HoopsHype.com Rumors

Jamal Crawford's crossover dribble is a straight-up pain to those who try to stop it. He can fake to his left and go to his right. Dribble behind his back or between his legs. Or hesitate before accelerating toward the basket. Often, the veteran Clippers guard will combine multiple moves in a blur of activity that resembles something out of a Harlem Globetrotters routine. Don't bother guessing which move he will go to next. Not even Crawford has any idea. "When I have the ball," he said, "I don't know exactly what I'm going to do, so there's no way the guy on me knows what I'm going to do." Los Angeles Times

Los Angeles Clippers, Jamal Crawford, Harlem Globetrotters 

The National Basketball Retired Players Association, which is comprised of over 600 NBA, ABA and Harlem Globetrotters alumni, announced a four- year extension to its 20-year partnership with the NBA. The NBRPA’s goal is to help players transition into life after basketball. The NBRPA and NBA enhanced their partnership and the league will now provide direct financial support for the NBRPA’s projects. “On behalf of the NBRPA’s Board of Directors and membership, I would like to thank Commissioner David Stern and the NBA for their support – a philanthropic organization like ours would not exist without their two decades of support,” said former NBA All-Star and current NBRPA Vice Chairman Otis Birdsong. “The financial support of the NBA helps fund programs that assist in our members’ transition into life after the game. This enhanced partnership with the NBA will allow us to educate and assist more former players than ever before while creating direct revenue opportunities for NBRPA members.” HoopsWorld

David Stern, Harlem Globetrotters 

White said he knows the Harlem Globetrotters announced that what they have to offer might be an alternate way for him to earn a living by playing basketball. While he is honored by their gesture, White said it is not something he will pursue. "For the Globetrotters to be paying attention, in one sense it's an honor," White said. "In another sense for them to extend a hand and saying they understand and they want to support is a great honor. "It's just not being discussed amongst us. It's not something that I'm interested in seeking at this point. I'm really interested in resolving things with the Houston Rockets and getting back on the court and getting a plan in place that not only serves me, but hopefully blazes a trail for other people, not only to get the things they deserve mental-health wise in this work environment, but to prevent the things happening later that always you see happen. FOX 26 Sports

Houston Rockets, Harlem Globetrotters, Royce White 

After Tuesday night's win, Howard joked about what he views as saturation coverage of his future plans. He quipped: "Sources say Dwight Howard is signing with the Harlem Globetrotters." Orlando Sentinel

Orlando Magic, Trade, Dwight Howard, Harlem Globetrotters 

But Sam Worthen, a guard who reached All-American status while playing at Marquette University from 1978-80 and is entering his fourth season as the Generals head coach, says his team has no intention of rolling over and playing dead as the Globies get a bunch of laughs from the crowd at the expense of their hapless opponents. "We have fun, but we're out there to compete," Worthen said in a telephone interview last week from his home in New York City. "We try to win. We have to give the fans the best opportunity to see quality basketball every time we go out there." foxsportswisconsin.com

Coaching, Harlem Globetrotters, Sam Worthen 

Continuing their trend of seeking to acquire the world’s most superb athletes, the Globetrotters drafted Lionel Messi, the greatest ball handler in the soccer world, and star for FC Barcelona and Argentina’s national team. Hailing from Rosario, Argentina, Messi was the FIFA World Player of the Year in 2009 and 2010, and he has won three Champions League titles and an Olympic gold medal in Beijing in 2008. Capturing the Globetrotters’ ambassadorial spirit, Messi has also established his own foundation that supports access to education and health care for at risk children, and in 2010, he was named a goodwill ambassador for UNICEF. Harlem Globetrotters Basketball

FC Barcelona, Lionel Messi, Harlem Globetrotters