NBA Rumors: Pro Sports Daily

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November 20

New York Times

"The Knicks' pursuit of Allen Iverson is dead. In an abrupt reversal, Knicks officials decided late Thursday not to offer Iverson a contract, putting an end to their brief flirtation, according to a person close to the deliberations. Although team officials were highly intrigued by Iverson, a four-time scoring champion, they finally decided that he posed too great a risk because of his long history of problems on and off the court. Team officials spent three days weighing the potential merits and pitfalls of signing Iverson, and alternately talked themselves into and then out of making the move. On Tuesday the team president, Donnie Walsh, called it unlikely. Two days later he seemed open ..."

Walsh, D'Antoni to meet with Iverson before finishing deal

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November 20

New York Post

"Allen Iverson became a free man again last night, clearing waivers and clearing the way for him to join the Knicks in time for next week's West Coast trip vs. the Lakers, Kings and Nuggets. Knicks president Donnie Walsh and Mike D'Antoni were planning on interviewing Iverson first as final confirmation of their desire to make this massive move that changes the entire face of this season's club. There's a possibility of Iverson coming to New York for a sit-down meeting — the primary reason for the delay. Walsh and D'Antoni said an official signing may not come until after the weekend. Walsh, who met with his scouts yesterday, is expected to offer Iverson a one-year, $1.3M deal unless the ..."

Iverson close to deal with the Knicks

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November 20

NBA.com

"The New York Knicks' pursuit of free agent Allen Iverson has gone from longshot to even money in 48 hours, with several league sources indicating they believed Iverson would agree to a deal with the Knicks no later than the weekend -- and one source with knowledge of the negotiations indicating an agreement between the team and the nine-time All-Star was a near certainty. The 34-year-old Iverson officially cleared waivers Thursday evening after agreeing to a termination of his contract with the Memphis Grizzlies after just three regular-season games. Iverson had requested a leave of absence from the Grizzlies on Nov. 10 after telling the team he had to deal with an urgent family matter. ..."

Bogut out 2 to 4 weeks

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November 20

Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

"Bucks center Andrew Bogut will miss the next two to four weeks with a left leg strain and contusion, the team announced Thursday afternoon. Bogut missed practice on Thursday and underwent a magnetic resonance imaging exam. He was injured late in the fourth quarter of the Bucks' 99-85 victory over New Jersey on Wednesday night. The 7-foot center was examined by Bucks team doctor Michael Gordon, and the MRI exam revealed the injury. Bogut was off to a great start this season, averaging 16.1 points and 9.2 rebounds in 33.6 minutes per game. He had scored 21 points and grabbed 11 rebounds when he left the game on Wednesday after banging his lower leg in a collision with another player."

Spurs' Ginobili to miss 7 to 10 days

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November 20

San Antonio Express-News

"After being examined by members of the Spurs medical staff Thursday, guard Manu Ginobili has been ruled out of action for seven to 10 days. An MRI exam confirmed that Ginobili suffered a mild left groin strain during Wednesday's game against the Mavericks in Dallas. He previously had been bothered by a left hamstring strain that caused Spurs coach Gregg Popovich to sit him during the fourth quarter of a loss to Oklahoma City on Saturday. Both Ginobili and All-NBA point guard Tony Parker, still ailing with a sprained left ankle, were inactive for Thursday's game against the Jazz. Parker now is listed as day-to-day. The muscle strains that have plagued Ginobili are a disappointment after a ..."

LeBron as a Pacer? Why it's not likely

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November 20

Indianapolis Star

"Pick a team, almost any team, and LeBron James' name has been linked to it as a possible destination in next summer's much-anticipated free agent frenzy. (Speaking of which: Doesn't James look good in that Indiana Pacers jersey? It's even No. 6, a tribute to one of his favorite players, Julius Erving. Alas, this tricked-up photo will have to serve in place of reality.) James might play for a team other than Cleveland next year, but it won't be the Pacers. Why? James no longer is discussing free agency. Regardless, here are six reasons -- in honor of him changing his number next season -- his appearance tonight at Conseco Fieldhouse will be the exception, not the rule."

Gordon could return next week

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November 20

Los Angeles Times

"Clippers General Manager and Coach Mike Dunleavy, with his team looking muddled defensively and in an opening-month spiral, on Thursday addressed the issue of his job security. The Clippers (4-9) have won one of their last six games, and returned home having dropped consecutive games to struggling New Orleans and Memphis. They play Denver tonight. "When's the last time you ever saw an interim coach come in and the team be successful and make a playoff run?" Dunleavy said. "It's not happening. Nobody knows these guys better than I know them. "Give a coach a chance to coach Eric Gordon and Blake Griffin. After that, fine. Let the chips fall where they may. Other than that, you just fall to ..."

Ankle injury continues to slow Rose

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November 20

Yahoo! Sports

"The lane opened, and suddenly Derrick Rose(notes) was bolting toward the rim. Surely, the Chicago Bulls' young point guard would deliver a highlight to remember, a soaring dunk, maybe even a vicious one-handed flush like the one he memorably threw down on Leandro Barbosa(notes) last season. Not on this night. Rose instead opted to coast toward the basket for an easy layup, looking far more like John Stockton than Michael Jordan. The truth is Rose has yet to dunk at all this season. "The times I've attempted to I was barely getting up," he said. "So I will just say it was a high layup." A sprained right ankle Rose suffered early in the preseason has limited him. Three weeks into the ..."

News encouraging on Mavericks' Dampier, source says

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November 20

Dallas Morning News

"All major medical issues that would be considering life- or career-threatening have been eliminated in regard to center Erick Dampier's health, an NBA source said Thursday. The Mavericks have breathed a sigh of relief with the results but are still waiting on the returns from more tests, the source added. Dampier became ill in pregame warm-ups Sunday against Detroit and was transported to a hospital in Pontiac, Mich."

Gasol says he will play Thursday

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November 19

Los Angeles Times

"Pau Gasol finally will play for the Lakers tonight when they face the Chicago Bulls at Staples Center. The right hamstring that kept Gasol out of the Lakers' first 11 regular-season games, the injury that hampered him for just over five weeks, healed enough to where he feels comfortable enough to play in a game. "I think that I'll be able to go tomorrow," Gasol said after practice Wednesday. "It felt great today and I don't plan on any reason why it wouldn't feel the same way tomorrow." Gasol has experienced a few close calls in returning to game action since he injured his hamstring in early October. So Gasol was pressed harder, with the media looking for a definitive answer about his ..."

Knicks on verge of signing Iverson

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November 19

Newsday

"Allen Iverson has told associates he is prepared to come to New York and resuscitate not only his Hall of Fame career but also a desperate franchise trying to pacify its frustrated fans as it bridges the gap to 2010. Though no decision has been officially made by the Knicks, indications are that the Iverson Era - however brief it may be - could begin as early as Thursday night after the 34-year-old former MVP clears waivers at 6 p.m. It may all hinge on how both sides come out of a conversation that is expected to take place Thursday. "We wouldn't be considering it if we thought we were functioning well and we're not," Walsh said of the Knicks, who went into last night's game against the ..."

Answer may be yes as Walsh, Knicks pursue AI; Heat also interested

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November 19

New York Daily News

"The answer to The Answer appears to be yes. Donnie Walsh said Wednesday night that the Knicks have yet to make a final decision on whether to sign Allen Iverson but the Knicks president hinted that the club is leaning strongly in that direction. Iverson, a former MVP, is expected to clear waivers at 6 p.m. today and will become an unrestricted free agent. The Knicks could have competition from Miami, who according to a person close to Iverson said the team is "hot" after him. "Until something's done it's not done," Walsh said. "That's the way I've always been. If he's not signed it's not done." It's worth remembering that Walsh used similar language days before Mike D'Antoni was hired ..."

No Knicks decision on Iverson offer

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November 19

New York Post

"The waiting game for the Knicks and Allen Iverson goes on. Both Donnie Walsh and Mike D'Antoni said this afternoon that the team has not reached a decision on whether to offer the controversial guard a contract if he clears waivers tonight. "I don't think anybody's made a decision yet," D'Antoni said after practice today. "We're going to keep looking at it. Donnie will look at it and we'll arrive at a decision. We're not ready. … I don't think we're ready to say yeah or nay yet. Let's just see how it plays out." Iverson will come off waivers at 6 p.m. tonight if no team claims him. On Wednesday, Walsh indicated the team was likely to make a bid for Iverson. Today after the Knicks practiced ..."

McGrady dressed but not ready

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November 19

Houston Chronicle

"Tracy McGrady marked the occasion of his "target date" to return to the court by getting in uniform after his customary pregame workout. That, however, was as close as he came to beginning his comeback from last February's microfracture surgery. Though the Rockets have only 11 active players, he remained on the team's inactive list in the locker room during the game. "We have no timetable," coach Rick Adelman said when asked about McGrady's return. With his first-half 3-pointer, Rockets forward Shane Battier has hit at least one trey in 24 consecutive games, the second-longest active streak in the NBA (behind Chicago's John Salmons). "Chase (Budinger) told me," Battier said, having ..."

Knicks consider adding Iverson

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November 19

ESPN.com

"The New York Knicks, winners of just two of their first 11 games, are seriously contemplating signing Allen Iverson if he clears waivers Thursday evening. "We are at a point where, 'Do we need an influx of something else?' " Knicks coach Mike D'Antoni said. "It is always a fluid situation. It is fluid right now. We are just trying to determine what is the best for this organization and these players." This offseason, the Knicks chose not to try to sign Iverson, then a free agent. The Knicks believed Iverson would take too many minutes from starting point guard Chris Duhon and backups Nate Robinson and Toney Douglas. The Knicks also have been playing Larry Hughes in the backcourt. The ..."

Walsh near making offer to Iverson

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November 19

New York Post

"Knicks team president Donnie Walsh gave strong indications he will make an offer to Allen Iverson, possibly as soon as tonight, when the veteran guard clears waivers at 6 p.m. and the A.I. New York Era could begin by the weekend. A source said coach Mike D'Antoni told Walsh Tuesday night he is on board with pursuing Iverson, fearing the team would continue its titanic collapse. Last night, the Knicks rallied from 19 points down late in the third quarter to upset the Pacers, 110-103, at Conseco Field House and move to 2-9. Walsh said he hoped to have a decision one way or another by tonight, and all appearances now are he wants to make the move. The Knicks don't play until Saturday in New ..."

Knicks moving ahead in pursuit of Iverson

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November 19

Bergen Record

"While Donnie Walsh spent part of his Wednesday with his wife, family and beloved dogs in what he still considers his primary home, the Knicks' president also spent part of it talking to people about Allen Iverson — including Larry Brown. He also plans, perhaps as soon as today, to talk to Iverson. He clearly sounds like someone who plans to pursue a player for whom fans are clamoring, but would represent — both he and coach Mike D'Antoni say — a significant change in direction for their reeling team. "We wouldn't be considering it if we thought we were functioning well," Walsh said before the Knicks' 110-103 victory. "And we're not." Thus, by the time Iverson is expected to clear waivers ..."

Browns would welcome LeBron

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November 19

Akron Beacon Journal

"Last season, Cavaliers star LeBron James played out his football fantasies in an insurance commercial that had him clad in a No. 23 Browns jersey. Members of the struggling Browns are now willing to make that a reality. ''I think he should come on down,'' Browns coach Eric Mangini said Wednesday. ''I know he's pretty busy right now, but if he wants to give it a shot . . . the guy's gifted, gifted athletically, he's competitive, he's tough. I'm sure whatever he applied himself to, he'd probably be good in baseball, or soccer or or swimming. The guy's a freak athletically.'' After watching the Browns fall 16-0 to the Baltimore Ravens on Monday Night Football, James suggested he could help ..."

Antonio Daniels could be in the mix if team decides to sign another point guard

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November 19

Orlando Sentinel

"The agent for PG Antonio Daniels told the Sentinel on Wednesday that he spoke with the Magic about signing Daniels in the aftermath of an injury to starter Jameer Nelson. Tony Dutt, who represents Daniels and Rashard Lewis, said he talked to Magic GM Otis Smith, but said Smith isn't ready to make a move yet. The Magic said that Nelson underwent successful surgery to repair a torn lateral meniscus in his left knee Wednesday morning. He is expected to miss four to six weeks. "I talked to Otis about Antonio after Jameer got hurt. But I think they are going to wait a few days if they do anything," Dutt said by phone. Dutt said that the Magic could sign Daniels, 34, to a non-guaranteed ..."

Blazers craft money strategy

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November 19

Portland Tribune

"For a team that just committed something in the neighborhood of $143 million in salary to two players, the Trail Blazers are well-positioned for the future in terms of payroll. That doesn't mean Portland will have salary-cap room to land a big-ticket free agent next summer. Still, the franchise that once paid $100 million in luxury taxes has its financial act together now. This season, the Blazers' payroll is $56.2 million for their 15 players – an average of $3.75 million per player, under the salary cap ($57.7 million) and well under the luxury-tax threshold ($69.92 million). Portland is 27th among the 30 NBA teams in payroll, ahead of only Memphis, Minnesota, Detroit and Oklahoma City. ..."

Wizard beat Cavs, James injures wrist on dunk

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November 19

Cleveland Plain Dealer

"It is rare for anyone to straight up outplay LeBron James and it is simply unheard of to see anyone get inside his head. But no matter what the stats say, that certainly appears to have been the case Wednesday night. There's been so much trash talk and hard fouls -- and even venomous rap songs -- between James and the Washington Wizards' DeShawn Stevenson. The scoreboard is overwhelming in James' favor, from playoff victories to flagrant fouls to Jay-Z in the studio having his back. This time, though, the worm turned, and in a most bizarre and unexpected way. All on Stevenson's "bobble hand" night. That's right, the sellout got tattoo-free figurines with the Stevenson's hand wagging in ..."

Injury bug bites Spurs again

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November 19

San Antonio Express-News

"The night began with news that Tony Parker would not be able to play against the Dallas Mavericks because of the recurrence of an ankle injury suffered 12 days earlier. Not long after tipoff, the Spurs learned they would be without Manu Ginobili, too. Ginobili earned his first start of the season, then left the floor 71/2 minutes later with a left groin strain. And the Spurs, for the second time in a week, were left to face their Interstate-35 rivals without two of their Big Three. Just a week earlier, Parker missed a victory over the Mavericks — and a preceding victory over Toronto — with the same injury. He aggravated it in his return Saturday against Oklahoma City and had been limited ..."

Tim Thomas back to contribute for Mavericks

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November 19

Fort Worth Star-Telegram

"While the injuries and illnesses keep taking away players, the Dallas Mavericks were happy to get what they hope to be a key contributor back Wednesday night. Tim Thomas suited up for the first time this season and entered the game against San Antonio with 3:25 left in the first quarter. It was a moment Thomas has been looking forward to for a long time. He was getting tired of being a spectator to the Mavericks' 8-3 start."

Clippers lose game, and Camby

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November 19

Los Angeles Times

"Remember all those days ago when the latest Clippers crisis appeared to be averted? Turns out it was merely the briefest of commercial breaks, or someone leaning on the pause button for a second or two. Three days after a seemingly unifying road victory, not only has the malaise resurfaced, but the Clippers have practically gone subterranean, losing consecutive games to NBA minnows. The latest was an embarrassing loss to the lowly Memphis Grizzlies, who won their third game, defeating the Clippers, 106-91, at FedExForum on Wednesday night. Marc Gasol ran the table in the first half, and Rudy Gay and former Clipper Zach Randolph (21 points) took over in the second half for the Grizzlies. ..."

Bobcats' Chandler leaves game with back spasms

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November 19

Charlotte Observer

"Between the back spasms early and the back-breakers late, this one was painful on several levels for the Charlotte Bobcats. Even with their starting center sidelined by back spasms and their starting power forward playing through a similar injury, the Bobcats were tough and skilled enough to beat the Philadelphia 76ers Wednesday. They weren't smart or precise enough. So they lost their sixth straight overall, 86-84, at the Wachovia Center. For the record, the Sixers won it on a transition layup by Lou Williams with three seconds left. But it was the disorganization on the previous play, leading to a desperate, 20-foot miss by Boris Diaw, that did them in. The Bobcats (3-8) were coming out ..."

Shoulder injury sidelines Heat's Udonis Haslem at least one game

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November 19

Miami Herald

"There was a new addition to the Heat's injury report Wednesday, with leading rebounder Udonis Haslem sitting out with a strained left shoulder. Haslem has been bothered by soreness for weeks, but he continued to play. An MRI after Saturday's win against New Jersey revealed no structural damage. Haslem aggravated the shoulder for a second time in Tuesday's loss to Oklahoma City. He played 34 minutes, but left in the fourth quarter after he collided with forward Nick Collison. The injury could also keep Haslem out Friday against Toronto. ``It's been a couple of weeks, something I've been dealing with, but it got a little worse [Tuesday],'' Haslem said Wednesday. ``I would definitely play. ..."

MRI on Birdman's knee clear of big damage

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November 19

Denver Post

"Nuggets forward Chris Andersen underwent an MRI on his right knee Wednesday, and no structural damage was found. He is listed as day-to-day with patella tendinitis. Anderson has been sore, so he underwent the procedure today in Denver. Dr. Steve Traina said the test revealed no structural damage. Guard Anthony Carter is listed as questionable for the Nuggets' game Friday against the Clippers in Los Angeles. A strained left hip kept him out of the past two games. ...Karl said he's starting to settle in with the rotation, both with who is starting and coming off the bench. "Yeah," Karl said. "I think Arron (Afflalo) and Ty have done a great job for guys that we didn't have"

Turiaf feeling better about knee

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November 19

San Francisco Chronicle

"Help for the shorthanded Warriors could be on the horizon. Ronny Turiaf was cautiously optimistic Wednesday that his left knee sprain is healing and is calling it day to day. The day before, coach Don Nelson said he thought Andris Biedrins, who will have his back and groin re-evaluated Monday, could join the eight-man rotation before Turiaf. Turiaf, however, had a good rehab workout before Wednesday's game. He's cautious because he's made similar progress at times since he was injured Oct. 30, but has backtracked the following day - feeling pain both inside and outside the knee."

Gasol set to return for Lakers

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November 19

L.A. Daily News

"Pau Gasol will make his season debut tonight against the Chicago Bulls. Definitely. Maybe. "I don't know about definitely," he said, wincing after Wednesday's practice. OK, let's just say Gasol's strained right hamstring definitely is improved. Maybe it's not 100 percent but it's still good enough to allow him to play tonight. That is, unless he suffers a serious setback today at the Lakers' shootaround. "It felt great today," he said. "I don't want to jinx it, but I don't see why there's any reason I shouldn't play. I want to play. I've been wanting to play since day one. It just wasn't ready. The muscle wasn't healed. "Now it is healed. It feels good." Lakers coach Phil Jackson said he ..."

Ginobili out, Parker doubtful for Jazz

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November 19

San Antonio Express-News

"The injury bug has bitten the Spurs again. Tony Parker is doubtful and Manu Ginobili is out for Thursday's home game against the Utah Jazz. Parker missed Wednesday night's 99-94 overtime loss at Dallas with a sprained left ankle that has been bothering him for more than a week. Ginobili, meanwhile, hobbled off the floor 7:28 into his first start of the season with a strained left groin. Ginobili is set to undergo further tests on the injury Thursday, and won't play against the Jazz. The injury is unrelated to the hamstring problem that kept him out of the fourth quarter of Saturday's loss to Oklahoma City."

Warriors fall to Cavs; Is Ellis on way out?

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November 18

San Francisco Chronicle

"On Day 1 of the post-Stephen Jackson era, the Warriors found a way to replace their top soap-operatic story line as rumors swirled before Tuesday's 114-108 loss to Cleveland that the team is shopping Monta Ellis. According to unnamed sources in multiple reports, Ellis could be the next disgruntled player to get traded by Golden State. Coach Don Nelson denied a similar report last week, and general manager Larry Riley on Tuesday said that the reports were "making too much" of a potential meeting with Ellis' agent, Jeff Fried. Riley, however, wouldn't completely dismiss the trade rumors, saying "I don't have any trades working right now, but who is to say what might happen down the road?" ..."

Browns coach Eric Mangini to LeBron James: Come on down

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November 18

Cleveland Plain Dealer

"Browns coach Eric Mangini was delighted to hear that Cavs superstar LeBron James thinks he could help the Browns' woeful offense. "I think he should come on down,'' said Mangini with a smile. "I know he's pretty busy right now, but if he wants to give it a shot, the guy's gifted, gifted athletically. He's competitive. He's tough. I'm sure whatever he applied himself to, he'd probably be good in baseball, or soccer or swimming. The guy's a freak athletically.'' Responding to a question about the Monday Night Football crew saying he'd be a great NFL tight end and has the "best offense in the city of Cleveland,'' James said, "If I put all my time and commitment into it, if I dedicated myself ..."

Court ruling on Nets' Brooklyn arena looms

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November 18

Bergen Record

"A New York Court of Appeals ruling that could make or break the $5 billion Atlantic Yards project — site of the Nets' planned new home — may be issued as soon as Thursday. New York's highest court resumed session Tuesday, and spokesman Gary Spencer said rulings are issued on Tuesdays and Thursdays. If the court doesn't rule this week on the project's proposed use of eminent domain at the Brooklyn site, the court's release dates for rulings next week would be Monday and Tuesday because of the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday. The court could take until as late as mid-December to announce its decision, but most of the 25 cases heard in October are expected to be ruled upon this month. At issue ..."

Knicks considering Iverson

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November 18

Bergen Record

"Even Donnie Walsh's stay-the-course, keep-your-eye-on-the-(2010) prize philosophy is subject to change with the Knicks 1-9. "One-and-nine makes me look at my wife differently," the Knicks president said Tuesday before he and his team left for tonight's game in Indiana. Perhaps Allen Iverson, too. Only days after saying Iverson didn't fit his forward-looking, player-development plan, Walsh acknowledged he and the organization would "check into" whether the just-waived, lightning-rod guard could help the reeling Knicks. Nothing more. "Basketball's fluid and things change every second: standings, how it's going and all that," coach Mike D'Antoni said of the team's altered interest in a player ..."

Pau Gasol should be back Thursday

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November 18

Los Angeles Times

"In his acting debut, Pau Gasol died of a brain injury as a character on Monday night's episode of "CSI: Miami." He'll soon be coming back to life in his other, more lucrative job. Gasol is expected to return Thursday against the Chicago Bulls after sitting out 11 games because of a strained right hamstring. "Sounds good to me," he said Tuesday. The Lakers' forward-center shot with the team at Tuesday morning's shoot-around and reported only a small amount of pain. "A little sore here and there, but the good thing is the hamstring has responded well," he said. "It's really promising." Of course, Gasol's recent improvement didn't come without a round of ribbing from Lakers Coach Phil ..."

Wizards get Jamison, Foye back in lineup

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November 18

Washington Times

"Directing his players at Tuesday's practice session - the first in more than a month with all his core players healthy - coach Flip Saunders had to feel relieved. Antawn Jamison, one of the cornerstones for the Washington Wizards, was back for the second straight day. Randy Foye also was back in his role as the key rotation player after missing the past two games with a sprained ankle. Finally, Saunders & Co. were able to resume building on the foundation they laid during training camp and the first week of the preseason. "We're not a team that you would say has lost six games in a row if you're watching," Saunders said. "I think it's good to have Antawn back in the fold. ... Now you can ..."

Iverson signing with Knicks looks like long shot

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November 18

New York Post

"Allen Iverson won't suit up in a Knicks uniform tonight at Conseco Field House, or probably ever. But Knicks president Donnie Walsh won't have the final "Answer" on his Iverson investigation for a few days. The Knicks president told The Post yesterday morning before practice that signing Iverson was still "a long shot" despite a media frenzy. After practice, Mike D'Antoni's remarks were noteworthy for what he did not say. The Knicks coach never once indicated Iverson would be a good fit for this franchise. Iverson, 34, was officially put on waivers yesterday after his Memphis divorce and won't be a free agent till tomorrow. A source said Iverson is holed up in Atlanta. The Knicks are on ..."

Magic's Jameer Nelson to have knee surgery

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November 18

Orlando Sentinel

"Jason Williams turns 34 today and was retired at this time last season. But the Orlando Magic will be asking more from the veteran point guard out of the University of Florida after learning on Tuesday that all-star Jameer Nelson will be out four to six weeks with a knee injury. The club said that Nelson will undergo arthroscopic surgery today to repair a torn meniscus in his left knee. After enduring injuries, illnesses and Rashard Lewis' suspension since training camp, the Magic figured their luck had changed until Nelson's injury caught them by surprise. He apparently was hurt during the fourth quarter of the Magic's 97-91 victory against the Charlotte Bobcats on Monday night. Williams, ..."

Raja Bell will undergo surgery on left wrist

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November 18

Contra Costa Times

"Warriors guard Raja Bell, who was acquired Monday from Charlotte in the Stephen Jackson trade, has decided to have surgery to repair the torn ligament in his left wrist, but he doesn't know how long he will be out. Depending on the severity of the tear, which can be determined only during surgery, he could be out a month or five months. Coach Don Nelson said the Warriors were aware that Bell could miss the season. Considering he's a free agent after this year, it may mean he never plays a game for the Warriors. "It's a good thing to get it taken care of," Nelson said before Tuesday's 114-108 loss at Cleveland. Bell said he made the decision days ago, before he got traded to the Warriors. ..."

Korver hopes to return in two weeks

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November 18

Salt Lake Tribune

"Back from a weeklong training session at the Peak Performance Project in Santa Barbara, Calif., Kyle Korver said Wednesday he was encouraged about making his return after left-knee surgery in a matter of weeks. Asked how close he was, Korver answered: "A lot closer than I was a week ago, for sure. It's hard to really say. Just as I keep doing more stuff, see how it responds. But I definitely made a lot of progress in the last week." Korver added that he was hoping to return in "two weeks, tops" -- he didn't rule out the possibility of playing in November -- which would be ahead of schedule after he underwent arthroscopic surgery Oct. 28 to remove a bone spur from his knee. He played in ..."

Paul Pierce up for practice

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November 18

Boston Herald

"Here's a partial list of irresistible forces: Nor'easters and the New England coast. Jeff Beck and the guitar. Paul Pierce and the floor. Though Celtics coach Doc Rivers said Monday that Pierce was being held out until tonight's Garden game against the Golden State Warriors as a precautionary measure for the captain's sprained left knee, those good intentions went for naught. Just as Pierce talked his way into Saturday's loss to the Pacers in Indiana, he insisted on a full run in yesterday's practice. "I got a good response from my last couple of days of rest," Pierce said. "I felt good about it. It went smooth. A slight sprain in the knee, but I'm a fast healer. I felt good. . . . My body ..."

Homecoming for Howard, surgery for Outlaw

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November 18

Oregonian

"It was quite a scene before Saturday's game in Charlotte, when Juwan Howard walked onto the court for warmups. At halfcourt, the entire Bobcats coaching staff, as well as some players, gathered to greet Howard, who played 39 games in Charlotte last season. But it wasn't just any meet and greet. There were bear hugs, back pats and more hugs, from each of the more than eight Bobcats personnel. The most emphatic in his reception was head coach Larry Brown. "He was a huge part of our team," Brown said. "His work ethic, his character, everything about him was terrific, and it was important because we had so many young kids and he is the ultimate pro. The way he conducts himself, the way he ..."

Raptors claim Pops off waivers

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November 18

Houston Chronicle

"The Toronto Raptors defended the Suns' prolific pick-and-roll by switching on screens, having relatively good success with the strategy. With small point guards, that was not an option for the Rockets, who would not want to force Aaron Brooks or Kyle Lowry to have to match up against Amar'e Stoudemire. The Rockets, however, have allowed center Chuck Hayes to switch defensively, including in games last season against the Suns. "We feel comfortable with Chuck on anybody," Shane Battier said. "Three-fourths of the world is covered by water. The rest is covered by Chuck Hayes." The Rockets don't switch on pick-and-rolls and usually "show" on screens, but don't trap. "Assistant coaches always ..."

Clippers' loss is bigger than just a game

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November 18

Los Angeles Times

"An already subdued Clippers locker room -- quieted after a 110-102 loss to the Hornets on Tuesday night at New Orleans Arena -- became even more downcast when Kareem Rush arrived on crutches, moving slowly to his spot near the corner. There were a couple of murmurs in the room and finally one of his teammates asked, "You OK?" Said Rush: "No." Rush then told his teammates that he had a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee, which puts him out for the rest of the season. Conclusive word came less than an hour later when the MRI test result came in and confirmed what Rush feared and had told the other players. He suffered the injury late in the first quarter, with 2:31 remaining, ..."

Time to look for some help?

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November 18

Boston Globe

"With the Celtics having lost three of their past five games, and their lineup struggling with outside shooting, rumors are beginning to surface about potential trades. While the Philadelphia 76ers are looking to rid themselves of the underachieving Samuel Dalembert and the Sacramento Kings are seeking to deal the disgruntled Kenny Thomas, the Celtics have been rumored to be part a three-way deal that would send Tony Allen, Brian Scalabrine, and J.R. Giddens out of Boston and net them the Kings' Andres Nocioni. An ESPN report said there have been discussions to send Allen, Scalabrine, and Thomas to Philadelphia and Giddens to Sacramento along with Dalembert while the Celtics would get the ..."

Knicks to meet with Iverson

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November 17

New York Daily News

"Can Allen Iverson save the Knicks' season, rescue them at the box office or at least make them relevant again? Donnie Walsh will spend the next 48 hours debating what impact, both negative and positive, Iverson could have on the organization. Walsh, the Knicks' president, confirmed Monday night that the club will explore the possibility of signing Iverson, the former league MVP who was placed on waivers yesterday by the Memphis Grizzlies. "We'll look into it," Walsh told the Daily News. "Right now, I'd say probably not but we'll see." A source close to Iverson says he'd be eager to play in Mike D'Antoni's up-tempo system. Iverson had similar interest over the summer but the Knicks ..."

Ellis/Warriors situation set to hit full boil at Thursday meeting: Trade inevitable?

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November 17

San Jose Mercury News

"Multiple NBA sources have confirmed that Monta Ellis' status with the Warriors could be determined Thursday, when his agent is scheduled to meet with team management in Oakland. Several sources indicate that Ellis' agent, Jeff Fried, already has discussed the possibility of the Warrriors giving Fried and Ellis permission to talk to other teams to quicken the pace of trade talks. The Thursday meeting could formalize those general discussions. One source said that Fried tacitly has been given the go-ahead to try to come up with a trade, but that team president Robert Rowell may not yet have officially signed off on it. (Al Harrington was given similar permission last year. It's believed ..."

Knicks curious about Iverson

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November 17

New York Post

"During the summer, the Knicks showed no interest in Allen Iverson when he was a free agent. But after the Knicks' franchise-worst 1-9 start, team president Donnie Walsh told The Post yesterday he will look into the possibility of signing Iverson and investigate why he divorced from Memphis. In what was called a mutual agreement, the Grizzlies announced yesterday they have ended their one-year contract with the 10-time All-Star and former league MVP. Iverson complained about his playing time and a lack of a starting role before leaving the Grizzlies for personal reasons. "Because of personal matters that forced him to leave the team on Nov. 7, Allen will step away from the game at this ..."

Jamison practices, expected to play

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November 17

Washington Post

"Antawn Jamison's season debut was delayed the first time when he dislocated his right shoulder in Cleveland last month. It was delayed again when he came down with an illness that left him bedridden last weekend. But the two-time all-star forward, who has been sidelined five weeks, is finally expected to return on Wednesday against the Cavaliers. And it couldn't come any sooner for a team that has stumbled to a 2-7 start and is in the midst of a six-game losing streak. Jamison on Monday participated in his first full contact practice since he collided with Cavaliers reserve center Zydrunas Ilgauskas and suffered a shoulder subluxation on Oct. 14. Coach Flip Saunders said "he didn't show ..."

Monta Ellis and Don Nelson may be next to leave the Golden State Warriors

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November 17

Contra Costa Times

columnist Cam Inman

"IT'S NOT SAD that swingman Stephen Jackson left the Warriors as part of a four-player trade Monday with the Charlotte Bobcats. It was worse when Baron Davis skipped town. Or when Jason Richardson was dealt. Or perhaps even the combined departures of Mickael Pietrus, Matt Barnes and Al Harrington. Stop wondering whether to get sentimental about Jackson, whether he symbolized the last remaining piece of the 2007 "We Believe" playoff era. He didn't. So don't bother shedding a tear. He certainly didn't. Jackson wanted to bail on this perennially chaotic franchise. He just didn't make a smooth exit. He lost favor with Warriors fans by asking out way too soon after agreeing to a three-year ..."

D'Antoni's job is safe

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November 17

Bergen Record

"Murmurs about a coach's job security often increase over a lot less than a 1-9 start. Just ask Byron Scott, whose Hornets were 3-6 when he got whacked last week, or countless coaches fired (or encouraged to leave) as victims of expectations — including Mike D'Antoni in Phoenix. But although New York-caliber murmurs are simmering about D'Antoni in the wake of the Knicks' worst-ever 10-game start — for which he invokes Coaching 101 by taking full responsibility — team president Donnie Walsh said his coach is safe, doesn't have to change his style and should have expected this. "I hate to put a coach in a position that's a difficult position, and I've definitely done that," Walsh said after ..."

Jamison expected to play Wednesday

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November 17

Washington Times

"The Washington Wizards had a completely healthy Antawn Jamison back on the practice court for the first time in five weeks, and he is expected to make his season debut Wednesday when the Cleveland Cavaliers come to town. The two-time All-Star power forward, who in the past two seasons has led the Wizards in both scoring and rebounding, missed the last two weeks of the preseason and all nine of the Wizards' regular-season games with a partially dislocated right shoulder. He was cleared for full-contact practice Thursday, but a virus kept him sidelined another three days, causing him to miss two practices and Saturday's 106-103 loss to Detroit. The Wizards did not practice Sunday, so Jamison ..."

Source: Grizzlies to waive Iverson

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November 16

ESPN.com

"Allen Iverson's time in Memphis is over. Iverson and the Grizzlies have mutually agreed to part ways, and Iverson is expected to be placed on waivers by 6 p.m. ET Monday, a league source tells ESPN.com's Chris Sheridan. Under the agreement, Iverson will receive only a fraction of the $3 million he was scheduled to earn. If he clears waivers, he will become an unrestricted free agent on Wednesday night."

Warriors trade Jackson to Bobcats

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November 16

Charlotte Observer

"The Charlotte Bobcats have acquired disgruntled wing scorer Stephen Jackson from the Golden State Warriors in a package that will involve guard Raja Bell and forward Vladimir Radmanovic, an NBA source conformed. Jackson, a 6'8" swingman, is currently in his 10th NBA season. The Bobcats will also acquire point guard Acie Law from the Warriors. Law was originally drafted by the Atlanta Hawks. Jackson figures to give an immediate bump to a Bobcats offense that is last in the league in both points scored and field goal percentage. Jackson had frequently requested a trade from the Warriors in a personality conflict with coach Don Nelson. The Warriors were under some pressure to get him out of ..."

Heisley to Iverson: We want a decision on your future ... soon

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November 16

Memphis Commercial Appeal

"Grizzlies owner Michael Heisley says Allen Iverson's time is up. Heisley told Iverson's agent, Leon Rose, that his client must decide soon whether he'll play or retire because the Grizzlies won't deal with the uncertainty beyond this week. Iverson, 34, has been away from the Grizzlies for the past 10 days on a personal leave of absence. "I've treated this like Allen told me it was – a personal leave," Heisley said. "But either he's retiring or coming back to play. I'm not upset with Allen. We'll be happy to accommodate Allen. If he retires, then he retires. If he wants to come back, we'll gladly accept him back. But I have personally made it clear that there's going to have to be a ..."

Rowell talks futures of Nelson, Jackson

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November 16

ESPN.com

"Golden State Warriors president Robert Rowell addressed several topics of contention surrounding the franchise Sunday night, including the removal of Don Nelson as head coach. "I haven't had one discussion about that at all," Rowell said. "It hasn't even crossed my mind. He just signed a two-year extension and I expect him to be our coach for the next two years." A report last week had an unidentified source saying Nelson could be removed as coach as early as this week, the only question being whether he would be fired altogether or moved into a front-office consultant's role. Assistant coach Keith Smart was identified as his successor. Nelson has publicly clashed with both Stephen Jackson ..."

Lakers have no shot in loss; Bryant nursing groin injury

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November 16

L.A. Daily News

"It wasn't so much the sights that were so strangely unfamiliar Sunday night at Staples Center, but there also were the sounds. There were long stretches of uncomfortable silence, followed by audible grumbling and, finally, boos. Waves of discontent washed over the out of sync Lakers as they turned in a second consecutive clunker and fell with a thud to the opportunistic Houston Rockets 101-91 in front of a confused sellout crowd of 18,997. The normal rhythm of the Lakers' game was absent. They shot a miserable 38.1 percent (32 for 84). They were hammered on the boards by the shorter Rockets, 60-38. They couldn't stop speedy guard Aaron Brooks, who torched them for a career-high 33 points ..."

Injured Paul's status is expected today

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November 16

New Orleans Times-Picayune

"Hornets General Manager/Coach Jeff Bower is expected to provide details today on how long Chris Paul could be sidelined and discuss the MRI test that was performed Saturday on Paul's severely sprained left ankle. Paul, who had to be helped off the floor after suffering the injury in Friday's loss to the visiting Portland Trail Blazers, did not travel with the team to Atlanta for Saturday night's game and underwent medical tests and evaluations in New Orleans. "You are obviously concerned when any of your players get hurt," Bower said. "Chris' absence changes things quite a bit as far the contributions of everyone on the floor. But we got to look to make up the difference in a number of ..."

Sixers' Speights to miss 6 to 8 weeks with knee injury

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November 16

Philadelphia Daily News

"The Friday night home loss to the Utah Jazz hurt the 76ers' pride as they were outmanned, outmuscled, outplayed and thoroughly thumped in a 112-90 loss. Saturday night in Chicago, though armed with a better effort and more determined play all around, the Sixers dropped a 94-88 decision to the Bulls and dropped their record to 4-6. That loss might have ultimately hurt more than the Utah game, though, as reserve center Marreesse Speights, the Sixers' most consistent player off the bench this season, had to leave the game with an injury to his left knee. After an MRI exam yesterday morning, team physician Dr. Jack McPhilemy revealed that Speights has a partial tear of the MCL and will be out ..."

Turkoglu almost joined Suns in 2004

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November 16

Arizona Republic

"Steve Nash and Joe Johnson in the backcourt and Amaré Stoudemire, Shawn Marion and Hedo Turkoglu up front. It sounds like an NBA "Where Amazing Happens" commercial cast from four teams, or maybe even an All-Star collection if Turkoglu ever gets his credit. It nearly was the Suns' 2004-05 starting lineup. Things still turned out well in that 62-20 season, with the Suns signing Quentin Richardson instead of Turkoglu, who was an Italian dinner away from securing a future with the Suns and then-General Manager Bryan Colangelo in 2004. Turkoglu and Colangelo now are with the Toronto Raptors. In July 2004, Turkoglu was a 25-year-old free agent who had been a part-time starter in San Antonio. ..."

Dallas Mavericks survive Pistons, Dampier scare

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November 16

Dallas Morning News

"The Dallas Mavericks survived a scary situation Sunday evening that had nothing to do with a heartfelt 95-90 win over the Detroit Pistons. When Erick Dampier left the pregame warm-ups because he wasn't feeling right, nobody was quite sure what was happening. Minutes later, with emergency medical personnel working on Dampier, he was whisked by ambulance from the Palace of Auburn Hills to a Pontiac, Mich., hospital. By the end of the game, the Mavericks had gotten news that Dampier's symptoms had subsided. No team personnel divulged what those symptoms were, but an NBA official said that doctors had ruled out any serious health issues, including H1N1. Dampier apparently was lightheaded ..."

Warriors guard Watson may have swine flu

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November 16

San Francisco Chronicle

"Warriors guard C.J. Watson on Sunday morning informed his "tweeps" that he might have contracted the swine flu. He was examined by a doctor at the Bradley Center following the Warriors' 129-125 loss to Milwaukee on Saturday. He had five points and three assists against the Bucks, one night after a season-best 19-point effort against New York. "Just came back from the doctor. Suspected H1N1," Watson tweeted. "I have to wear this mask when I'm around people like I have SARS or something. LOL. I don't like it at all.""

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