HoopsHype.com Rumors

Considering his numbers, versatility and a changing league bent on 3-pointers, Copeland may seek Steve Novak money, according to a person familiar with the situation. Novak landed a four-year, $16 million package last summer. Copeland has become a more versatile scorer — a 3-point specialist who can put the ball on the floor and score in the post. Novak got the big number from the Knicks because, through an appeal with the Player’s Association, they were awarded Novak’s early Bird rights. New York Post

New York Knicks, Steve Novak, Chris Copeland 

The Knicks won’t have any such rights in retaining the obscure Belgian Leaguer. The only other team that sent a scout last season to the Belgian League to watch Copeland was Miami, according to a source. It was quite a find by European scout Kevin Wilson, who is regarded highly in the organization. The Knicks will extend Copeland his $900,000 qualifying offer to keep him restricted so they can match an offer. But they may be prohibited from matching any offer more than $3 million. They would have to use one of their precious exceptions — the $1.9 million biannual exception or the $3 million mini mid-level exception given to luxury taxpayers. The Knicks don’t have the full $5 million mid-level because of their lousy cap situation. Copeland makes the league minimum, $473,000, this season. New York Post

New York Knicks, Steve Novak, Chris Copeland 

Nate Taylor: Steve Novak said his back still feels stiff. Mike Woodson called him a game-time decision for tonight. Twitter @ByNateTaylor

New York Knicks, Injuries, Steve Novak 

Steve Popper: Steve Novak shot in morning shoot - said he'll dress and be available. Twitter @StevePopper

New York Knicks, Injuries, Steve Novak 

Al Iannazzone: Steve Novak (back spasms) won't rule out returning in Game 2, but Game 3 sounds more likely. Twitter @Al_Iannazzone

New York Knicks, Injuries, Steve Novak 

As the Knicks move on to the second round tomorrow, it will be without Steve Novak and Amar’e Stoudemire. Novak is out indefinitely with back spasms as he missed last night’s series clincher after sitting out the second half of Game 5. Mike Woodson wasn’t even sure Novak will be back by Tuesday’s Game 2. The Stoudemire issue is in flux. Woodson had said Stoudemire would be back for the second round but because the Celtics series was extended to six games, Stoudemire was unable to start scrimmaging. When asked if Stoudemire would suit up tomorrow, Woodson said no. “He’s not at that stage yet,’’ the coach said. New York Post

New York Knicks, Amare Stoudemire, Injuries, Steve Novak 

Gary Dzen: Steve Novak is out tonight. Mike Woodson on Amar'e Stoudemire possibly playing: "I don't think he's at that stage yet." Twitter @GlobeGaryDzen

New York Knicks, Amare Stoudemire, Mike Woodson, Injuries, Steve Novak 

Jonah Ballow: Also -- @Steve Novak out tonight for GM 6 #Knicks Twitter @jonahballow

New York Knicks, Injuries, Steve Novak 

Marc Berman: Steve Novak's back spasms has not subsided and is doubtful tomorrow. However, #Knicks didn't scrimmage so nothing new on Stoudemire. Twitter @NYPost_Berman

New York Knicks, Amare Stoudemire, Injuries, Steve Novak 

Like the rest of the world, the Knicks were sickened and horrified by the news of the deadly bombings in Boston yesterday. “It’s sickening. I have a son, a lot of people have sons,” said Steve Novak, specifically addressing the tragedy of the 8-year-old boy who was killed. “It’s just sick sometimes what goes on. That’s the world we live in and those kind of things happen. You can’t live in fear. You’ve got to live your life, it doesn’t change. “The fact it was a marathon, a sporting event, it hits close to home for all of us. You just hope it stops. You just can’t know what goes on in somebody’s head.” New York Post

Steve Novak, Boston 

Bulls guard Nate Robinson vigorously applied the “Discount Double Check” championship belt after hitting a three- pointer during a 118-111 overtime win over the Knicks at the United Center on Thursday night, apparently mocking Steve Novak in their ongoing dispute over the celebration. After hitting his fifth long ball of the game to give Chicago a 97-90 lead with a little more than six minutes remaining in the fourth quarter, Robinson applied the belt roughly seven times as he walked toward the Bulls bench after the Knicks called timeout. His teammates, as you might expect, couldn’t contain their laughter. SI.com

Chicago Bulls, New York Knicks, Nate Robinson, Steve Novak 

Wilson Chandler: Nate Rob is a fool lol. Instant O Twitter @wilsonchandler

Chicago Bulls, Denver Nuggets, New York Knicks, Nate Robinson, Wilson Chandler, Steve Novak 

Steve Novak, the Knicks' alternate player representative, said the purpose of Saturday's meeting is to "make sure everybody has the same information and decide what that information means." But Novak said Hunter should be given the opportunity to present his side to the players who will decide his future. "I don't think any decision should be made without both sides, on any issue," Novak said. "Obviously, the reports have come out and guys have all seen that and that's from one side. I think as a union and him being our representative for so many years, it wouldn't be right not to hear from both sides." CBSSports.com

New York Knicks, Billy Hunter, NBPA, Steve Novak 

Darnell Mayberry: East 3-point participants: Paul George, Kyrie Irving and Steve Novak. West participants: Ryan Anderson, Matt Bonner and Stephen Curry. Twitter @DarnellMayberry

Paul George, Matt Bonner, Stephen Curry, Ryan Anderson, Steve Novak, Kyrie Irving, All Star Game 

There were several moments, though, that were definitely cringe-worthy, such as Kurt Thomas’ 3-point attempt with a 110-60 lead. Smith performed a windmill dance after one of his successful threes. Anthony and Steve Novak mimed pseudo-gun gestures, right in front of several Newtown families sitting in the front row. Keith Smart insisted the Kings did not mind the rejoicing. “I don’t feel that way,” the Sacramento coach said. “We’re all big boys. Guys don’t get a chance to play much, they want to shoot and keep playing. You can’t tell them not to shoot. Take your lumps and move on.” New York Daily News

New York Knicks, Sacramento Kings, Kurt Thomas, Keith Smart, Steve Novak 

Tommy Beer: Asked whether or not he had been invited to the 3-point Shootout as Wade said, Novak smiled and told me: "You gotta ask D Wade about that." Twitter @TommyBeer

Miami Heat, New York Knicks, Dwyane Wade, Steve Novak 

Nate Robinson obviously doesn’t care what the Knicks’ Steve Novak was saying, as the Bulls guard is still doing the “belt celebration’’ after hitting a three-pointer. Then again, Novak stole it from Green Bay’s Aaron Rodgers. Chicago Sun-Times

Chicago Bulls, New York Knicks, Nate Robinson, Steve Novak 

The verbal war between Knicks forward Steve Novak and Bulls guard Nate Robinson continued yesterday on Twitter. Robinson fired back at Novak’s Friday postgame dig, a return salvo for Robinson for imitating the “discount double-check” move Novak uses for a 3-point basket. So after Novak referred to “little Nathan” Friday, Robinson posted on @nate_robinson: “@stevenovak20 lol at ur comment ... I forgot u invented that move u must play for the packers and ur name is Aaron Rodgers.” Robinson added a hashtag with a vulgarity and “clown.” New York Post

Chicago Bulls, New York Knicks, Nate Robinson, Steve Novak 

Steve Novak didn’t appreciate Nate Robinson mocking him and the Knicks by copying Novak’s signature “discount double check” sign after making two shots in the first half. New York Daily News

Chicago Bulls, New York Knicks, Nate Robinson, Steve Novak 

Frank Isola: Steve Novak says "it warms his heart" and that "one day Lil Nate will grow up and be just like me." Twitter @FisolaNYDN

Chicago Bulls, New York Knicks, Nate Robinson, Steve Novak