HoopsHype.com Rumors

Kings owner Joe Maloof denied a report by CBSSports.com Friday that the team was considering firing GM Geoff Petrie and coach Paul Westphal after 21 losses in 23 games. “There’s nothing going on,” Maloof told CBSSports.com by phone. “Paul Westphal is the coach and Geoff is our general manager. That’s the way it is and that’s the way it’s going to stay.” CBSSports.com

Sacramento Kings, Coaching, Joe Maloof, Bill Walton, Paul Westphal, Mario Elie 

When pressed, Maloof said definitively that Petrie and Westphal will be in their positions for the remainder of the 2010-11 season regardless of how many games the team loses. “Yes,” Maloof said. “We’re not making any moves. The answer is yes.” CBSSports.com

Sacramento Kings, Coaching, Bill Walton, Paul Westphal, Mario Elie 

A person with direct knowledge of recent statements by a high-ranking member of the organization painted a different picture, telling CBSSports.com that frustration with the Kings’ 5-22 record had reached a breaking point. At one point after the Kings’ 84-79 home loss to the Bucks Thursday night, owner Gavin Maloof was overheard in the tunnel saying that the culture of the organization had to change. “It’s time to hit the reset button,” Gavin Maloof said, according to the source. CBSSports.com

Sacramento Kings, Coaching, Bill Walton, Paul Westphal, Mario Elie 

As reported by CBSSports.com, the Maloof family that owns the Kings has been strongly considering firing basketball president Geoff Petrie and coach Paul Westphal. But sources close to the team told FanHouse that the Maloofs have been exploring options for weeks, among them the idea of hiring former Sacramento Monarchs general manager/coach and Maloof family friend John Whisenant to either coach the team or have a front office role. FanHouse.com

Sacramento Kings, Coaching, Bill Walton, Paul Westphal, Mario Elie 

Walton was on ESPN 1050 in New York and was asked about pairing Anthony and Stoudemire, He’s not a fan, as you can hear in this podcast clip. Carmelo, to me, does not have what it takes to be the great player. He puts up nice numbers, he makes a great salary, the media, publicity all likes him, but does he win the games? Does he make the squad better? Does he pull guys together? It hasn’t happened in Denver at all. I’m a big Amare Stoudemire fan, I will hold my tongue on Carmelo. NBCSports.com

Denver Nuggets, Carmelo Anthony, Bill Walton 

MT: What’s the latest with your father? How’s he feeling these days? Luke Walton: My dad is feeling great. He’s working a few different jobs in San Diego, and having a blast doing that. He also signed on to do 10-15 (Sacramento) Kings games just for fun because he’s friends with the (team owners) Maloof’s, but I don’t think he’s going to get back to the every day grind of broadcasting. Lakers.com

Luke Walton, Bill Walton 

Roy Hibbert has developed into a good center. Decent shooter with enough of a midrange game to make you respect it. Nice rebounder. Solid enough on defense. Bill Walton expects more of him. One of the legendary centers of the game before he became an over-the-top broadcaster, the Pacers have brought in Walton to work with Hibbert, to give him some tips and some inspiration. To push him. Of course, with Walton comes the hyperbole, as recorded at the Pacers official site. "He has to control the paint. It's not his choice, it's his responsibility, it's his duty, it's his obligation. He has to learn how to do that on an individual basis. He has to learn how to do that on a team basis. It's a matter of how hard he's willing to work not just physically but mentally, as well, and to train his mind so that in the heat of battle he can make the correct decisions that are going to allow him to become a great champion and return the Pacers to their rightful place among the hierarchy of the NBA." NBCSports.com

Indiana Pacers, Roy Hibbert, Bill Walton 

Brian T. Smith: #Blazers' Walton said his health is holding up, and he was in good spirits. Twitter

Bill Walton