NBA Rumors: Pro Sports Daily

Ryan Anderson will get an MRI on right ankle Saturday morning

Comment

November 7

Orlando Sentinel

"Magic power forward Ryan Anderson walked out of the Magic locker room, sullenly, on crutches, his right foot lifted from the ground. "I'm getting an MRI in the morning," Anderson said as he left. His ankle and part of his foot were wrapped. Anderson sprained his right ankle in the third quarter of the Magic's 110-103 win over the Detroit Pistons. He didn't return to the game. Magic Coach Stan Van Gundy didn't know much about the injury, but said Anderson's ankle is sprained, not broken."

Courtney Lee Update

Comment

November 7

Newark Star-Ledger

"Just in case you don't pick up a late edition of the newspaper, here was Courtney's take on his left groin strain: "It's not bad at all. Rest as much as possible. Go from day-to-day," the winger said. "It wasn't a tear. They said it was a micro-tear below my groin. So it's day-to-day. It's minor through.""

Melo can't do it by himself, Nuggets lose Martin

Comment

November 7

Denver Post

"Well into Friday's second quarter, the Nuggets and Heat were knotted in a nice little game — until the Nuggets suddenly went as flat as a Cuban sandwich. It was a deflating performance by the road team, tied at 33-33 with 5:57 left in the second, but down by 28 late in the third. Denver ultimately lost 96-88, and might have lost Kenyon Martin for a little while too. The power forward suffered a lower left leg contusion in the second quarter and did not return to the game. X-rays taken at halftime were inconclusive, and Martin will undergo an MRI today and sit out tonight's game at Atlanta, Denver coach George Karl said. "The feeling I got is, it might be a week or two weeks, but it won't ..."

Thomas out with fracture

Comment

November 7

Chicago Sun-Times

"Tyrus Thomas' week from hell took a dramatic turn for the worse on Friday when the enigmatic Bulls power forward suffered a fractured radius of the left forearm during a weightlifting session at the Berto Center. Thomas, who was sent home two days earlier in the week because of the flu, was scheduled to undergo surgery today and is expected to be sidelined from four to six weeks. ''We are disappointed to lose Tyrus,'' general manager Gar Forman said. ''This will be an opportunity for Taj [Gibson] and James [Johnson] to get valuable experience.'' Power forward is one of the deeper positions on the team. Besides the two rookies, Brad Miller, Joakim Noah and even small forward Luol Deng can ..."

Wally Szczerbiak rehabbing knee, doesn't know if he will play in NBA again

Comment

November 7

Cleveland Plain Dealer

"As he sat courtside at Madison Square Garden about an hour before tipoff Friday night, Wally Szczerbiak accepted a steady stream of handshakes, hugs and smiles from his former Cavaliers teammates and coaches. Szczerbiak is in New York rehabbing from knee surgery, one that has left his future as a player in doubt. After his contract with the Cavs expired in June, he spoke to several teams but also ended up talking to his several doctors. During the Cavs' playoff run, his troublesome left knee started flaring up. He hoped rest would help, and he even was negotiating with several teams about a free-agent contract. "When I started to amp it up for the season, it was bugging me, so I had to ..."

Martin may be out 6-8 weeks

Comment

November 6

Sacramento Bee

"Kevin Martin leaned against the wall in the Kings' practice facility Thursday afternoon, still very much in shock, his damaged left wrist dangling at his side. Hours earlier, an MRI revealed that the league's third-leading scorer – and the Kings' best player – sustained a hairline fracture Monday night in a collision with the Memphis Grizzlies' Allen Iverson. Martin was presented with three options, all of them terrible: He can wear a soft cast and attempt to play, risking further injury and possibly a complete break. He can undergo surgery and have a screw inserted to stabilize the bone, with recovery projected at six to eight weeks. Or he can have the arm casted and hope that the wrist ..."

Bynum, Gasol are expected to miss Friday's game

Comment

November 6

Los Angeles Times

"It was a day of medical terms and injury evaluations, a time for the Lakers to take a breath after two overtime road victories and, of greater importance, take stock of their ailing big men. Andrew Bynum was their latest 7-footer to undergo an MRI exam, the results showing a strained right elbow that left him listed as doubtful for tonight's game against the Memphis Grizzlies. Pau Gasol did some work on the practice court Thursday but declared himself out for tonight's game, unless his strained right hamstring suddenly felt much, much better today. In other words, DJ Mbenga might start at center. Or if the Lakers go with a small lineup, Lamar Odom might get the call in the middle, with ..."

'No setbacks' as Jamison rehabs

Comment

November 6

Washington Times

"Antawn Jamison took another step in his rehabilitation Thursday, reporting no problems after participating in noncontact drills for about 45 minutes at an optional practice before the Washington Wizards boarded a plane to Indiana for Friday's game against the Pacers. "I've been shooting and going hard. No limitations as far as shot numbers or range or anything of that nature," Jamison said afterward. "It's just no contact - they don't want me getting hit or pushing or shoving. But we haven't had any limitations as far as drills, running, shooting or anything like that." Although Jamison is antsy to get back, the Wizards are taking a careful approach with the All-Star forward and are ..."

Nocioni's DUI arrest extends Sacramento Kings' streak of bad news

Comment

November 6

Sacramento Bee

"The arrest of Sacramento Kings forward Andres Nocioni early Thursday morning on suspicion of driving under the influence is just the latest chapter in a three-year span of bad news and bad luck that have cast a shadow on the franchise. Nocioni, 29, was arrested by Sacramento police and booked into Sacramento County jail at 3:30 a.m., a posting on the jail's Web site shows. He was released Thursday morning on $1,482 bail and practiced with the team in the afternoon. "I want to apologize to Sacramento Kings owners, coaches, general manager, players, fans and especially my family," Nocioni said. "I have two kids so this is not a good example for my kids. I'm really sorry for what has ..."

Hamilton, Prince to miss Pistons game

Comment

November 6

Detroit News

"The Pistons aren't going to have Rip Hamilton and Tayshaun Prince tonight when they face the Orlando Magic. This will be the fifth game Hamilton has missed with a sprained right ankle. Prince will miss his second game with a lower back problem."

Orlando Magic coach Stan Van Gundy says Rashard Lewis will start immediately after his suspension

Comment

November 6

Orlando Sentinel

"Magic Coach Stan Van Gundy said on Thursday --- an off-day for his team --- that he will start suspended forward Rashard Lewis the very game he becomes eligible. There'll be no easing Lewis into the lineup. Lewis, suspended by the league for the first 10 games of the season for taking a banned supplement, can play on Nov. 16 against the Charlotte Bobcats at home. "I'm starting him the first game --- for who, I don't know," Van Gundy said. "It's like when we got Rafer (Alston) at midseason last year. When you know a guy is going to be there long term, you don't mess around.""

Magic coach Stan Van Gundy doesn't expect him to play vs. Pistons

Comment

November 6

Orlando Sentinel

"Orlando Magic coach Stan Van Gundy said he doesn't expect to have SG Vince Carter (sprained left ankle) available Friday night against the Pistons. Carter sat out Wednesday night's game against the Phoenix Suns. Carter reinjured the ankle on Tuesday night against Detroit in Auburn Hills, Mich, and Van Gundy is second-guessing himself on whether he should have played him. "We probably shouldn't have played him in Detroit, but Vince said he wanted to go," Van Gundy said."We'd probably would have been better off sitting him." Carter originally injured the ankle last Friday night in New Jersey against the Nets."

Suns' Barbosa could return vs. Celtics

Comment

November 6

Arizona Republic

"The Suns missed Leandro Barbosa's speed in Wednesday night's loss to Orlando, but Barbosa's sore right wrist may be healed enough to allow him to play Friday. Other than testing it out briefly Tuesday and Wednesday, Barbosa has given the wrist four days of rest while sitting out two games. The swelling and pain have been reduced. "If I feel good, I'll go," Barbosa said. "Right now, when I dribble, it feels like something pops in my wrist. The pain is not as bad as it used to be. "I hope I get better. I just want to come back." Suns head athletic trainer Aaron Nelson has Barbosa's wrist in a cushioned wrap during the day and in a protective sleeve while he sleeps. Griffin's debut Suns ..."

Andris Biedrins' injury leaves Warriors short at center

Comment

November 6

Oakland Tribune

"The Warriors may be down two centers as Andris Biedrins, the starter, is questionable for today's game against the Los Angeles Clippers because of an ailing back. "It's a little sore," Biedrins said Thursday. "Hopefully I will play, but we'll see (today)." Biedrins' backup, Ronny Turiaf, missed Wednesday's game with a sprained left knee. He did not practice Thursday and is doubtful for today's game. So coach Don Nelson will turn to veteran Mikki Moore as the starting center if Biedrins or Turiaf can't play. The last time Moore started was last season with the Sacramento Kings, on Jan."‰6 at Chicago. Anthony Randolph, whom Nelson said will serve as a backup center, won't start because the ..."

Budinger unlikely for Thunder

Comment

November 6

Houston Chronicle

"Rockets forward Chase Budinger, out with a sprained left ankle, predicted he will be ready to play tonight against Oklahoma City. Coach Rick Adelman guessed he won't. Budinger missed Wednesday's game against the Lakers and was held out of practice Thursday but participated in shooting drills. "I felt great at shootaround today," Budinger said. "Hopefully, I'll keep getting better tomorrow and be ready to play. It was tough (to sit out), especially playing against the Lakers. I wanted to be out there. The last time I missed a game was in high school." Adelman was not so sure. "I actually don't expect him to play tomorrow after watching him today," Adelman said. "But he's young (21), so ..."

'Big Baby' wants to play in NFL

Comment

November 5

ESPN.com

"Glen "Big Baby" Davis has no regrets about choosing basketball over football. That's because he's achieved success and a championship with the Boston Celtics -- and also because he doesn't believe his days on the football field are over. Davis, the Celtics' 6-foot-9, 290-pound forward, said he eventually wants to play in the NFL. "I will try it," said Davis, who's on the injured list for six weeks with a broken right thumb sustained in a fight. "When I become an All-Star in the NBA, when I become a great player in the NBA, then I'll try football. One of my dreams has always been to play football." Davis was a terrific two-way football player at University Laboratory High School in Baton ..."

Knicks president Donnie Walsh not surprised at Larry Bird's words about Lebron James

Comment

November 5

New York Daily News

"Donnie Walsh didn't take it personally when his former subordinate, Pacers president Larry Bird, lobbied against Le-Bron James coming to New York next July as a free agent. "I have no problem with what Larry said," the Knicks president said Wednesday night before New York took on his old team at the Garden. "I love Larry. I'm not surprised he'd say that, either." Bird's contention is that James, an Akron native, means too much to Ohio and would be a catastrophic loss to the franchise. It's hard to argue with either of those points. "I like to see the great players stay in the cities and with the teams that drafted them," said Bird, who played his entire Hall of Fame career in Boston. "So ..."

Thomas ill again, likely to miss Cavaliers game

Comment

November 5

Chicago Sun-Times

"Tyrus Thomas showed up at the Berto Center before practice Wednesday but was still sick and was sent home for a second straight day. He didn't accompany the team when it departed for Cleveland on Wednesday afternoon. Although it seems highly unlikely, there's a remote chance he could travel on his own today and join the team in time for the game with the Cleveland Cavaliers. ''He's at home,'' coach Vinny Del Negro said after practice. ''He'll see the doctor [Wednesday] and [today], and then we'll re-evaluate and see if he can fly to Cleveland. ''But he's pretty sick still. He's got the flu, sore throat, the whole thing.''"

Wizards stumble down the stretch; Miller out with sprained left shoulder

Comment

November 5

Washington Post

"The Miami Heat was the Washington Wizards' opponent on Wednesday night, but in many ways, it could also serve as their inspiration. Only a year ago, the Heat bounced back from being the most putrid team in the Eastern Conference to making the playoffs after an all-star guard with a history of knee troubles spent an entire summer with renowned trainer Tim Grover. Dwyane Wade was resurrected last season and he led Miami to a 28-game turnaround. After studying that blueprint, Gilbert Arenas is hoping to lead a similar turnaround in Washington -- both of his career and the Wizards. But before a national television audience, Wade outscored Arenas, 40-32, and the Wizards learned that the road to ..."

Lakers win, but Bynum leaves game with an elbow sprain

Comment

November 5

Los Angeles Times

"The Lakers won another game but might have lost another big man. Pau Gasol is a little closer to returning, but Andrew Bynum was injured toward the end of the Lakers' 103-102 overtime victory Wednesday over the Houston Rockets. Bynum was fouled hard across his right arm while going up for a shot and sustained a sprained elbow with 24.7 seconds left in overtime. He will be re-evaluated today in Los Angeles. "I can't even lift my arm right now," Bynum said. "They just took a shot at me. That's that, I guess. It's not that bad. It just takes a little while to heal up." Anybody ready for Lamar Odom at center? On the day that Gasol was cleared to resume basketball-related activities, the Lakers ..."

A terrible audition for LeBron

Comment

November 5

New York Post

"The Knicks were still basking in the glow of their first victory of the season, allowing them to dream of an actual winning streak. Then came last night, a 101-89 collapse that served as both a bucket of cold water in their collective faces, and an ominous warning with LeBron James & Co. looming tomorrow. The same team that had hung a 40-point fourth-quarter on the Hornets was held to just 15 by the Pacers. The same club that couldn't miss on Monday couldn't buy a basket down the stretch, missing its last dozen shots. In short, all that good mojo left the Garden faster than a Hideki Matsui longball left Yankee Stadium. "We had an opportunity a couple times to put them away and let them ..."

Knicks just not fit for the 'king'

Comment

November 5

New York Post

"Bring on LeBron! Actually, not really a good time. If the Knicks were trying to impress LeBron James as he comes to town tomorrow night for his lone Garden appearance this season, the Knicks did the opposite in playing a horrifying fourth quarter last night. The prevailing theory is James would sign with New York as a free agent this summer if he genuinely feels he can make the Knicks a contender. But they looked like a laughingstock in losing last night to the previously winless Pacers, 101-89, to fall to 1-4. The Knicks shot 2-of-17 in the fourth quarter, 0-of-7 on treys, and missed their final 10 shots from the field. They went without a field goal for the final 9:21. They scored 15 ..."

Sterling suit seems to fit NBA just fine

Comment

November 5

Yahoo! Sports

"Los Angeles Clippers owner Donald Sterling agreed to pay $2.73 million this week to settle a federal case alleging he discriminated in the rental of apartments he owns with his wife in Southern California. The settlement is "the largest monetary payment ever obtained" by the U.S. Justice Department, according to a news release from the organization. It stems from allegations Sterling's company targeted and discriminated against blacks, Hispanics and families with children in renting apartments in greater Los Angeles. The settlement must still be approved by a federal judge but should also resolve two additional tenant-filed suits alleging racial discrimination. "The magnitude of this ..."

Larry Bird likes LeBron James as Cavalier, not a New York Knick

Comment

November 3

New York Daily News

"Not that he wants his former boss, Donnie Walsh, to fail at rebuilding the Knicks, but Pacers president Larry Bird doesn't want to see LeBron James come to New York next summer. "I hope he stays in Cleveland," Bird said Monday. "He's from Ohio and he means so much to that team and that state. I used to love to go and play in Cleveland because they love the game. And, I like to see the great players stay in the cities and with the teams that drafted them. It means so much for the league and the state. So I would rather see him stay." Bird, who coached for Walsh and then joined the front office when the current Knicks president ran the Pacers, participated in a conference call with Magic ..."

Agent: Rudy Gay will not re-sign with Memphis Grizzlies before deadline

Comment

November 3

Memphis Commercial Appeal

"Fourth-year forward Rudy Gay and the Grizzlies failed to reach an agreement on a contract extension before the NBA deadline. Negotiations broke off Monday evening so Gay will become a restricted free agent next summer. The Griz still can match any offer sheet Gay signs. The parties had until 10:59 p.m. CST Monday to strike a deal. "We've agreed to not agree," said Jeff Austin, Gay's agent. "We looked at different ways we might try to get something done and we weren't able to agree." An NBA source said the Grizzlies' final offer was a five-year deal worth about $50 million. Gay was asking for a deal similar to Portland's LaMarcus Aldridge (five years, $65 million with incentives), ..."

Butler expects to be back vs. Cavaliers

Comment

November 3

Washington Examiner

"Wizards head coach Flip Saunders said after practice Monday that Caron Butler will be back in the starting lineup for Washington at Cleveland tomorrow night after sitting out last weekend's home opener with a bruised left kneecap. Butler didn't quite give a rousing endorsement of his health, saying he still felt a little soreness. "It felt good in practice when I was out there moving around and was able to perform at full speed," he said. "So we'll see how I feel tomorrow." The injury did happen when he dove for a loose ball at Atlanta. "It was just the after-effect thing. I was diving for the ball, played a couple minutes afterward, felt a little stiffness, a little tightness. It swelled ..."

Rajon Rondo, Celtics agree on extension

Comment

November 2

Boston Herald

"The Celtics and Rajon Rondo have agreed on a contract extension that will pay the 23-year-old point guard some $55 million over five years, beginning with the 2010-11 season, a source confirmed to the Herald early this morning. The same source cautioned, however, that the pact is not yet completed. There are still details to be worked out, and although they are not expected to get in the way of securing Rondo's future in Boston, "it's not a done deal yet," said a person close to the negotiation. Celtics director of basketball operations Danny Ainge and Rondo's agent, Bill Duffy, reached the agreement on the numbers some time after last night's 97-87 victory over the New Orleans Hornets."

Bell to start tonight

Comment

November 2

Charlotte Observer

"Charlotte Bobcats guard Raja Bell will play and start tonight at home versus the New Jersey Nets, despite not having fully participated in a practice since tearing a ligament in his left wrist. Coach Larry Brown said he'll start Bell, but has no expectation as to how long Bell Will play. Bell has parttially participated in practices -- mostly non-contact shooting, passing and drills. He's yet to test how he'll impede players defensively with the injury. "It felt pretty good yesterday. We came in and worked out,'' Bell said. "I got some passes with the one hand to see if I could catch, and I threw some passes. It felt good. I said once I could do that, I'd give it a shot.''"

Report: Rondo agrees to deal

Comment

November 2

Boston Globe

"Point guard Rajon Rondo has reached an agreement in principle to extend his contract with the Boston Celtics, according to a Yahoo Sports report citing Rondo's agent Bill Duffy and league sources, who say the five-year deal is worth at least $55 million. Had a deal not been reached before the end of today, Rondo would have become a restricted free agent at the end of this season."

Dwyane Wade to Bulls speculation never-ending

Comment

November 2

Chicago Tribune

"Dwyane Wade thanked Heat fans in a brief pregame speech and later dissed the United Center rims, so he's staying in South Florida for sure, right? Such silly speculation will exist until July 1, when Wade will become an unrestricted free agent. "That's a long way away," Wade said. "When we get there, we'll see. Right now, I'm focused on my team and getting better here in Miami." Wade has faced media from New York and Chicago -- two teams with projected salary cap space next summer -- and, at least on Sunday, clearly is having fun with the situation. "I really don't love the rims there," Wade said of the United Center. "But I've had some good games there too." Wade said he's oblivious to ..."

Ankle sprain KOs Nate for 2 weeks

Comment

November 2

New York Post

"Now the Knicks will really need the surging Danilo Gallinari to continue his rise. The Knicks' chances of closing in on their franchise record for worst start increased yesterday when coach Mike D'Antoni said bench sparkplug Nate Robinson will miss up to two weeks with a severely sprained right ankle. Robinson, who left the Garden Saturday night on crutches, could be out longer as he undergoes X-rays today to see if he has a fracture. The winless Knicks are not deep or built to withstand an injury to a key player, though he began the season shooting just 28.6 percent. The Knicks take an 0-3 record into tonight's game against New Orleans. Their worst-ever start came in 1985-86 at 0-8. They ..."

Nets' Harris out at least a week with sore groin

Comment

November 1

New York Daily News

"The Nets got neither a trick nor a treat Saturday night. But they did get the bejeevees scared out of them when they experienced the first of what may be many games without Devin Harris. With Harris sitting out because of a strained right groin, the Nets lost to the Wizards, 123-104, to fall to 0-3. They lost their first two games with Harris in the lineup, but at least those were competitive. This one wasn't, and the Wizards (1-1) didn't even have two of their best players, Caron Butler and Antawn Jamison, who are injured. They did have Gilbert Arenas, who scored 32 points before sitting out the fourth quarter. The Nets also managed to make Andray Blatche look like an All-Star. He set ..."

Celts, Rondo still talking

Comment

November 1

ESPN.com

"Although the past few days have been mostly quiet on the contract front for Boston Celtics guard Rajon Rondo, both sides are expected to connect Sunday for one last attempt to come together on a new deal before Monday's deadline for contract extensions for members of the 2006 draft class, according to sources close to the process. The annual deadline for such extensions is Oct. 31 every season but was moved to Monday at 11:59 p.m. by the NBA because Halloween fell on a Saturday. League rules stipulate that the deadline moves to the next possible business day if it coincides with a Saturday, Sunday or national holiday. Rondo's camp appeared prepared to scrap the idea of further talks and ..."

Deadline for Grizzlies, Rudy Gay nears

Comment

November 1

Memphis Commercial Appeal

"Time is expiring on Rudy Gay and the Grizzlies as it relates to working out a contract extension. But Gay isn't watching the clock. While Gay's agent, Jeff Austin, continues to discuss his client's long-term future with the franchise, the 6-8 forward remains indifferent. "I'm not concerned about that," Gay said. "If it happens it happens. If not I'm looking forward to being a (restricted) free agent. It's hasn't been my focus. My focus is playing games like (Friday night) and getting wins." The Griz, fresh off a 115-107 victory over Toronto, boarded a flight Saturday for Denver where they'll begin a five-game road trip tonight in the Pepsi Center. The NBA extended a deadline for contract ..."

Devin Harris likely to sit out tonight at Washington

Comment

October 31

Newark Star-Ledger

"Well, this came out of nowhere. Devin Harris is a likely scratch tonight against the Wiz, and it's the same issue: The strained groin tightened up on him after Friday night's game. As of now, he's not comfortable going from east to west, so they'll probably have to put him on ice for at least a few days."

Jazz, Sloan appear headed for extension

Comment

October 31

The Deseret News

"The Jerry Sloan coaching era in Utah evidently won't be ending any time soon. Jazz general manager Kevin O'Connor said Friday night that negotiations on a contract extension between Sloan and the franchise are ongoing, and suggested he's hopeful that an agreement will be reached. "I'd like to think we can get something done at some point," said O'Connor at halftime of the Jazz's 2009-10 NBA season home-opener against the Los Angeles Clippers at EnergySolutions Arena. "But there's no urgency to it." Sloan, inducted last September into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame, began his 22nd season as head coach of the Jazz with Wednesday night's loss at Denver. His current deal expires at the ..."

Jazz, Brewer can't come to agreement on extension

Comment

October 31

Salt Lake Tribune

"The agent for Ronnie Brewer said Friday that he and Jazz general manager Kevin O'Connor had agreed that they would not be able to come to agreement on a contract extension for Brewer ahead of the Monday deadline to do so. "Kevin and I have talked several times," agent Henry Thomas said. "I don't really think there's anything that's going to get done and we agreed on that this morning. . . .It was something we decided we wanted to see what the market would speak to next summer." Brewer would become a restricted free agent at season's end, assuming the Jazz tender him a qualifying offer of $3.8 million. Brewer is the lone member of the Jazz's young core of players including Deron Williams, ..."

Pistons' Hamilton out for two games

Comment

October 30

Detroit Free Press

"Richard Hamilton (sprained right ankle) will miss tonight's home opener against the Oklahoma City Thunder and Pistons coach John Kuester said he will also miss Saturday night's game at Milwaukee. Ben Gordon, who was signed in the off-season, will get the start in place of the 10-year veteran."

Brown: Bell could play as soon as Monday

Comment

October 30

Charlotte Observer

"Charlotte Bobcats coach Larry Brown says shooting guard Raja Bell could play as soon as Monday's home game against the New Jersey Nets. Bell has a torn ligament in his left wrist. As the days pass, he's using less and less wrapping to protect the injury. Now he's down to a neoprene strap that offers some protection but isn't as cumbersome as the heavy bandages he was using earlier in the week. Bell said at Friday-morning shootaround that he needs to go through a full practice, probably Sunday, to test what it will be like when his wrist is jostled while playing defense. He felt a significant twinge of pain Friday when he tried to make a reverse layup with his left hand."

Source: Randolph to Start

Comment

October 30

ESPN.com

"After making the most of his 10 minutes of play on opening night, Golden State forward Anthony Randolph has been rewarded with a starting spot, according to a person close to the team. The 6-10 Randolph, who had 8 points, 4 rebounds, 1 block and 1 assist in Wednesday's season-opening loss to the Houston Rockets, will start at power forward Friday at Phoenix, moving ahead of Wednesday's starter Ronny Turiaf."

Okur's status uncertain for Friday

Comment

October 30

The Deseret News

"The Jazz are calling starting center Mehmet Okur "day-to-day" after he sprained both his left ankle and left knee in the first minute of Wednesday's season-opening loss at Denver. It's uncertain if he'll be able to play in Friday night's home-opener against the Los Angeles Clippers, but the Jazz — who didn't practice today — were hopeful. "He's actually better today than we thought he'd be," Jazz general manager Kevin O'Connor said this afternoon. Okur missed about seven minutes, then returned to finish with 13 points and six rebounds while logging 31 minutes in the Jazz's 114-105 loss."

Iverson says he's 'ready to play' for Grizzlies

Comment

October 30

Memphis Commercial Appeal

"Allen Iverson says he's ready to run with the Grizzlies if the trainers give him permission. And MRI results put Iverson closer to his goal Thursday morning when he was cleared to participate in a full-contact practice. But while Griz coach Lionel Hollins said the workout was encouraging, his understanding is that Iverson's return is targeted for Monday when the team plays at Sacramento. So the Griz are expected to be without the 10-time all-star guard for tonight's game with the Toronto Raptors at FedExForum. "I felt good," Iverson said. "It was a regular day of practice for me. I didn't feel any pain. I didn't feel fatigued to not be able to get through it. I'm ready to play. It's up to ..."

League pushes extension deadline

Comment

October 30

ESPN.com

"Rajon Rondo and the Boston Celtics have a little bit more time to work toward a contract extension. The league has pushed the deadline for contract extensions for all players from the 2006 draft class from Saturday to Monday, league spokesman Tim Frank confirmed Thursday night. NBA front-office sources told ESPN.com that all 30 teams were notified via league memorandum earlier this week that the league's annual Oct. 31 deadline for players in the fourth year of their rookie-scale contracts, according to the collective-bargaining agreement, is moved to the next available business day if the deadline falls on a Saturday, Sunday or federal holiday. Only four first-round picks from 2006 have ..."

Brooks to get extension

Comment

October 30

Houston Chronicle

"As expected, the Rockets on Thursday sent in the paperwork to extend guard Aaron Brooks' contract for a fourth season, keeping him signed through 2010-11, a person with knowledge of the move said. Though Rockets general manager Daryl Morey had called the move "a no-brainer," he chose to stick with his policy of making contract moves at the deadline when possible. Morey did not comment. Brooks, 24, had assumed the Rockets had picked up their option on his fourth season weeks ago. The extension is expected to be completed today, one day before the deadline. As stipulated by the NBA scale for Brooks' draft position in 2007, he will earn $2,016,692. Launching pad Through the first two seasons ..."

Felton will play after taking 15 stitches

Comment

October 30

Charlotte Observer

"As if the Charlotte Bobcats' 33-point season-opening loss at Boston Wednesday night wasn't bad enough, they had trouble getting away from it. The bus scheduled to take the Bobcats to the airport wouldn't start, forcing the team to wait an additional 45 minutes before they could leave the TD Garden and put some distance between themselves and their opening-night flop. "We deserved that," coach Larry Brown said Thursday afternoon. "That was God punishing us." Brown's approach was to put his players in a dark room and have them spend two hours watching tape of the Boston game, focusing on the mistakes that littered the screen. They saw the turnovers, the 31 percent field goal shooting, the ..."

Gallinari may get start for Knicks tonight

Comment

October 30

New York Post

"It took just one blowout loss for Mike D'Antoni to contemplate inserting prized prospect Danilo Gallinari into the starting lineup. Amid the second-half wreckage of their 115-93 season-opening loss in Miami, Gallinari caught fire and hit a lucky seven 3-pointers, tying the NBA record for most 3-pointers in a season opener, according to Elias Sports Bureau. Gallinari's 22-point outburst -- even though much of the damage was inflicted in garbage time -- has D'Antoni seriously considering promoting him to the starting lineup when the Knicks play tonight versus Larry Brown's Bobcats, who lost their season opener 92-59 in Boston. Gallinari could replace versatile defensive specialist Jared ..."

Miami Heat's Dwyane Wade says it's too early to mull move to New York Knicks

Comment

October 29

New York Daily News

"Dwyane Wade is what you might call a pretty good consolation prize. .Assuming the Knicks can't find a way to lure LeBron James out of Cleveland, the club is expected to turn its attention - and full resources - on recruiting Wade. "I'm not even thinking about it," Wade said Wednesday when asked about the summer of 2010 when Wade and James can become unrestricted free agents. "I'll answer it different every time." A year ago, Wade was quoted saying he could envision a scenario where he and James could become teammates in New York, although it is doubtful the Knicks would have enough salary cap space to sign two "max" players. Wednesday, Wade was more guarded about his future but he did ..."

Richard Hamilton, Allen Iverson agree: Curry caused Pistons' problems

Comment

October 29

Detroit News

"Memphis Grizzlies guard Allen Iverson says his time in Detroit would have been more pleasant had John Kuester been the coach instead of Michael Curry. "It would have been a hundred percent different -- a thousand percent better," said Iverson, who won't play Wednesday night in the Grizzlies' opener against the Pistons as he's recovering from a hamstring injury. "I would have known what I was getting into. Kue would have been straightforward with me on how things were going to be." Iverson knows Kuester from Kuester's days as an assistant under Larry Brown. Iverson was acquired by the Pistons from Denver for Chauncey Billups last season. "I was ecstatic about it (the trade) when I first ..."

Jazz suffer scare after Okur injures leg

Comment

October 29

The Deseret News

"The injury scare for the team plagued by ailments and illnesses last season came frighteningly early this year. Only 24 seconds into the Utah Jazz's 2009-10 regular season, center Mehmet Okur tried to take a charge Wednesday night. Instead, he took a painful fall to the floor and a trip to the trainer's room after getting his left foot stepped on by the Denver Nuggets' hard-driving, 250-pound Nene. Ouch. Make that a double ouch — one for Okur and another for a Jazz squad that had to be thinking, "Here we go again," after already being hammered hard by injuries in the preseason. Jazz coach Jerry Sloan said the team couldn't feel sorry for itself. And it didn't need to for too long anyway. ..."

Korver's knee surgery was successful

Comment

October 29

The Deseret News

"After undergoing arthroscopic surgery Wednesday in New York to remove a bone spur from his left knee, Jazz shooting guard Kyle Korver plans to return to Utah and begin rehab as soon as he's fit to travel. Dr. David Altcheck performed the procedure and afterward, according to the Jazz, said it went "extremely well." "It's about what they expected," Jazz general manager Kevin O'Connor said. Korver is scheduled for a follow-up visit with Altcheck in New York on Nov. 9, the same day the Jazz open a four-stop Eastern road trip with a game against the Knicks. O'Connor said no timetable for Korver's anticipated return will be made public until after the follow-up, but it's believed Korver ..."

Jazz have yet to offer Brewer an extension

Comment

October 29

The Deseret News

"Ronnie Brewer played the first game of his fourth NBA season Wednesday night not knowing what the fifth, or those beyond, will hold. Will he be back with the Jazz in 2010-11? Will he be elsewhere? Must he wait until next summer to find out? With the NBA's deadline of Saturday for extending the contracts of rookies drafted in 2006 looming overhead, Brewer went into Wednesday's 2009-10 regular-season opener at Denver not knowing what to think. In fact, Brewer said about an hour before Wednesday's game, talks had not even progressed to the point that an actual offer has been made. "I'm really just focusing on ... beginning a new season and trying to start off on the right foot," he said. ..."

Jackson rumors all over the map

Comment

October 29

San Francisco Chronicle

"With rumors again swirling that the Warriors might grant Stephen Jackson his trade request, the sold-out, opening-night crowd had a power struggle in how to deal with the swingman Wednesday. The crowd's boos overpowered the cheers during pregame introductions. Jackson was booed like he was on the road throughout his first four touches. And, after the happy side out-applauded the hater side during his first free-throw attempt, the jeers prevailed when the shot missed. Jackson requested a trade to a contender before training camp, but he has publicly backed off that desire in recent weeks. Still, ESPN reported Wednesday that trade talks have "heated up." The report said the Warriors are ..."

New Chicago Bulls GM plans to travel more with team

Comment

October 29

Chicago Tribune

columnist Fred Mitchell

"Bulls general manager Gar Forman has two messages for his players as their season tips off Thursday night at the United Center against the Spurs: Play better defense, and be accountable for your actions on and off the court. "We have to improve defensively as a team if we are going to advance," he said. "And accountability is something that has been stressed." Forman, who took over as the team's GM in May when John Paxson relinquished the title, says he plans to keep a close eye on the entire operation. In fact, he intends to travel with the team on most, if not all of the trips. "The reasons are two-fold. First of all, I want to be around the team, I want to be around the players and I ..."

Cavaliers, Antonio Daniels may soon come together

Comment

October 28

Cleveland Plain Dealer

"Antonio Daniels cleared waivers Tuesday. Whether or not his next stop lands him in a Cavaliers uniform should be known soon. Daniels has a couple of options, with the Cavs being high on his list, accord ing to multiple league sources. After missing all of the preseason waiting to come to a buyout agreement with the Minnesota Tim berwolves, Daniels is ex pected to make a decision soon on where he'd like to play. Cavs coach Mike Brown said before Tuesday's season opener against the Celtics that he has a good relationship with Daniels dating back to when they both were with the San Antonio Spurs. Cavs General Manager Danny Ferry was a teammate of Daniels with the Spurs. "If someone comes ..."

Grizzlies courting Abdul-Jabbar

Comment

October 28

L.A. Daily News

"The Memphis Grizzlies asked for and received permission to speak to Hall of Fame center Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, possibly about a position with the team, a Lakers spokesman said Tuesday. Abdul-Jabbar attended opening night festivities at Staples Center, but declined to comment. Abdul-Jabbar, whose role as a special assistant to Lakers coach Phil Jackson has been decreased this season, attended the Grizzlies' practice Monday. He also had dinner with the Grizzlies' big men Sunday, according to a report in a Memphis newspaper. The Grizzlies declined comment when asked by a reporter from the Memphis Commercial-Appeal whether they would hire Abdul-Jabbar or what his role might be. Abdul-Jabbar, 62, ..."

Hope remains for Rondo deal

Comment

October 28

Boston Globe

"Twenty-four hours and face-to-face talks have changed the complexion of the Rajon Rondo contract negotiations and there's hope the point guard could sign a long-term extension before Saturday's deadline. One day after telling Yahoo! Sports that a potential deal was dead, Rondo's agent, Bill Duffy, appeared optimistic about reaching a deal with Celtics president of basketball operations Danny Ainge."

Korver anticipated out until December

Comment

October 28

The Deseret News

"The Jazz haven't issued a timetable for how long they expect Kyle Korver will need to recover from arthroscopic knee surgery. But it's believed he anticipates being out about six weeks, and if that's the case, the backup shooting guard would miss about 21 games — or roughly a quarter of the season. "He's definitely frustrated … about the situation," said point guard Deron Williams, who's kept in touch with Korver since he left last week for New York and a second opinion on his left knee. The surgery is needed to address a patellar-tendon related bone spur in the knee, an injury that kept him from playing in all but one of Utah's eight preseason games. It initially had been planned for ..."

Bucks to start Jennings

Comment

October 28

Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

"Ready or not, rookie Brandon Jennings will be in the Milwaukee Bucks' starting lineup on opening night Friday in Philadelphia. The 20-year-old Jennings experienced some tough times during the preseason as he tried to defend opposing point guards and struggled with his perimeter shot. But he also made some spectacular passes and major-league steals, giving glimpses of the potential that caused the Bucks tohim with the 10th pick in the June draft. Bucks coach Scott Skiles confirmed after Tuesday's practice that Jennings would start and veteran Luke Ridnour would be the primary backup. "I felt like both guys played really well in the preseason in most of their minutes," Skiles said. "It's ..."

Korver could miss six weeks

Comment

October 28

Salt Lake Tribune

"As Kyle Korver prepares to undergo surgery today in New York to remove a bone spur from his left knee, the Jazz could be without the three-point shooting guard for the season's first six weeks. The Jazz have yet to set a timetable for his return, but Korver is believed to be operating under the assumption that he will be out for that long. He missed all but one of the Jazz's preseason games because of his knee. "He's doing all right," Deron Williams said. "I know he's definitely frustrated by the situation. He finally gets his wrist healthy [after offseason surgery] and now it's his knee." If Korver were to miss six weeks, the Jazz likely would be without both him and C.J. Miles (thumb ..."

Rajon Rondo talk not cheap

Comment

October 28

Boston Herald

"Rajon Rondo's negotiations with the Celtics are far from finished, according to most of the parties involved. Though agent Bill Duffy was quoted yesterday in a Yahoo report saying Rondo wouldn't sign with the Celtics by Saturday's deadline, Duffy actually met with general manager Danny Ainge before last night's season opener between the team and the Cleveland Cavaliers. The agent refused comment but acknowledged he was about to meet Ainge. "To me, it's all about negotiating," Ainge said of Duffy's comments. "If he says he won't talk to me, then he won't, but he hasn't told me it's over." According to two league sources, the Celtics have increased their offer to Rondo, who is seeking a ..."

NBA Trade Rumors