Post by FLCeltsFan on Nov 23, 2009 10:50:33 GMT -5
Dunleavy almost ready?
10:25AM ET
Mike Dunleavy | Pacers
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Mike Dunleavy has been cleared to play, but he probably won't see any action against the Los Angeles Clippers at Conseco Fieldhouse on Wednesday. Dunleavy wants to get in better shape before he plays in a game.
"He has not practiced enough full court that we're comfortable just throwing him out there," coach Jim O'Brien told The Indianapolis Star. "When he feels like he's in NBA shape, then he'll be back."
Wallace almost retired?
10:15AM ET
Ben Wallace | Pistons
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Ben Wallace says he was going to retire after he agreed to a buyout with the Phoenix Suns, but an offer by the Pistons and his family made him change his mind.
"I wasn't going to play," Wallace told The Arizona Republic. "I was retired. I was about to sign the papers. ... I rededicated myself to getting stronger and healthier to see if I could rekindle my love for the game."
Can Pau play for Spain?
10:14AM ET
Pau Gasol | Lakers
Top Email
Even though Pau Gasol suffered a broken finger on his left hand while practicing with the Spanish national team, Lakers owner Jerry Buss says NBA players should be allowed to play during international competitions in the summer.
"If he wants to represent Spain, I think he's entitled to that," Buss told the Los Angeles Times. "It would be nice if there was more time in between the European championships and the start of NBA camps so that he wasn't overworked. ... But I think there's room for all kinds of basketball internationally."
Could CP3 reunite with Scott in L.A.?
9:55AM ET
Chris Paul | Hornets
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Chris Paul let it be known he wasn't happy that Byron Scott was fired as the head coach of the New Orleans Hornets. Is it possible they both could end up with the Lakers in the future? Columnist Randy Youngman opines in today's edition of The Orange County Register:
"How would Hornets point guard Chris Paul look in a Lakers uniform in a couple of years? ... The Hornets made the mistake of axing Scott without consulting Paul, who was very upset by the move -- so upset that he has told friends he'll leave when his contract runs out after two more years, after the 2011-12 season. And if Paul wants out, the Hornets will be forced to trade him before the contract runs out, to receive maximum value in return. He'll have no control over where he goes -- Dallas reportedly is already drooling over the possibility -- but he will in 2012. And where do you think Paul would like to play if Scott is coaching the Lakers then, assuming Phil Jackson has called it a career by that time. Far-fetched? You never know."
Pendergraph to return in a month?
9:31AM ET
Jeff Pendergraph | Trail Blazers
Top Email
Blazers rookie forward Jeff Pendergraph told The Columbian Saturday that he could be cleared to play by Christmas. Pendergraph had surgery September 9 to repair a left hip impingement.
"It's nice, man," Pendergraph said. "I miss it. I miss it a lot. It feels good to actually finally be on the court and not be a spectator."
New plan for Oden?
9:20AM ET
Greg Oden | Trail Blazers
Top Email
Blazers coach Nate McMillan has a rule that Greg Oden will sit once he has collected his second foul in the first half. That rule may be changing as a way for Oden to learn how to play with foul trouble.
"He's going to have to figure it out," McMillan told The Oregonian. "Both he and LaMarcus Aldridge have been in foul trouble. I've been thinking about it, (and) they have to learn to play with two fouls and stay out of foul trouble. We need them on the floor."
Why are the Wizards 3-9?
9:08AM ET
Washington Wizards
Top Email
The Washington Wizards are off to a 3-9 start and Gilbert Arenas blames it on hidden agendas.
"Hidden agendas. You can't win like that," Arenas told The Washington Times. "I've never been on a team where you have eight free agents next year. ... I've never seen it turn out well. Sometimes it works out for the best because everybody's hungry and everybody's fighting. Sometimes it works out for the worst when everybody's out for their own. I guess when you start losing, everyone wants to start pointing fingers everywhere else. I converted my game to try to get people involved. ... I think the only person who actually had to sacrifice was me. Everybody else can just play their game."
Brendan Haywood says egos are to blame for their record.
"It's very frustrating because our talent is not winning out over our egos," Haywood said. "If you want to win, you have to check your ego at the door. Bottom line. If you normally score 20 and you don't get your 20 but the team is winning, who cares? ... We're 3-9, and we're still doing the same things we did the first couple games of the season -- that's ego! ... And it's not just one person; it's everybody."
C's motivate Buss to spend money
8:58AM ET
Los Angeles Lakers
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Lakers owner Jerry Buss tells the Los Angeles Times that he's willing to spend $91.3 million in player salaries this season and an additional $21.4 million in luxury tax because he wants the team to win another championship. The Lakers have 15 championships and the Boston Celtics have 17.
"We want to win as many championships as we possibly can," Buss said. "We're still a few shy of our rival and our intention is to catch them. ... My son Joey, when he picked up the trophy, he announced our clear-cut rival, and it's kind of obvious our whole family feels that way."
When asked whether Kobe Bryant was an important part of the Lakers' future, Buss answered definitively.
"We certainly hope so," he said. "We don't want to comment on specific negotiations. He's made it pretty clear he doesn't want that discussed. We'll respect that."
Curry more agressive after trade?
8:23AM ET
Stephen Curry | Warriors
Top Email
Since Stephen Jackson was traded to Charlotte, rookie Stephen Curry's production has gone up. Over the past three games, he's averaging 13 points, 3.7 rebounds and 7.3 assists.
"Early on, I was out there being kind of tentative, picking and choosing my spots to attack," Curry told the San Francisco Chronicle Sunday. "We had Jack and Monta Ellis and sometimes Corey Maggette out there, and those guys need the ball a lot to be efficient offensively. It was a tough line to walk. But it's a beneficial thing for me to put up shots and keep attacking, and I've got to be willing to do that."
David Spade helping Amare?
8:13AM ET
Amare Stoudemire | Suns
Top Email
Amare Stoudemire made his first All-Star game last season and he is appealing to All-Star voters again. According to The Arizona Republic, Stoudemire spent four hours Saturday shooting an online commercial that will feature comedic actor David Spade.
"I'm really focusing on improving my game, and I go out and get the best teacher," Stoudemire said. "It's going to be hilarious."
Bass odd man out?
7:59AM ET
Brandon Bass | Magic
Top Email
Now that Rashard Lewis has returned from his 10 game suspension, Brandon Bass has seen his minutes disappear. He played six minutes against Oklahoma City last Wednesday and has received two straight DNP-CD's.
"I think we're a better team with me out there," Bass told the Orlando Sentinel. "But we're winning, so there's really nothing I can say."
Bass is also behind Ryan Anderson at the power forard spot because coach Stan Van Gundy prefers Anderson's outside shooting.
VC declines tribute
7:44AM ET
Vince Carter | Magic
Top Email
The Raptors have been celebrating their 15th anniversary and have been honoring former players and coaches with video tributes during timeouts. The team asked Vince Carter if they could honor him and he declined.
Carter forced his way out of Toronto and gets booed each time he returns to the Air Canada Centre.
"Why would I want to do it? You heard it out there," Carter told the Orlando Sentinel. "They came to me. It just didn't make sense. Actually, it wasn't as loud as it has been. It used to be deafening."
Celtics miss Big Baby?
7:22AM ET
Glen Davis | Celtics
Top Email
Do the Celtics miss Glen "Big Baby" Davis? That seems to be the opinion of the team and scouts and is backed up by statistics, as the Celtics are 29th in the NBA in rebounding. Davis has been sidelined since he broke his right hand during a fight with a friend.
"Baby gives us a force, he brings strength," Kevin Garnett told The Boston Globe. "He brings us versatility, the fact you can play different lineups with myself, Rasheed Wallace, Shelden Williams. When we get him back along with Tony Allen, it will make us a better team."
More rest for Diogu's knee
6:43AM ET
Ike Diogu | Hornets
Top Email
Ike Diogu has been sidelined since the beginning of training camp with a strained left knee. He will sit out another two weeks to rest the injury.
"Unfortunately, we have to give it more time," Diogu told The Times-Picayune. "They'll try me in another two weeks. It's total rest. That's the best thing for my body right now, just resting, and see if that works. The ligaments and everything are good, so it's just a matter of just resting it. There's no swelling. There's some pain in there. We just want to try and settle everything down. That's the main thing."
Why did the Heat trade Thornton?
6:30AM ET
Marcus Thornton | Hornets
Top Email
Rookie Marcus Thornton has been terrific since Jeff Bower took over as the Hornets head coach. Thornton scored 24 points in 38 minutes Sunday against the Heat.
Some might be wondering why the Heat didn't keep Thornton, instead of trading his rights in the 2009 NBA draft to the Hornets for two second round picks, but that was not an option because the deal was prearranged on draft night.
"He's having a heck of a stretch right now," Heat coach Erik Spoelstra told the South Florida Sun-Sentinel. "He's athletic. He's making plays. He's aggressive."
Richardson freaked out?
6:16AM ET
Quentin Richardson | Heat
Top Email
Quentin Richardson missed his second consecutive game Sunday because of a lower back strain and there is no timetable for his return. Richardson told The Miami Herald that this is the first time he's had a problem with his back since season-ending surgery in March of 2007.
"This time, I was kind of freaked out," said Richardson. "Whatever I did when I landed kind of made it go into a spasm. We've been treating it ... around the clock."
Bulls not tough enough?
5:46AM ET
Chicago Bulls
Top Email
The Bulls have been pushed around the last two games against the Lakers and Nuggets and they agree they need to get more physical.
"We just have to be tougher," Kirk Hinrich told the Chicago Sun-Times. "It seems like the last couple of games [the officials] are just letting a lot go. We have to have a feel for how they're calling the game and adjust to it. We have to go out there and do what it takes."
Joakim Noah says they have no one to blame but themselves.
"We weren't tough; we weren't tough at all," he said. "We definitely got roughed up, but it has nothing to do with the refs. That's not an excuse. That's more on us. We have to step it up."
McGrady's examination postponed
5:14AM ET
Tracy McGrady | Rockets
Top Email
Tracy McGrady was to undergo an examination for his sore back Sunday, but that was postponed until today, team spokesman Nelson Luis told the Houston Chronicle.
Barring problems with his back, McGrady is scheduled to practice and undergo a MRI today. The procedure may determine a timeline for his return to the court from microfracture knee surgery.
10:25AM ET
Mike Dunleavy | Pacers
Top Email
Mike Dunleavy has been cleared to play, but he probably won't see any action against the Los Angeles Clippers at Conseco Fieldhouse on Wednesday. Dunleavy wants to get in better shape before he plays in a game.
"He has not practiced enough full court that we're comfortable just throwing him out there," coach Jim O'Brien told The Indianapolis Star. "When he feels like he's in NBA shape, then he'll be back."
Wallace almost retired?
10:15AM ET
Ben Wallace | Pistons
Top Email
Ben Wallace says he was going to retire after he agreed to a buyout with the Phoenix Suns, but an offer by the Pistons and his family made him change his mind.
"I wasn't going to play," Wallace told The Arizona Republic. "I was retired. I was about to sign the papers. ... I rededicated myself to getting stronger and healthier to see if I could rekindle my love for the game."
Can Pau play for Spain?
10:14AM ET
Pau Gasol | Lakers
Top Email
Even though Pau Gasol suffered a broken finger on his left hand while practicing with the Spanish national team, Lakers owner Jerry Buss says NBA players should be allowed to play during international competitions in the summer.
"If he wants to represent Spain, I think he's entitled to that," Buss told the Los Angeles Times. "It would be nice if there was more time in between the European championships and the start of NBA camps so that he wasn't overworked. ... But I think there's room for all kinds of basketball internationally."
Could CP3 reunite with Scott in L.A.?
9:55AM ET
Chris Paul | Hornets
Top Email
Chris Paul let it be known he wasn't happy that Byron Scott was fired as the head coach of the New Orleans Hornets. Is it possible they both could end up with the Lakers in the future? Columnist Randy Youngman opines in today's edition of The Orange County Register:
"How would Hornets point guard Chris Paul look in a Lakers uniform in a couple of years? ... The Hornets made the mistake of axing Scott without consulting Paul, who was very upset by the move -- so upset that he has told friends he'll leave when his contract runs out after two more years, after the 2011-12 season. And if Paul wants out, the Hornets will be forced to trade him before the contract runs out, to receive maximum value in return. He'll have no control over where he goes -- Dallas reportedly is already drooling over the possibility -- but he will in 2012. And where do you think Paul would like to play if Scott is coaching the Lakers then, assuming Phil Jackson has called it a career by that time. Far-fetched? You never know."
Pendergraph to return in a month?
9:31AM ET
Jeff Pendergraph | Trail Blazers
Top Email
Blazers rookie forward Jeff Pendergraph told The Columbian Saturday that he could be cleared to play by Christmas. Pendergraph had surgery September 9 to repair a left hip impingement.
"It's nice, man," Pendergraph said. "I miss it. I miss it a lot. It feels good to actually finally be on the court and not be a spectator."
New plan for Oden?
9:20AM ET
Greg Oden | Trail Blazers
Top Email
Blazers coach Nate McMillan has a rule that Greg Oden will sit once he has collected his second foul in the first half. That rule may be changing as a way for Oden to learn how to play with foul trouble.
"He's going to have to figure it out," McMillan told The Oregonian. "Both he and LaMarcus Aldridge have been in foul trouble. I've been thinking about it, (and) they have to learn to play with two fouls and stay out of foul trouble. We need them on the floor."
Why are the Wizards 3-9?
9:08AM ET
Washington Wizards
Top Email
The Washington Wizards are off to a 3-9 start and Gilbert Arenas blames it on hidden agendas.
"Hidden agendas. You can't win like that," Arenas told The Washington Times. "I've never been on a team where you have eight free agents next year. ... I've never seen it turn out well. Sometimes it works out for the best because everybody's hungry and everybody's fighting. Sometimes it works out for the worst when everybody's out for their own. I guess when you start losing, everyone wants to start pointing fingers everywhere else. I converted my game to try to get people involved. ... I think the only person who actually had to sacrifice was me. Everybody else can just play their game."
Brendan Haywood says egos are to blame for their record.
"It's very frustrating because our talent is not winning out over our egos," Haywood said. "If you want to win, you have to check your ego at the door. Bottom line. If you normally score 20 and you don't get your 20 but the team is winning, who cares? ... We're 3-9, and we're still doing the same things we did the first couple games of the season -- that's ego! ... And it's not just one person; it's everybody."
C's motivate Buss to spend money
8:58AM ET
Los Angeles Lakers
Top Email
Lakers owner Jerry Buss tells the Los Angeles Times that he's willing to spend $91.3 million in player salaries this season and an additional $21.4 million in luxury tax because he wants the team to win another championship. The Lakers have 15 championships and the Boston Celtics have 17.
"We want to win as many championships as we possibly can," Buss said. "We're still a few shy of our rival and our intention is to catch them. ... My son Joey, when he picked up the trophy, he announced our clear-cut rival, and it's kind of obvious our whole family feels that way."
When asked whether Kobe Bryant was an important part of the Lakers' future, Buss answered definitively.
"We certainly hope so," he said. "We don't want to comment on specific negotiations. He's made it pretty clear he doesn't want that discussed. We'll respect that."
Curry more agressive after trade?
8:23AM ET
Stephen Curry | Warriors
Top Email
Since Stephen Jackson was traded to Charlotte, rookie Stephen Curry's production has gone up. Over the past three games, he's averaging 13 points, 3.7 rebounds and 7.3 assists.
"Early on, I was out there being kind of tentative, picking and choosing my spots to attack," Curry told the San Francisco Chronicle Sunday. "We had Jack and Monta Ellis and sometimes Corey Maggette out there, and those guys need the ball a lot to be efficient offensively. It was a tough line to walk. But it's a beneficial thing for me to put up shots and keep attacking, and I've got to be willing to do that."
David Spade helping Amare?
8:13AM ET
Amare Stoudemire | Suns
Top Email
Amare Stoudemire made his first All-Star game last season and he is appealing to All-Star voters again. According to The Arizona Republic, Stoudemire spent four hours Saturday shooting an online commercial that will feature comedic actor David Spade.
"I'm really focusing on improving my game, and I go out and get the best teacher," Stoudemire said. "It's going to be hilarious."
Bass odd man out?
7:59AM ET
Brandon Bass | Magic
Top Email
Now that Rashard Lewis has returned from his 10 game suspension, Brandon Bass has seen his minutes disappear. He played six minutes against Oklahoma City last Wednesday and has received two straight DNP-CD's.
"I think we're a better team with me out there," Bass told the Orlando Sentinel. "But we're winning, so there's really nothing I can say."
Bass is also behind Ryan Anderson at the power forard spot because coach Stan Van Gundy prefers Anderson's outside shooting.
VC declines tribute
7:44AM ET
Vince Carter | Magic
Top Email
The Raptors have been celebrating their 15th anniversary and have been honoring former players and coaches with video tributes during timeouts. The team asked Vince Carter if they could honor him and he declined.
Carter forced his way out of Toronto and gets booed each time he returns to the Air Canada Centre.
"Why would I want to do it? You heard it out there," Carter told the Orlando Sentinel. "They came to me. It just didn't make sense. Actually, it wasn't as loud as it has been. It used to be deafening."
Celtics miss Big Baby?
7:22AM ET
Glen Davis | Celtics
Top Email
Do the Celtics miss Glen "Big Baby" Davis? That seems to be the opinion of the team and scouts and is backed up by statistics, as the Celtics are 29th in the NBA in rebounding. Davis has been sidelined since he broke his right hand during a fight with a friend.
"Baby gives us a force, he brings strength," Kevin Garnett told The Boston Globe. "He brings us versatility, the fact you can play different lineups with myself, Rasheed Wallace, Shelden Williams. When we get him back along with Tony Allen, it will make us a better team."
More rest for Diogu's knee
6:43AM ET
Ike Diogu | Hornets
Top Email
Ike Diogu has been sidelined since the beginning of training camp with a strained left knee. He will sit out another two weeks to rest the injury.
"Unfortunately, we have to give it more time," Diogu told The Times-Picayune. "They'll try me in another two weeks. It's total rest. That's the best thing for my body right now, just resting, and see if that works. The ligaments and everything are good, so it's just a matter of just resting it. There's no swelling. There's some pain in there. We just want to try and settle everything down. That's the main thing."
Why did the Heat trade Thornton?
6:30AM ET
Marcus Thornton | Hornets
Top Email
Rookie Marcus Thornton has been terrific since Jeff Bower took over as the Hornets head coach. Thornton scored 24 points in 38 minutes Sunday against the Heat.
Some might be wondering why the Heat didn't keep Thornton, instead of trading his rights in the 2009 NBA draft to the Hornets for two second round picks, but that was not an option because the deal was prearranged on draft night.
"He's having a heck of a stretch right now," Heat coach Erik Spoelstra told the South Florida Sun-Sentinel. "He's athletic. He's making plays. He's aggressive."
Richardson freaked out?
6:16AM ET
Quentin Richardson | Heat
Top Email
Quentin Richardson missed his second consecutive game Sunday because of a lower back strain and there is no timetable for his return. Richardson told The Miami Herald that this is the first time he's had a problem with his back since season-ending surgery in March of 2007.
"This time, I was kind of freaked out," said Richardson. "Whatever I did when I landed kind of made it go into a spasm. We've been treating it ... around the clock."
Bulls not tough enough?
5:46AM ET
Chicago Bulls
Top Email
The Bulls have been pushed around the last two games against the Lakers and Nuggets and they agree they need to get more physical.
"We just have to be tougher," Kirk Hinrich told the Chicago Sun-Times. "It seems like the last couple of games [the officials] are just letting a lot go. We have to have a feel for how they're calling the game and adjust to it. We have to go out there and do what it takes."
Joakim Noah says they have no one to blame but themselves.
"We weren't tough; we weren't tough at all," he said. "We definitely got roughed up, but it has nothing to do with the refs. That's not an excuse. That's more on us. We have to step it up."
McGrady's examination postponed
5:14AM ET
Tracy McGrady | Rockets
Top Email
Tracy McGrady was to undergo an examination for his sore back Sunday, but that was postponed until today, team spokesman Nelson Luis told the Houston Chronicle.
Barring problems with his back, McGrady is scheduled to practice and undergo a MRI today. The procedure may determine a timeline for his return to the court from microfracture knee surgery.
