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Wednesday, June 19

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» 11:53 PM ET Update » 09:37 PM ET Update » 08:09 PM ET Update » 06:48 PM ET Update » 06:26 PM ET Update » 05:15 PM ET Update » 03:51 PM ET Update » 02:25 PM ET Update » 01:10 PM ET Update » 11:00 AM ET Update

» Update: 11:53 PM ET

However, ESPN.com has learned the teams will have at least one more hurdle to clear even if they finally agree to a trade framework after days of talks and multiple breakdowns in discussions. Sources say the Clippers and Celtics, to push the trade through, will have to convince the league office that the deals were not contingent upon each other. According to NBA rules, side agreements or contingencies are prohibited in any trade or free-agent signing. Rules also prohibit coaches from being traded; teams can convey cash or draft picks as compensation to get a coach under contract released from those obligations. ESPN.com

Boston Celtics, Los Angeles Clippers, Trade, Doc Rivers, Coaching, Kevin Garnett, DeAndre Jordan 

Doc Rivers met with Celtics president of basketball operations Danny Ainge Wednesday about his future, but it is uncertain whether those talks were interrupted by the Clippers reaching out or whether Rivers encouraged the two sides to resuscitate discussions. Either way, Rivers could again be headed to the Clippers and Celtics fans will be subject to more uncertainty regarding Boston's head coach. Rivers has never publicly stated his desire to leave Boston, but privately intimated that he wanted to coach the Clippers. Boston Globe

Boston Celtics, Los Angeles Clippers, Trade, Doc Rivers, Danny Ainge, Coaching 

The smile on his face and the rolling of his eyes showed how hard it is for Cousins to play the silent role. But he has to. His agent, Dan Fegan, has instructed Cousins not to speak on anything relating to the Kings team, management or ownership. Cousins is eligible for a contract extension this summer, and Fegan wants a maximum deal for his client with the threat of a trade demand looming if a deal isn't reached. Sacramento Bee

Sacramento Kings, DeMarcus Cousins, Dan Fegan, Agents 

Jason Kidd: "I think there's a lot more that Gerald (Wallace) brings to the table. As an ex-player, seeing him on the floor with the things that he causes on the defense, what he gives the opponents. So I think he has has a lot more to give and my job is to get him to that level that I think he should be." NetsDaily

Brooklyn Nets, Jason Kidd, Gerald Wallace 

Jason Kidd: "I'm a big believer that Billy and I have to have our relationship where it's like a team, you can communicate. Yes, he gets the guys and I have to coach them but I'm a big fan of what he believes in. I would have to agree in the sense that we need shooting, if C.J. decides to leave, a back-up point guard and maybe a little bit more athletic, but I'm on board with Billy's game plan and I'm a big supporter." NetsDaily

Brooklyn Nets, Free Agency, Jason Kidd, CJ Watson 

Jason Kidd: "Right now, I'm looking for guys who know how to play. These kids that are coming out ...we've got what, the 22nd pick... you have to understand, I think Billy said it the other day ... you're going to a guy who's been in college for three or four years, that knows how to play." NetsDaily

Brooklyn Nets, Draft, Jason Kidd, Billy King 

With the 2013 NBA draft a week away, Golden State sits on the outside looking in. But general manager Bob Myers suggests the Warriors may not stay bystanders. "We'd love to have a pick," Myers said Wednesday in a meeting with local media. "What we would look at if it would make sense and there's a nice young player. ... It's always good to have young players. They're cheaper. ... The fact that we have a lot of young players makes it that we're not desperate. But if you can find good players on rookie deals, you always want to do that." Contra Costa Times

Golden State Warriors, Draft, Bob Myers 

Myers said center Andrew Bogut's ankle is recovering fine. The Warriors get regular updates and will send a trainer to Australia to examine Bogut. Contra Costa Times

Golden State Warriors, Injuries, Andrew Bogut, Bob Myers 

If anyone knows what it takes to thrive in times like these, it's Boston Celtics legend Bill Russell. The 11-time champion took part in 10 Game 7's, including five in the Finals — winning all 10 times and becoming the league's all-time leader in the category that matters most. "(Celtics coach) Red (Auerbach) used to have a phrase he used: 'I don't give a damn what they're going to do; This is what we're going to do.' " Russell told USA TODAY Sports. "The difference, especially in a seventh game, is 'Can I take my team and do what we do best?' And I'm going to respect the other team. The more I respect them — without fear, but respect — the better my chances are." USA Today Sports

Boston Celtics, Bill Russell, Red Auerbach 
 
 

» Update: 09:37 PM ET

Steve Bulpett: Source: C's situation w/Doc "delicate." If someone on Bruins telecast explains what that means I'll pass it on. Otherwise... Twitter @SteveBHoop

Boston Celtics, Los Angeles Clippers, Trade, Doc Rivers, Coaching 

As Danny Green displays the importance of shooting in the NBA Finals, Christian Watford is impressing teams with his outside jumper and appears poised to be selected in the draft late this month, a source told RealGM. Watford, the 6-foot-9 forward out of Indiana, has participated in 15 workouts for teams so far and is receiving requests to schedule more. Teams have let Watford know that they believe he has the versatility and jump shot to be a stretch power forward or wing shooter. RealGM

Draft, Christian Watford 

Jay-Z, the entertainer who started an athlete-representation firm in April, has been certified by the National Basketball Association players union to negotiate contracts, said Robert Gadson, the organization’s director of security and agent administration. Jay-Z, whose real name is Shawn Carter, met with Ron Klempner, the National Basketball Players Association’s acting executive director, and the organization’s legal staff, Gadson said in an interview today. Bloomberg

Jay-Z, Agents 

As the end of the National Basketball Association (NBA) season approaches, security researchers are warning Facebook users about a spam campaign thriving off of mounting interest in the final games. Satnam Narang, a security response manager at Symantec, said from Sunday a malicious campaign emerged consisting of messages falsely advertising free streaming videos of this week's live finals. SC Magazine

Spam 

The spam also includes a link to a Tumblr page hosting the “live streams,” where users are instead asked to install a Facebook application called “NBAFinals.” This app asks users to access their Facebook profile information, including their friends list and email address – and even posts messages on their timeline, further spreading the spam. SC Magazine

Spam 
 
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Kevin Durant has come second in the draft and MVP votings, but nobody in the NBA can touch him nowadays when it comes to pitching products - whether it's shoes, video games or soft drinks. He leads our Commercials Rankings and No. 2 (Kobe Bryant) is not even close.
 

» Update: 08:09 PM ET

According to league sources, the Celtics are refusing to move off their last request for two first round draft picks and DeAndre Jordan for Doc Rivers and Kevin Garnett. The moves are separate, with the Celts allowing Rivers out of the remaining three years of his contract and allowing him to sign with L.A. in exchange for the picks, and Garnett being sent west for Jordan. But they are intertwined, in that the C's would not deal Garnett for Jordan alone. Boston Herald

Boston Celtics, Trade, Doc Rivers, Coaching, Kevin Garnett, DeAndre Jordan 

So, on the night of the best NBA game in many years, Perk decided to sell a dog on Twitter. His first notice was short and to the point: This is an enticing prospect. Sure, the dog is apparently unsafe for very small children, but any other family, couple, or individual without that mitigating factor could be in line for a great dog with some fancy technology built in. Plus, who wouldn't want to do Perk a favor? The bulldog is cheap, right? We're just helping you out? That's a lot of money, Perk. Is there any way I can get a bargain? Yahoo! Sports

Oklahoma City Thunder, Kendrick Perkins 
 
 

» Update: 06:48 PM ET

With a full understanding that free agent Chris Paul wants this deal completed, the Los Angeles Clippers re-engaged the Boston Celtics on the Kevin Garnett-Doc Rivers negotiations on Wednesday afternoon, league sources told Yahoo! Sports. The Clippers walked away from the talks on Monday morning, insisting that Boston's asking price of DeAndre Jordan and two first-round picks was too steep of a price for Garnett. Yahoo! Sports

Boston Celtics, Los Angeles Clippers, Trade, Doc Rivers, Coaching, Kevin Garnett, DeAndre Jordan 

The Clippers have negotiated a five-year, $35 million deal with Rivers that could be worth as much as $8 million annually with incentives, sources said. Garnett will waive his no-trade clause to be a part of the deal. The Clippers would have to pay a $3.5 million trade kicker on Jordan's contract. Behind the scenes, there have been several factions trying to restart the talks, and everyone involved – the Clippers, Celtics and Rivers – have been waiting for someone to make the first move, sources said. "The money is not a hang-up in this right now," a league source told Yahoo! Sports. "It's about the draft pick." Yahoo! Sports

Boston Celtics, Los Angeles Clippers, Trade, Doc Rivers, Coaching, Kevin Garnett, DeAndre Jordan 

Boston Celtics coach Doc Rivers and president of basketball operations Danny Ainge met Wednesday evening with the hopes of settling the coach's future with the club, sources told ESPN. Ainge always has made it clear to Rivers that the team's preference is for him to remain as coach, even after negotiations to allow him to leave for the Los Angeles Clippers broke down on Tuesday morning. However, sources with knowledge of Rivers' thinking say the coach remains unsure about remaining in Boston if the team is headed for a rebuilding process. ESPN.com

Boston Celtics, Los Angeles Clippers, Doc Rivers, Danny Ainge, Coaching 

Hundreds of fans fled American Airlines Arena late in the fourth quarter of Game 6 Tuesday when the Spurs appeared to be closing in on the title. “You never give up, they can stay where they are and watch the game (seven) at home,” he continued. Toronto Sun

Miami Heat, Chris Bosh 
 
 

» Update: 06:26 PM ET

James is no stranger to the spotlight. He has been under the microscope and projected to be great since he was in high school, which helped prepare him for moments like this. Fair or not, he’s expected to hoist the Larry O’Brien trophy tomorrow night and this season will be considered a failure if he doesn’t get it done, no matter how close Miami comes in the end. “I already know that,” James said. “It is what it is. I understand the moment for me. I’ve been pretty relaxed, though. I’ve been pretty relaxed throughout the playoffs. I’m going to be antsy, I’m going to be excited. I’m going to have some butterflies. I’ll be nervous. Everything. That’s how I should be. The moment is going to be grand. Like I said, I’m happy to be a part of it.” HoopsWorld

Miami Heat, LeBron James 

Cleveland continues to aggressively shop this pick, according to sources, but one executive said the Cavs "have completely overvalued it." It's looking more and more like Cleveland will keep the pick and, despite speculation that it will take everyone from Ben McLemore to Victor Oladipo to Alex Len, league sources expect Noel to be the guy SI.com

Cleveland Cavaliers, Draft, Trade, Nerlens Noel, Alex Len, Ben McLemore, Victor Oladipo 

Everyone knows Adams is a project, one who will be best served spending all of next season in the D-League getting used to the speed of an NBA game. But Adams' workouts have general managers drooling. "If he were as good as the sum of his parts, he would be in the mix for No. 1," an Eastern Conference executive said. SI.com

Draft, Steven Adams 

The Toronto Raptors named Bobby Webster as vice president of basketball management and strategy, the team announced Wednesday. Webster worked for the NBA in New York for the past seven years. His most recent position was associate director of salary cap management. "I am delighted to have Bobby join our basketball operations team," Raptors president and general manager Masai Ujiri said. "His skill set will be valuable in a number of areas, and his experience and knowledge of the CBA and its complexities from a League level will be a great asset to the organization." Yahoo! Sports

Toronto Raptors, Bobby Webster 
 

» Update: 05:15 PM ET

"Well, LeBron took the shot, and I knew we had time, I had to go," Allen said. "I went into the paint to try to get the ball and make something happen. At that point there's no guarantee who is going to get the ball or what may happen. And when I seen CB get the ball, I just backpedaled right to the three point line, and I was hoping I was where I needed to be. But I wasn't quite sure. But just from years of shooting, I got to my spot." Boston Globe

Miami Heat, Ray Allen 

Allen freely admitted it was one of the biggest shots of his career, perhaps the biggest. "It's going to be a shot that I'm going to remember for a long time," he said. "There's a lot of shots that I've made in my career, but this will go high up in the ranks because of the situation. Just the way that whole last minute and a half unfolded, it wasn't looking good for us. But we've been resilient all year." Boston Globe

Miami Heat, Ray Allen 

The Celtics offered Allen more money but James admitted he served a big role in recruiting Allen to Miami. He said reaching this level has been rewarding. "Well, my focus has been here to help this team win," he said. "When I parted ways with Boston, it was they went in their direction and obviously I went in mine. The minute I got here, this team made me feel welcome, I didn't win last year with this team, but they made me feel a part of it." Boston Globe

Boston Celtics, Miami Heat, Ray Allen, LeBron James 

A rather large group of Miami Heat fans embarrassed themselves Tuesday night, leaving the American Airlines Arena before Ray Allen’s clutch three pointer sent the game to overtime. When asked about fans leaving early, Chris Bosh had a stern response for reporters. “For all those guys who left, don’t come back for Game 7.” For The Win

Miami Heat, Chris Bosh 

Marcus Thompson: "We'd love to have a pick," GM Bob Myers said in pre-draft talk with media (going on right now) Twitter @gswscribe

Golden State Warriors, Draft, Bob Myers 

The Tuesday night interview between Los Angeles Clippers owner Donald Sterling and Byron Scott went very well, according to sources with knowledge of the meeting. Sterling will meet with Brian Shaw on Wednesday. He met with the Clippers' other coaching candidate, Lionel Hollins, last week. ESPN.com

Los Angeles Clippers, Byron Scott, Coaching, Brian Shaw, Donald Sterling, Lionel Hollins, Owners 

Marc J. Spears: Don't be surprised if Sixers don't hire a coach until after summer league, a source told Y! Collins' assistant's still got year left on deal Twitter @SpearsNBAYahoo

Philadelphia 76ers, Coaching 

Liz Mullen: Jay-Z has been certified to represent NBA players in contract talks with clubs, Robert Gadson, NBPA Dir of Agent Administration confirmed. Twitter @SBJLizMullen

Jay-Z, Agents 

Hoping in part to push along sales of NBA jerseys, more teams will wear uniforms with sleeves next season. An NBA source told ESPN.com that as many as five teams will wear the short-sleeve jerseys as an alternate jersey for as much as 12 games during the season. "We are interested in doing more short-sleeve jerseys when it makes sense," said Patrik Nilsson, president of adidas North America. ESPN.com

Uniforms, adidas 

Dirk Nowitzki celebrated his 35th birthday in Berlin by dining with President Barack Obama, First Lady Michelle Obama and German Chancellor Angela Merkel. Obama was in Berlin to make a speech at Brandenberg Gate. Afterward, he sat down to dinner with Nowitzki and several German dignitaries. ESPN.com

Dallas Mavericks, Dirk Nowitzki, Barack Obama, Michelle Obama 
 
TWITTER MEDIA:
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If the Rumors page is not enough to get your NBA fix, check the Twitter Media page for constant updates on the latest going ons in the league.

 

» Update: 03:51 PM ET

Toronto Raptors President and General Manager, Basketball Operations Masai Ujiri announced Wednesday that Head Coach Dwane Casey will return for the 2013-14 season. “I’m excited about moving forward and growing this team with Coach Casey,” said Ujiri. Raptors.com

Toronto Raptors, Coaching, Dwane Casey, Masai Ujiri 

Although names of up-and-coming assistants, like Miami’s David Fizdale and Denver's Melvin Hunt are continuously popping up as top targets, the casual demeanor with which the Sixers have approached the search leads me to believe that they may already have their man, and he may already be in the organization. Several of the organization's key players, including their lone all-star Jrue Holiday, have already voiced their support for current assistant coach Michael Curry. As qualified coaching candidates continue to be snatched up by other teams, it is becoming increasingly clear that Curry may be the man. Philadelphia Inquirer

Denver Nuggets, Miami Heat, Philadelphia 76ers, Coaching, Melvin Hunt, Michael Curry, Jrue Holiday, David Fizdale 

Do you have a timeline for the possibility of Larry Bird returning as president and when that situation might be handled? Herb Simon: “I think it’ll be resolved shortly. I’m sure he’s thinking about it. We’ll see what happens. I’ll be in next week and we’ll try to get things resolved. I’ll be coming in for the draft and we’ll be spending some time and we’ll talk about a lot of things.” NBA.com

Indiana Pacers, Larry Bird, Owners, Herb Simon 
 
 

» Update: 02:25 PM ET

Popovich, on Spurs guard Manu Ginobili using the term "devastating" to describe Tuesday's loss, "That's how a competitor feels. A competitor feels it deeply and really, really tough loss in that regard. And I expect Manu to feel like that after the game. South Florida Sun-Sentinel

San Antonio Spurs, Manu Ginobili, Gregg Popovich 

The Clippers will conduct their second pre-Draft workout of the week on Wednesday when they bring in a group of guards and athletic wing players. Lorenzo Brown, a junior guard from North Carolina State, is the highest rated prospect among the group. Brandon Triche (Syracuse), James Ennis (Long Beach State) and Kwame Alexander (Cal State San Bernardino) will also attend the morning workout. NBA.com

Los Angeles Clippers, Draft, Lorenzo Brown, James Ennis, Brandon Triche, Kwame Alexander 
 

» Update: 01:10 PM ET

According to people with knowledge of the situation, Beal remains sidelined but is expected to cleared by July 1, nearly three months after doctors diagnosed a stress injury in his right fibula. The delayed recovery puts in doubt Beal’s availability for NBA summer league in Las Vegas, which begins on July 12, sources said. Washington Post

Washington Wizards, Summer League, Injuries, Bradley Beal 

The Toronto Raptors announced Wednesday they have named Bobby Webster as the club’s Vice President, Basketball Management & Strategy. Webster joins the Raptors after working for the NBA league office in New York for the past seven seasons, most recently in the role of Associate Director, Salary Cap Management. Raptors.com

Toronto Raptors, Bobby Webster 

Miami’s overtime comeback against the Spurs in Tuesday’s Game 6 of the NBA Finals earned the fourth-highest overnight rating in ABC history. The only games with better ratings than last night’s 14.7 were: Boston/L.A. Lakers, 2012 Game 7, 18.2; L.A. Lakers/Detroit, 2004 Game 5, 15.5; Miami/Dallas, 2011 Game 6 in 2011, 15.0 San Antonio Express-News

Miami Heat, San Antonio Spurs 
 
 

» Update: 11:00 AM ET

The drama between the Clippers and Boston Celtics is over — at least for now. Both teams declared Tuesday that they had called off talks for a potential blockbuster deal that could have brought Boston Coach Doc Rivers and power forward Kevin Garnett to Los Angeles. Los Angeles Times

Boston Celtics, Los Angeles Clippers, Trade, Doc Rivers, Kevin Garnett 

If the Clippers don't hire a coach before the June 27 NBA draft, it probably will spark more speculation that Gary Sacks, the Clippers' vice president of basketball operations, and Danny Ainge, Boston's president of basketball operations, will renew negotiations, the executives said. Los Angeles Times

Boston Celtics, Los Angeles Clippers, Draft, Trade, Doc Rivers, Danny Ainge, Kevin Garnett, Gary Sacks 

After living with uncertainty about their coach since the night the team was eliminated from the playoffs, the Celtics will hope to gain a better understanding today when Doc Rivers meets with Danny Ainge. According to a league source, Rivers hopes after that discussion to make his first public comments regarding his future since saying on May 3 that he was uncertain if he would be on the Celtics bench for the 2013-14 season. Boston Herald

Boston Celtics, Los Angeles Clippers, Trade, Doc Rivers, Danny Ainge, Kevin Garnett 

“I don’t know if anything will be decided (today) or if anything will be resolved,” said Ainge, the Celtics president of basketball operations. “I just know that I’m meeting with him.” Ainge did speak with Rivers by phone yesterday after the Clippers pulled away from the trade talks and both sides proclaimed the negotiations done. “It went good,” Ainge said of that conversation. Boston Herald

Boston Celtics, Los Angeles Clippers, Trade, Doc Rivers, Kevin Garnett 

Ferry spoke with the Atlanta Journal-Constitution Monday for a series of draft preview articles that begin Sunday. Here is what he had to say about some of the other issues facing the team. On whether the team has, or plans, to make offers to restricted free agents Jeff Teague and Ivan Johnson: “Nothing to really say about it,” Ferry said. “We are focused on the draft right now obviously. Our roster and our team decisions will unfold after that but certainly we value the guys we had on our roster last year. We’ll look at all the opportunities that are out there for us going forward as well.” Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Atlanta Hawks, Free Agency, Draft, Jeff Teague, Ivan Johnson 

Last night Ray Allen was asked about leaving the #Celtics and going to the #Heat. His response ... "My focus has been here to help this team win. When I parted ways with Boston, it was, they went in their direction and obviously I went in mine. The minute I got here, this team made me feel welcome. I didn't win last year with this team, but they made me feel a part of it. So the redemption has been winning 66 games this year and having the best record in the NBA, making it to the playoffs and getting to this point, and being with a great group of guys. I have had a great year off the floor with them. As a team, we've all bonded. Camaraderie is awesome. We put ourselves in the situation we're in, and good or bad, we're all going to fight to try to make it to the top." Sulia

Boston Celtics, Miami Heat, Ray Allen 

"It was by far the best game I've ever been a part of," James said of Game 6. "The ups and downs, the roller coaster, the emotions, good and bad throughout the whole game. To be a part of something like this is something you would never be able to recreate once you're done playing the game. And I'm blessed to be a part of something like this. USA Today Sports

Miami Heat, LeBron James 

James' 7-foot floater in the lane with 1:43 left in overtime proved to be the winning shot. "Everything we do starts with him," Allen said. "If he has great energy, if he has bad energy, we feel it, the rest of the team. So one thing I always try to make sure I do with him is to make sure he understands how his aura, his energy has an effect on the rest of the team. And we always need it to be great energy. "He has a great motor out on the floor, the way he starts games, the way he closes out quarters, defensively the way he plays. With that we follow suit. So it's a terrible burden, but for one guy, he has to make sure that he always keeps the energy and that positivity flowing in the right direction, because we do all follow suit." USA Today Sports

Miami Heat, LeBron James 

“Manu will be good,” Tim Duncan said of his dejected teammate afterward. “He’ll be fine. He made some turnovers and some unfortunate plays, but honestly, the last play down the stretch there, it can go either way. We obviously believe it was a foul going down the middle. We get two free throws, and we’re talking about something different here, if that happens. So he’ll be just fine. He’ll blame himself and put it on himself; that just makes him more aggressive and more ready to play the next one.” NBCSports.com

San Antonio Spurs, Tim Duncan 

“We were a few seconds away from winning the championship,” said Manu Ginobili, “and we let it go. It hurts because it’s one of those moments where you’re going to be thinking about what we could have done better in the last few possession so many times all night long, all tomorrow until the next game. I have no clue how we’re going to be re-energized. I’m devastated. But we have to. There’s no Game 8.” San Antonio Express-News

San Antonio Spurs, Manu Ginobili 

Seconds later, a LeBron James shot bounced off the rim and high in the air. There were gasps from the crowd. Everything was floating in the balance when Chris Bosh, who Duncan had owned all night, leaped, grabbed the ball and kicked it to Ray Allen. San Antonio could've tried to foul in an instant, giving Allen two free throws rather than the 3-pointer that forced overtime and will go down in Finals lore. But Popovich has an answer to that foul rather than defend strategy. "We don't," the coach said. Yahoo! Sports

Miami Heat, San Antonio Spurs, Ray Allen, LeBron James, Chris Bosh 

The Spurs don't foul, they defend. The Spurs switch on final possessions. The Spurs believe in playing on in transition. "Believe me," Ginobili said, "he had many more reasons to make [these decisions] than for [anyone] to question him." Yahoo! Sports

San Antonio Spurs, Manu Ginobili 

His players remain believers, and for that the Spurs still have a chance. A lesser coach, a younger coach, and this series might be done. Only Popovich can sit Duncan, sit Parker, and have a chance to not lose the room. "There's no questions there," Duncan assured. "Me, personally, I trust Pop," Parker said. "I'll go with whatever Pop decides." Yahoo! Sports

San Antonio Spurs, Tim Duncan 

Wade needed extended treatment during halftime and didn't enter the game in the third quarter until 2:22 had expired with the Heat down five points. He finished with a pedestrian 14 points on 6-of-15 from the field with four rebounds, four assists and three turnovers. "Yes," Wade responded to a reporter asking if he hurt his knee. "Nothing, that we're going to talk about." South Florida Sun-Sentinel

Miami Heat, Dwyane Wade 

Jackson was scheduled to work out for the Portland Trail Blazers, owners of picks No. 10, 39, 40, 45, yesterday. Due to his situation, he flew into town and met with Trail Blazers' brass on Tuesday and is expected to meet with a few more teams before the NBA Draft on June 27. CSNNW.com

Portland Trail Blazers, Draft, Workouts, Pierre Jackson 

Former Detroit forward and NBA hopeful Doug Anderson has spent hours playing the NBA 2K video game. When NBA 2K14 is released in October, Anderson will be able watch images of himself. Anderson, a 6-5 forward who turned heads when he won the NCAA dunk contest during Final Four weekend, said the opportunity to be a part of NBA 2K was too good to pass up. Some of his moves and dunks were used in creating the game. Detroit News

Draft, Videogames, Doug Anderson 

David Purves is eyeing a stint with the Memphis Grizzlies in the NBA. The American mentor has a standing offer to join the Grizzlies’ summer league team coaching staff in Las Vegas next month. “I look forward to be part of the Memphis Grizzlies coaching staff during the NBA summer league. That would help me from the experience perspective and I look forward to contribute to their organization in the best capacity possible.” philstar.com

Memphis Grizzlies, David Purves 

On Tuesday, Petrie ended his silence. In an interview with The Bee, the longtime executive wanted to make one thing clear - he's happy for Sacramento and the efforts made by those to keep the team in town. "That's where my heart was in the whole thing," Petrie said. "In spite of being grateful to the Maloofs and working for them all those years, I had really strong feelings that the team needed to stay here. My hat's off to those people." Sacramento Bee

Sacramento Kings, Geoff Petrie 

Signs of the transition were evident at Tuesday's predraft workouts. Petrie wasn't watching during the portion open to the media. Of Petrie's executives, only Shareef Abdur-Rahim is a candidate to survive the front-office purge. Longtime executives Wayne Cooper and Mike Petrie, Geoff's son, are among those who won't return as D'Alessandro implements his plan for the Kings with changes to basketball and support staff. Sacramento Bee

Sacramento Kings, Geoff Petrie, Shareef Abdur-Rahim 

And yet, a number of members of the AmericanAirlines Arena faithful on hand to cheer for the Miami Heat in Game 6 of the 2013 NBA Finals against the San Antonio Spurs did choose to exit with the game still in the balance in the final minute. And based on the escalator shot above shared by ESPN's Bomani Jones late in the fourth quarter — and the commentary of several others on the scene — it was a fairly large number: Yahoo! Sports

Miami Heat, San Antonio Spurs 

The real fun, though, came after the Heat came back from a five-point deficit in the final 30 seconds of the fourth quarter thanks to some critical Spurs miscues and a massive 3-pointer by Ray Allen to tie the game and send it into overtime. Suddenly, some of those early-exiting fans started to suspect that they'd left something at their seats that they needed to retrieve post-haste. Except, y'know, you're not allowed to do that ... which made some AAA- abandoners unhappy. Nothing captures the scene quite like the tweets of Victor Oquendo, a reporter with Miami ABC affiliate WLPG-TV, who saw the whole thing unfold while preparing for his evening broadcast. Yahoo! Sports

Miami Heat, San Antonio Spurs, Ray Allen 

One worker expressed actual worry and there was a little bit of fear because of the aggressiveness some were showing. "They were saying, 'I just left! I just left! Please!'" an arena worker said. "They'd run up there, then they'd run back here trying different doors to see if they could get in." Asked if there was any consideration to open the door, an arena official said that was firmly against policy — the doors are marked in big red letters "NO RE-ENTRY ALLOWED" — and said if the doors were opened, that could only make things worse. [...] "I was kind of devastated to see so many people leaving," one Heat fan said. "I said, 'they will feel really, really bad when the Heat get back in this game and win.' And they did." CBSSports.com

Miami Heat 

So to every Charlotte Bobcats fan who has said, “Hey, I could run that front office as well as those guys…’’ Here’s your start, so long as you have a computer-science degree, are willing to work long hours and can respond to obscure requests on the quick. The Bobcats are searching for a “Basketball Operations System Developer,’’ which sounds a lot like how general manager Rich Cho got his start in the NBA. Charlotte Observer

Charlotte Bobcats, Rich Cho 

A player recognized for raising his play in the big moments, Dandridge was a four-time All-Star and two-time champion, with two other trips to the NBA Finals. With the Bullets in 1979, he finished fifth in the voting for league MVP. Though nearing the end of his career, that same year he was named to the All-Defensive first team. "Every now and then," he said, "I look through my scrapbook, and I think, 'Damn, you were a hell of a player.' " He was, but the Basketball Hall of Fame has yet to call. "I think I'm deserving to be in the Hall of Fame," he said. "Probably the people voting now are too young to recognize my name. So many things are out of our control. If it's meant to be, it will be, but if not, I'm not going to leave this Earth bitter." Virginian-Pilot

Hall of Fame, Bob Dandridge 
 
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ALL DURANT, ALL THE TIME		 USA TODAY Sports Images

Kevin Durant has come second in the draft and MVP votings, but nobody in the NBA can touch him nowadays when it comes to pitching products - whether it's shoes, video games or soft drinks. He leads our Commercials Rankings and No. 2 (Kobe Bryant) is not even close.
 

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