HoopsHype.com Rumors

Darnell Mayberry: Sam Presti on Kendrick Perkins: "I think he's going to go back and work and COME BACK improved." Twitter @DarnellMayberry

Oklahoma City Thunder, Kendrick Perkins, Sam Presti 

The Thunder's polarizing center has nothing to worry about. Two days later, Presti essentially put an end to the rampant speculation that Perkins would possibly be waived under the NBA's amnesty clause. “We just haven't considered using the provision,” Presti said. “I wouldn't necessarily directly attribute that to any player on our team. Every team looks at the amnesty provision different based on their different circumstances. But it's not something that we've really explored.” Oklahoman

Oklahoma City Thunder, Kendrick Perkins, Sam Presti 

“We think Perk has a lot of value to our team,” Presti said. “He's a member of a team that won 60 games and helped us to our third division title in three years. I don't know that we can discount that. I'm sure he'd like to have had a better postseason. But I'm sure that's pretty universal for the whole group. And we accept that.” Oklahoman

Oklahoma City Thunder, Kendrick Perkins, Sam Presti 

The Lakers' cap situation is atrocious. Don't be shocked if they trade forward/center Pau Gasol, who is recovering from a knee procedure and needs another 10 weeks of rehabilitation. The 7-footer is entering the final year of his contract and will earn $19.28 million next year. The Cavs might be open to a deal like that, adding a veteran player to the group of youngsters on the roster. Another name could be Celtics forward Paul Pierce. News-Herald

Boston Celtics, Cleveland Cavaliers, Los Angeles Lakers, Paul Pierce, Trade, Pau Gasol 

Ronald Tillery: Practice flow on eve of WCF: Hollins on being perceived as an underdog, "It doesn't matter. We’re appreciated by our fans and by ourselves." Twitter @CAGrizBlog

Memphis Grizzlies, Lionel Hollins 

Metta World Peace: Congrats to Memphis for winning the 2013 championship. Just finish the job... Twitter @MettaWorldPeace

Los Angeles Lakers, Memphis Grizzlies, Metta World Peace 

George Hill, who had been sidelined in Game 5 due to symptoms lingering from a concussion in Game 4, has been cleared to play in Game 6. Earlier in the day, Hill participated in shootaround and “looked fine” according to Pacers head coach Frank Vogel. Pacers.com

Indiana Pacers, Injuries, George Hill 

Over the last two days under the care of the Indiana Pacers’ medical staff, George Hill has participated in each step of the NBA’s Return-to-Participation Exertion Protocol as part of the NBA’s Concussion Policy. During the process, George remained symptom-free after each step including his workouts earlier today. After consultation with Dr. Jeffrey Kutcher, the NBA’s Director of Concussion Management, the Pacers’ team physicians have cleared George to play in tonight’s game. Pacers.com

Indiana Pacers, Injuries, George Hill 

The Cavaliers head into the NBA draft lottery on Tuesday with the third-best odds for the No. 1 pick. There's a 15.6-percent chance they'll get the top selection. If they land the first pick, like most teams, they'll likely select Kentucky forward/center Nerlens Noel (6-foot-11 3/4, 206 pounds). News-Herald

Cleveland Cavaliers, Draft, Nerlens Noel 

"I'm not surprised," Noel said. "I've got the talent and I'm going to do things the best I can. I definitely think this will make me a better player, having gone through this. I'm working on my jumper and putting on good weight.'' News-Herald

Draft, Nerlens Noel 

Trey Burke’s confidence has always been his greatest asset. “I’m going to try to be a franchise player,” Burke said Friday at the NBA predraft combine in Chicago. “A guy that’s going to come right in and make an impact right away. You’ve seen (Portland’s) Damian Lillard come in and win Rookie of the Year and people were saying he played in too small of a conference and things like that. They had their doubts about him. I’m going to try to come in, make an impact and hopefully in five or six years I’ll have a ring or two. That’s the goal." Detroit Free Press

Draft, Trey Burke 

Burke’s primary negatives: his size and the athletic tests which fell below most of the other point guards. The response this week was classic Burke: “My heart, you can’t really measure that.” Detroit Free Press

Draft, Trey Burke 

Going through the rigorous interview process for the NBA draft combine can be stressful enough without having a team play what can be perceived as mind games to boot. That seems to be what the Pistons did with former Indiana guard Victor Oladipo during their interview, but Oladipo called the experience "one of the best interviews I've been on." The Pistons' front office sat in a room with Oladipo and the crew acted as if he wasn't there, speaking honestly and candidly about Oladipo's game, what they loved, liked and thought he needed to work on. "It was really cool, I'd never been a part of anything like that," Oladipo said after he finished the draft interviews with media on Friday. Detroit News

Detroit Pistons, Draft, Victor Oladipo 

Although he hasn’t pursued any of those jobs — the 71-year-old Sloan consistently has excused himself from the running after preliminary discussions — the fact he’s at least listening doesn’t surprise those who know him. "He’s an old pro, and he misses it," said Frank Layden, another former Jazz coach who remains a trusted friend. "It’s just something that’s in his blood. He has a passion for it. ... It’s hard for him to be away from the game." Salt Lake Tribune

Coaching, Jerry Sloan, Frank Layden 

Like Sloan, Layden resigned during the season. He stepped down in 1988 but never considered a comeback. "I never had the love for it like Jerry has," Layden said. "I walked away and was completely comfortable — never had the urge to do it again. But Jerry loves everything about basketball. The games. The practices. The hard work. Everything." Salt Lake Tribune

Coaching, Jerry Sloan, Frank Layden 

If Sloan does not take another coaching job, there might be another way for him to stay connected to the NBA — perhaps in an official or unofficial position with the Jazz. Sloan finally started to attend games last season and has been at the predraft camp in Chicago this week with coach Tyrone Corbin and other members of the staff. "If there’s something out there that’s right for both parties, we would welcome a relationship with Jerry," team president Randy Rigby said. "The Utah Jazz have great love and respect for him." Salt Lake Tribune

Utah Jazz, Coaching, Jerry Sloan, Randy Rigby 

Among those here seeking a new career direction was Antoine Walker, who, according to M.L. Carr, is looking to break into scouting work. Ainge had not spoken to him as of late yesterday. Boston Herald

Antoine Walker 

Metta World Peace joined Liz Habib on the KTTV-TV (Channel 11) news broadcast Friday night to talk sports and do the weather with meteorologist Pablo Pereira. "I came to L.A. because of Phil Jackson, Kobe [Bryant] reminded me of [Michael] Jordan, Lamar [Odom] reminded me of [Scottie] Pippen and it was just the [Chicago] Bulls all over again," said World Peace. "The Bulls were my favorite team growing up." Los Angeles Times

Los Angeles Lakers, Metta World Peace 

Cavs coach Mike Brown has put his Los Angeles-area home on the market for $3.75 million. The Mediterranean-style house in the gated Anaheim Hills community features 9,503 square feet of living space with six bedrooms and 7 1/2 bathrooms. It was built in 1990 and later remodeled. Brown moved his family into the home he purchased in Westlake. News-Herald

Cleveland Cavaliers, Mike Brown, Real Estate 

Darnell Mayberry: Sam Presti on the amnesty clause: "We just haven't considered using the provision...We think Perk has a lot of value to our team." Twitter @DarnellMayberry

Oklahoma City Thunder, Kendrick Perkins, Sam Presti 

Shaun Powell: An NBA GM at the combines predicted Andrew Bynum won't get more than a 1-year deal. Twitter @Powell2daPeople

Free Agency, Andrew Bynum 

After a breakout season in the European League, Gani Lawal has intrigued NBA teams and could receive consideration for a contract, league sources told RealGM. Lawal has already scheduled workouts – private and as part of mini-camps – with the Indiana Pacers, Toronto Raptors and Orlando Magic, sources said. Four to five other teams have discussed bringing him in to work out, too. RealGM

Indiana Pacers, Orlando Magic, Toronto Raptors, Free Agency, Gani Lawal 

Royce Young: Presti called Westbrook and Durant the "caretakers of the organization" and "drivers of our culture." Twitter @dailythunder

Oklahoma City Thunder, Kevin Durant, Sam Presti, Russell Westbrook 

Royce Young: Presti said Russell Westbrook should have a full recovery and be the same player, in terms of health, he was prior to the injury. Twitter @dailythunder

Oklahoma City Thunder, Injuries, Russell Westbrook 

Royce Young: Presti: "Jeremy [Lamb] is somebody we feel really good about. He's definitely going to be a contributor to our team in the near future." Twitter @dailythunder

Oklahoma City Thunder, Sam Presti, Jeremy Lamb 

About a week before the playoffs, Knicks point guard Raymond Felton, who had never been on a team that won a playoff series before this season, his eighth in the N.B.A., thought he needed extra time on the court. So he sent a text message to his shooting coach, Ivorie Manning. “If you have some free time, I’d like for you to come down,” he wrote. Three days later, the two of them were alone in the Knicks’ practice center about 7 p.m., shooting from several spots on the court: the free-throw line, the 3-point arc, the corner. New York Times

New York Knicks, Raymond Felton, Ivorie Manning 

Manning critiqued Felton’s technique on each shot, watching his elbow, his shoulders and his release. A former assistant for the Harlem Globetrotters, Manning is in demand as a shooting specialist. He has worked with the N.B.A. players Ty Lawson, Rajon Rondo and Jerry Stackhouse. New York Times

Rajon Rondo, Raymond Felton, Jerry Stackhouse, Ty Lawson, Ivorie Manning 

Indiana Pacers point guard George Hill took part in the team’s shootaround at Bankers Life Fieldhouse today. But Hill, who suffered a concussion earlier this week, still isn’t cleared to play in tonight’s Game 6 against the New York Knicks at the fieldhouse. Pacers coach Frank Vogel said Hill still has some more steps he has to pass in the NBA’s concussion protocol before he’s cleared to play. “There’s a long list of things that are part of the NBA’s protocol,” Vogel said. “He’s in the middle of that process.” Indianapolis Star

Indiana Pacers, Injuries, George Hill 

“I’m preparing for him not to play,” Vogel said. “If he plays we’ll be very happy about it.” D.J. Augustin will start at point guard again if Hill remains out. Indianapolis Star

Indiana Pacers, DJ Augustin, Injuries, George Hill, Frank Vogel 

Usually, NBA general managers are filled with nerves entering the annual NBA draft lottery. That may be the case for a different reason on Tuesday night. "I'm not sure I want the No. 1 pick," said one NBA general manager. Another looked frightened at the thought of having to draft someone first this year. "There's really no one worthy of the top pick," he said. "But someone has to go number one." CBSSports.com

Draft 

Don't read much into which teams interviewed which players out in Chicago. Many teams lined up guys they know won't come in for actual workouts over the next few weeks. For instance, Boston -- picking No. 16 -- interviewed Victor Oladipo, who is expected to go before the Celtics pick. Danny Ainge and his staff also brought in Noel, who is expected to go either first or second overall. CBSSports.com

Boston Celtics, Draft, Nerlens Noel, Victor Oladipo 

Duke Coach Mike Krzyzewski acknowledged in a phone interview Saturday that he's in discussions to return as head coach of USA Basketball through the 2016 Olympics. "There's a chance," Krzyzewski said. "That's correct." Krzyzewski said he hasn't made a final decision, but his openness to the position represents a significant change. For eight months, Krzyzewski has maintained he's not returning as USA Basketball's head coach. SI.com

USA Basketball, Mike Krzyzewski 

On Saturday, Krzyzewski said he and USA Basketball Chairman Jerry Colangelo have been talking about his return "quite a bit." Colangelo said Saturday he and Krzyzewski have been discussing his return "in installments." "I think it's very close to being resolved," Colangelo said. "That's all I can say for sure." He added: "Give it another week and it should be resolved." SI.com

Coaching, Jerry Colangelo, USA Basketball, Team USA, Mike Krzyzewski 

Colangelo planned on naming a coach by the start of the calendar year, but deviated from that plan in an attempt to convince Krzyzewski to come back. (He did not want to bother him during Duke's season.) A coach needs to be in place by the first USA basketball minicamp in July. Colangelo said he hasn't approached any other candidates. (The candidates widely speculated were Boston Celtics coach Doc Rivers, San Antonio Spurs coach Gregg Popovich and former Philadelphia 76ers coach Doug Collins.) "I would never do that," Colangelo said about talking to other candidates. "I've said that from the beginning, for what he's invested in USA Basketball, he's entitled to make his decision before anyone." SI.com

Doc Rivers, Coaching, Jerry Colangelo, Gregg Popovich, USA Basketball, Team USA, Mike Krzyzewski, Doug Collins 

Colangelo said there would likely be changes to the USA Basketball staff if Krzyzewski did return. The 2012 staff included Los Angeles Lakers coach Mike D'Antoni, former Portland Trail Blazers coach Nate McMillan and Syracuse Orange coach Jim Boeheim. Colangelo said it's likely Boeheim would again be part of the staff if Krzyzewski returned. SI.com

Coaching, Mike D'Antoni, Jerry Colangelo, USA Basketball, Nate McMillan, Team USA, Mike Krzyzewski, Jim Boeheim 

Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment is pursuing Denver Nuggets general manager Masai Ujiri to take over as the top basketball executive of the Toronto Raptors, league sources told Yahoo! Sports. Yahoo! Sports

Denver Nuggets, Toronto Raptors, Masai Ujiri 

Masai, the 2013 NBA Executive of the Year, has emerged as the top choice of the search firm – Korn/Ferry International – that's been charged with finding a successor to Raptors president Bryan Colangelo, league sources said. MLSE has until Monday to make a decision on Colangelo's contract option for next year. It is possible that he could stay with the franchise under a new top basketball official. Yahoo! Sports

Denver Nuggets, Toronto Raptors, Bryan Colangelo, Masai Ujiri 

Mark Deeds: Three incidences of unsurprising news here: Aaron Gray, Linas Kleiza and Charlie Villanueva have all opted in for next season. Twitter @MarkDeeksNBA

Linas Kleiza, Charlie Villanueva, Aaron Gray 

“This moment means a lot to me,” Randolph said. “I’m happy, but we still have work to do. I want to win a ring.” Randolph can be the king of colloquialisms when talking about others, such as when he described the defense teammate Tony Allen was applying to Kevin Durant: “Tony’s a dog, man. He’s in the mud.” The Grizzlies marketing department has crafted slogans and campaigns around Randolph’s colorful descriptors and phrases. NBA.com

Memphis Grizzlies, Zach Randolph 

But he’s mostly bland when talking about himself. It’s a subject best left unto others, like Allen. “I’ve [known] Zach ever since I got in the league, what his skill level was,” said Allen, who joined the Grizzlies a season later in the summer of 2010. “But he was … at first all about going out and getting his. And ever since I got alongside him, he’s done a good job of mixing it up, passing the ball when you don’t have a shot, being more of a vocal leader and just a teddy bear off the court. When I say teddy bear, just a nice guy. He’s the nicest guy in the world. I saw him grow a lot despite what I heard about him previously before I got here.” Previously? “Just rough around the edges, that’s all,” Allen said, chuckling. “But me and him pretty much got the same characteristics. Growing up we overcame a lot. Right now, it’s a big time to do something big and I think that’s what his mindset is right now — trying to do something real big.” NBA.com

Memphis Grizzlies, Zach Randolph, Tony Allen 

The big stage has been a long time coming for Randolph, a player many assumed would have run himself out of the league by now. That’s not the case or even any longer an option. The 12-year veteran has found a home and fulfillment in Memphis. “He just understands the big picture a little bit better. He understands winning better,” Grizzlies coach Lionel Hollins said. “I think there are lot of good players in this league that have statistics, that have talent, but never win, never understand that it takes more than their 20 points to win; that it takes moving the basketball, it takes playing defense, it takes being a decoy sometimes. “We just try to challenge him and he accepts being challenged, and he’s risen to the occasion.” NBA.com

Memphis Grizzlies, Zach Randolph, Lionel Hollins 

Chris Herring: Chandler has his wrist taped up. But says he feels "great." Probably somewhat sarcastically. Twitter @HerringWSJ

New York Knicks, Tyson Chandler, Injuries 

The Nets ownership is increasingly interwoven with the Islanders. They don't own any equity stake in Charles Wang's rising NHL team, but the Bruce Ratner - Mikhail Prokhorov combination will be the Islanders landlords in Brooklyn and have taken over the business operations of the Islanders as well. Moreover, arena ownership wants the contract to renovate Nassau Coliseum -- and believe they have an advantage over the competition, including Madison Square Garden, in that the Islanders have agreed to play six games in the new Coliseum if the Barclays Center team wins. Could MSG, that is the Rangers, stop them? "Sources" talking to the Post and ESPN claim they can. Ratner disagrees. Actually, things are beginning to get a little dicey between MSG and BC. The Post and ESPN report that the NHL and the Rangers would have to approve any games played outside the home ice of Barclays Center. "He made a promise that is not 100 percent in his hands," according to a "person familiar with the situation" quoted by ESPN New York. NetsDaily

Brooklyn Nets, New York Knicks, Mikhail Prokhorov, James Dolan, Madison Square Garden, NHL 

In an interview on Bloomberg News Friday, Ratner dismissed the reports with just a touch of anger, When asked don't the NHL and the Rangers have to approve it, Ratner responded, "the NHL has to approve it," pointedly not mentioning the Rangers. "Given the fact that the team has been there before, the fans are going to want it, I'm sure they'll approve it." he added. NetsDaily

Brooklyn Nets, New York Knicks, Mikhail Prokhorov, James Dolan, Madison Square Garden, NHL 

Two Golden State Warriors fans were killed in a shooting following Thursday night's playoff game in Oakland. Two men, identified as residents of Contra Costa County, apparently were headed home from the game on Interstate 880 in a white 2010 Porsche Panamera when someone in a dark-colored SUV opened fire with a semi-automatic pistol, killing the driver, 30-year-old Christopher Beardon. The 28-year-old passenger, Terrance Marks, fled the car or was ejected as it struck the guardrail and veered into traffic, and he was struck and killed by another car. He also had been shot. FOXSports.com

Golden State Warriors, Law 

The Charlotte Bobcats are in the process of changing their name back to "Hornets," a source with knowledge of the situation told CBSSports.com's Will Brinson, including arranging digital assets that would allow a return to their original nickname. CBSSports.com

Charlotte Bobcats, Charlotte Hornets 

There is no timetable for the switch though NBA commissioner to be Adam Silver told Bobcats season ticket holders in April that such a change would take at least 18 months to implement. Moreover, the change is not unexpected and would likely be popular with the North Carolina fan base. CBSSports.com

Charlotte Bobcats, Adam Silver, Charlotte Hornets 

Silver told season ticket holders re-acquiring the name "Hornets" would not be an issue, stating that the NBA and not the Pelicans owned the moniker. Acquiring and rearranging the necessary digital assets would be a major part of any change. Hornets.com and CharlotteHornets.com are owned by NBA Media Ventures, LLC and currently redirect to NBA.com/Pelicans. However, a WhoIs.net search for the domain name NBAHornets.com shows that the URL was created and registered very recently -- on May 15, 2013 to be exact -- by NBA Media Ventures, LLC. NBA Media Ventures, LLC, is the media branch of the NBA and owns NBA.com, Hornets.com and CharlotteHornets.com. CBSSports.com

Charlotte Bobcats, Charlotte Hornets 

"You have to look at all the aspects of what we're doing, where we are salary-cap wise, what the market calls for," Bulls head coach Tom Thibodeau said. Nate had a great year. So we'll evaluate it moving forward. "The thing is about Nate, and again I thought he had a very good year, but in the last month and a half I thought he and Kirk played extremely well together, and Nate was more at the two. I like that versatility, so I wouldn't rule anything out," he continued, implying that Robinson could play off the ball more alongside Rose, who has enough size to defend some shooting guards, or off the bench in tandem with Hinrich. "He's going to have opportunities, so a lot of it is going to be fit and what the market calls for." CSN Chicago

Chicago Bulls, Nate Robinson 

If it was up to Robinson, though, the little man with the big heart would be back in the Windy City. "I would love to. Honestly, I really would, but knowing the guys we have here, I know it's probably limited space for me. But we'll see how it goes. Talk to my agent and stuff like that and figure out what's the best plan for me," the loquacious speedster said. "I love this team, I love these guys and if I could stay here, it would be wonderful." CSN Chicago

Chicago Bulls, Nate Robinson 

Kidd’s potential coaching career might be coming into sharper focus as he goes through a perplexing and historic nine-game scoreless streak. That day in Toronto, Kidd admitted he wasn’t sure he would finish his entire three-year contract. Most assumed, though, he would come back next season and the Knicks really hope so. But after this season, there’s no telling if Kidd wants to jump-start a coaching career and forgo the $6 million left on his deal. Kidd’s playoff struggles have been well documented, and coach Mike Woodson benched the veteran the entire second half of the Knicks’ 85-75 Game 5 win over the Pacers. “Jason’s going through a tough stretch,’’ Woodson said on Friday’s conference call. “But do I have confidence in putting Jason on the basketball floor? Absolutely. That will never go away.’’ New York Post

New York Knicks, Jason Kidd 

Curry said he's been dropping lines to guard Jarrett Jack for a while, telling the free-agent-to-be guard he needs to stay with the Warriors. "This is the place for him," Curry said. "He's bounced around a lot. For him to have hopefully found a home here for the foreseeable future would be huge. I know he wants to be part of a winning team, and I think we have that here now." Jack will be an unrestricted free agent come July 1. Forward Carl Landry, who has a $4 million player option for next season, can also become a free agent. The Warriors, however, are expected to be over the luxury tax next season as Curry's extension kicks in, increasing his salary by $6 million. San Jose Mercury-News

Golden State Warriors, Free Agency, Jarrett Jack, Carl Landry 

Unless the Trail Blazers get the luck of the ping-pong balls and find themselves in the top three, the chances of them acquiring Oladipo are slim to none. However, there are moving up possibilities. Sources close to the prospect say the Trail Blazers, among a few others teams, “really like him” and are “considering moving up to get him.” CSNNW.com

Portland Trail Blazers, Draft, Victor Oladipo 

When Oladipo was reached for comment, he acknowledged being aware of the interested teams that weren't in position to take him. If Portland did pull off the move, Oladipo is all for it. “I would really love to go to Portland, and I'm not just saying that,” he said convincingly to CSNNW.com. “I hope, and I don't think I'm dropping that far, but if they decided to move up somehow, I think that would be a great situation for me. It's a place where you can just concentrate on basketball.” CSNNW.com

Portland Trail Blazers, Draft, Victor Oladipo 

Chris Mannix: An aside on Boston. C's met with Victor Oladipo, who will likely be gone in top-ten. Met with Kelly Olynyk, too. Could be looking to move up Twitter

Boston Celtics, Draft, Kelly Olynyk, Victor Oladipo 

Sam Amico: Not only did Michigan G Tim Hardaway Jr kill it in drills, but source at NBA Draft Combine said he interviewed best with teams. Stock rising Twitter @SamAmicoFSO

Draft, Tim Hardaway Jr 

"They were one of the teams to ask me about it," Carter-Williams said of the Blazers. "I told them my body language didn't have anything to do with my coaches or my teammates. I hold myself accountable, and to a high standard, and when I'm disappointed in myself that frustration comes out a little bit. I don't let it affect my game, but it's definitely something I can work on. I think it's something that I can fix, something that is easy to change, so I don't think it's a problem." Oregonian

Portland Trail Blazers, Draft, Michael Carter-Williams 

Jamal Franklin sprained the ankle May 4 while working out in Las Vegas. Elfus said the protective boot is precautionary and Franklin should be full speed within a week. His first workout is expected to be June 3 at Dallas. Other teams in the mix: Atlanta, Brooklyn, Cleveland and Milwaukee. UTSanDiego

Atlanta Hawks, Cleveland Cavaliers, Dallas Mavericks, Milwaukee Bucks, Draft, Workouts, Jamal Franklin 

Dennis Schroeder wasn't sure what to expect when he brought his game from Germany to the U.S. But so far, so good. The 19-year-old point guard from Braunschweig, Germany, wowed scouts and NBA executives at the Nike Hoop Summit in Portland, Ore., and soon found himself moving up on draft lists. He compares his game to Boston's Rajon Rondo and also is fond of Los Angeles Clippers point guard Chris Paul. "I think I played two years now against men, so I think that helped me a lot," Schroeder said of playing in Germany's top league. "This was a dream for sure, but I think hard work pays off. It's a good feeling for me." Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel

Draft, Dennis Schroeder 

NBAdraft.net flip-flops, going with shooting guard McLemore at No. 1 and power forward/center Noel No. 2. Is the order of any consequence to McLemore? You bet. “I think it’d be important to me, being the No. 1 draft pick and that a shooting guard hasn’t been a No. 1 pick for a while, for years,” McLemore told NBA.com before Thursday’s NBA combine in Chicago. “It’d be very important to me to make history. It would be great to be No. 1, being able to help my family out.” Lawrence Journal-World

Draft, Ben McLemore 

McCollum, 21, said he had an interview scheduled with the Pistons on Friday afternoon. He is familiar with the roster. “They have a very young team,” McCollum said. “I’m not sure if Brandon Knight is going to be the (point guard) or (shooting guard) for that team. “They have very good post players. They just took (Andre Drummond) and he’s definitely turned out to be the steal of the draft. “They have (Greg Monroe) so they definitely have strong posts and they may take a guard. They may not, but it will be interesting to see if I work out with them.” Detroit Free Press

Draft, Ben McLemore 

The organization's biggest needs are a post player and a backup point guard. However, one could argue that McCollum could be a solid addition to a team planning to make offseason moves via trades and free agency. "I'm a fan of the Philadelphia 76ers," McCollum said. "So it will be interesting to see what happens." Philadelphia Inquirer

Philadelphia 76ers, Free Agency, CJ McCollum 

Yet the 20-year-old is a raw talent. He needs to get stronger and polish up his post game in order to contribute in the NBA. However, his athleticism and size are why he's projected to be a mid-first-round pick in June's draft. The 76ers, who are likely to get the 11th pick, interviewed Gobert here on Friday. "I'm not a fan at all," said an NBA scout who asked to remain anonymous. "I've seen him in person a couple of times over the last two years. He's immature physically. And off the court, he's not a man. "He's a guy who is long and can run. But he doesn't have a great feel for the game." Philadelphia Inquirer

Philadelphia 76ers, Draft, Rudy Gobert 

Doug Haller: ASU's Carrick Felix measured 6'4.75" at NBA draft combine. 6'6.25 in shoes. 3.3 body fat was lowest of everyone there. Twitter

Draft, Carrick Felix 

Musselman, a two-time former NBA head coach who attended the combine, said NBA team personnel members rave to him about Felix’s competitiveness, fitness and perspective in interviews. “He wants this bad,” Musselman said. “He can be a defender, a loose-ball-getter, a rebound guy, an extra possession player, a guy who can guard multiple positions." Arizona Republic

Draft, Carrick Felix 

In his mind — like most players at the NBA draft combine — he thinks he'll be a first-round pick. "I believe I can be a late first-round pick," he said. "I have confidence. But all I've got to do is keep working, do what I can do. As long as I can feel like when I can walk out of that gym that I worked hard, I'll leave it in God's hands and everything will take care of itself." News-Herald

Draft, Deshaun Thomas 

Lakers coach Mike D'Antoni gave Phil Handy a great recommendation. An NBA source told The Plain Dealer on Friday that Handy has been hired by the Cavaliers, but the team said nothing is official yet. Handy was a player development coach for the Lakers under Mike Brown and D'Antoni, who replaced Brown earlier this season. "He's really good at developing players, a good workout guy with a great work ethic," D'Antoni said Friday. "He'll do a super job for Mike, for sure." Cleveland Plain Dealer

Cleveland Cavaliers, Coaching, Phil Handy 

What exactly is the difference between a player development coach and assistant coach?"It's more just area of responsibility," D'Antoni said. "It's the same thing. One guy might [prepare] defense against Detroit. Another guy might develop players. It's just a different area. "He can do whatever. His specialty was working guys out, making them better. Especially for a young group of guys he's good for them. I don't what he's going to do for Cleveland, so I don't know where he fits in. But wherever he fits in, he'll be good." Cleveland Plain Dealer

Cleveland Cavaliers, Coaching, Phil Handy 

A team source confirmed reports coach Mark Jackson hired super agent Arn Tellem and fired Steve Kauffman. The move happened months ago, but the source said it was not part of Jackson's plan to get a new contract form Golden State. Jackson hired Kauffman presuming he had to hire an agent of coaches. When he learned he could retain Tellem, Jackson's representative as a player, Jackson made the switch. San Jose Mercury-News

Golden State Warriors, Coaching, Mark Jackson, Arn Tellem, Agents, Steve Kauffman 

Tellem is Warriors general manager Bob Myers' former boss and close friends with executive board member Jerry West. Jackson has two seasons left on his contract, next season is guaranteed and the Warriors hold an option for 2014-15. Without any further guarantees, Jackson would enter next season as a virtual lame duck in potentially his final contract year. San Jose Mercury-News

Golden State Warriors, Coaching, Mark Jackson, Jerry West, Arn Tellem, Agents, Steve Kauffman, Bob Myers 

Dwyane Wade faces constant questioning about when he’ll return from a knee injury to push the Miami Heat in their playoff run. So, naturally, the 31-year-old Wade spent his Friday night at a Miami high school’s prom. And it looks like he made it a night/year/life to remember for his date. For The Win

Miami Heat, Dwyane Wade 

Miami Heat star Dwyane Wade granted one South Florida teen's wish and showed up at her senior prom on Friday. Photos show Wade taking photos with the teen and others before the prom at the La Jolla Ballroom in Coral Gables. He also was snapped at the dance. NBC Miami

Miami Heat, Dwyane Wade 

Wade also Tweeted about the prom and shared photos on Twitter." "I had a blast at Prom w @nicole_muxo... Never be 2 scared to ask.. They might just say… " Wade Tweeted. NBC Miami

Miami Heat, Dwyane Wade 

With a local-based group succeeding in its bid to keep the National Basketball Association Kings in Sacramento, Comcast SportsNet California will retain the TV rights to the club – at least for the near term. The deal, under which the Maloof family has agreed to sell a 65% share in the Kings to a group led by TIBCO software owner Vivek Ranadive, is expected to be officially approved by the NBA next week. CSN California has a 10-year rights deal with the Kings that will transfer with the club, but expires at the end of the 2013-14 season, according to sources familiar with the agreement. Multichannel.com

Sacramento Kings, Media, Vivek Ranadive 

Jeanie Buss: @PhilJackson11 Phil, in regards to Kobe vs. MJ - KOBE IS THE BEST. My humble opinion. @kobebryant #Lakers Twitter @JeanieBuss

Los Angeles Lakers, Kobe Bryant, Michael Jordan, Phil Jackson, Jeanie Buss 

Phil Jackson: Listen friends of bball; don’t get hung up on words. I was most fortunate to have the chance to coach two of the greatest gds. EVER MJ/Kobe. Twitter

Los Angeles Lakers, Kobe Bryant, Michael Jordan, Phil Jackson, Jeanie Buss 

Jupiter socialite Filomena Tobias – aka the Miami Heat’s middle finger lady – came out of her self-imposed silence before tonight’s Heat-Bulls playoff game! Through Anthony Barbuto, her lawyer, Tobias acknowledged that her flipping the bird at former University of Florida star and Chicago Bulls center Joakim Noah was indeed ill-mannered – but she maintains she didn’t deserve the media dredging up her past, especially her third husband’s mysterious death. “Ms. Tobias has been a devoted Miami Heat fan for as long as she can remember, and like many other devoted fans, she unfortunately allowed her passion for the team to disregard proper fan etiquette. She is only human, and her emotions got the best of her,” Barbuto wrote after consulting with Tobias. “She offers her genuine apologies to anyone she has offended, and she requests that her privacy, as well as the privacy of her family, be respected at this time.” gossipextra.com

Chicago Bulls, Miami Heat, Joakim Noah, Filomena Tobias 

Predrag Danilovic was attacked with a knife and seriously injured on the night between Friday and Saturday. Novosti.rs

Law, Predrag Danilovic 

Serbian police say Predrag Danilovic, who played for the Miami Heat and Dallas Mavericks, is seriously injured after being stabbed in a fight. Police say Danilovic was hurt during a brawl early Saturday in a cafe in a residential part of the capital, Belgrade. Doctors say Danilovic underwent an operation to treat injuries to his abdomen, head and arms. The reason for the brawl was not immediately known. WDBJ7.com

Dallas Mavericks, Miami Heat, Law, Predrag Danilovic 

A trial date has been set for a former NBA All-Star accused of squatting in a Paradise Valley home and then trying to list the place for rent on Craigslist. The Maricopa County Attorney's Office says Chris Gatling has pleaded not guilty to two counts of theft and forgery, one count of taking the identity of another and one count of fraud. Gatling was accused of breaking into a key box and living in the home for nearly a year. A police report says the homeowners lived in California but had left the power on. azfamily.com

Law, Chris Gatling