviously some things have been going on that we, as players, are trying to get more information about." Salt Lake Tribune Matt Moore: More later but Andre Iguodala, NBPA rep is firmly behind Derek Fisher in Hunter situation. Twitter @HPbasketball National Basketball Players Association executive director Billy Hunter is likely on his way out. Hunter was placed on an indefinite leave of absence Friday. "Everyone I’ve talked to, it’s pretty clear that they’re looking for a change," Kris Humphries, the Nets’ player representative, told The New York Times. Asked about Hunter, Williams pointed to what he told CBS Sports earlier, when he said, "I think change is needed, top to bottom." ESPN.com In what might be the first step in removing Billy Hunter as boss of the NBA players union, the executive committee has put the executive director on indefinite leave. The action was announced in a statement Friday, two weeks after a report commissioned by the committee criticized Hunter's decisions and business practices. Hunter's attorney, Thomas Ashley, said his client will fight the allegations. "I am deeply troubled by the lack of fundamental fairness shown my client by a group whose authority to take such action is highly questionable," Ashley said in a statement. "We believe his contract is valid and we will soon offer a comprehensive rebuttal." Philadelphia Inquirer  Mo Yan, the 2012 Nobel Laureate in Literature, and Yao Ming, a former NBA star with the Houston Rockets, have been listed among China's national political advisors. The Standing Committee of the 11th Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) National Committee, China's top political advisory body, adopted a member list for the 12th CPPCC National Committee on Friday. philstar.com Ryan Anderson: Ok this hotel in Minnesota just got added to the "creepiest hotels we stay at" list Twitter @ryananderson33 |
|
Any rumor missing? E-mail us at |
Loading
Atlanta Hawks
Boston Celtics
Brooklyn Nets
Charlotte Bobcats
Chicago Bulls
Cleveland Cavaliers
Dallas Mavericks
Denver Nuggets
Detroit Pistons
Golden State Warriors
Houston Rockets
Indiana Pacers
Los Angeles Clippers
Los Angeles Lakers
Memphis Grizzlies
Miami Heat
Milwaukee Bucks
Minnesota Timberwolves
New Orleans Pelicans
New York Knicks
Oklahoma City Thunder
Orlando Magic
Philadelphia 76ers
Phoenix Suns
Portland Trail Blazers
Sacramento Kings
San Antonio Spurs
Seattle SuperSonics
Toronto Raptors
Utah Jazz
Washington Wizards
FULL MENU
TUNE IN
CONTACT US
Got something to tell?
E-mail us at
hoopshype@hoopshype.com
© 2002-2013 HOOPSHYPE | Part of the USA TODAY Sports Digital Properties
Terms of Service | Privacy Notice | Ad Choices
No part of this website may be copied, transferred, or re-created without the express consent of HoopsHype.
HoopsHype reserves the right to take legal actions against anyone who does not respect its intellectual property rights.
Terms of Service | Privacy Notice | Ad Choices
No part of this website may be copied, transferred, or re-created without the express consent of HoopsHype.
HoopsHype reserves the right to take legal actions against anyone who does not respect its intellectual property rights.
