NBA Rumor Central:

Tuesday, January 8
Shaq Won't Be Traded
Shaquille O'Neal | Heat
The combination of Shaquille O'Neal's declining production and the remaining two seasons and $40 million left on his contract have led to speculation that the Heat might consider rebuilding by unloading O'Neal in a trade. Pat Riley defended O'Neal's production Monday and suggested contending teams would value a center with those numbers.
But then Riley repeatedly said O'Neal wasn't on the trading block.

"We're not interested in trading him at all -- because we want those 17 points, eight rebounds and 60 percent [field-goal shooting]," Riley said, slightly inflating the numbers. "I'm just telling you straight out. We're not interested in that." -- Miami Herald


Former NBA player Jon Barry, an ESPN analyst, said he doesn't think O'Neal is going anywhere because of his health and the way his pay affects a team's $55.6 million salary cap.
"I wouldn't see that somebody could make a move for him based on $20 million," Barry said. "And he's got $40 million left. He's not going anywhere. Nor do I think Pat wants to move him." -- The Palm Beach Post
Bucks Courting Collins?
Based on conversations with several NBA officials, Herb Kohl is courting Doug Collins again. This time, money could be the hangup in reaching an agreement. While Kohl is paying GM Larry Harris about $1 million a year, Collins is believed to be seeking $2 million a year or more.
If the price isn't right for either Kohl or Collins, I'm hearing Kohl would have more than passing interest in hiring long-time NBA executive Rick Sund, who began his career with the Bucks and still has ties with some of their officials. Sund is doing some TV work in Seattle after the SuperSonics fired him last year as their GM. -- Racine Journal Times
Shoulder Worse Than Reported
Dwyane Wade | Heat
Dwyane Wade's surgically repaired left shoulder was in worse shape than the team initially revealed.
Coach Pat Riley said Monday that Wade's shoulder was dislocated to an extent rarely seen by team doctors and that he also sustained serious nerve damage. Wade injured the shoulder in a Feb. 21 loss at Houston last season. -- Miami Herald


Shaquille O'Neal is not Riley's only concern. Wade's ailments continue to mount. He bruised his right shoulder and jammed a right finger in recent weeks and continues to heal from off-season surgery on his left shoulder and left knee.
"I'm really concerned about it,'' Riley said. "There have been some games it's been absolutely painful for me to watch him.'' -- The Palm Beach Post
Thomas Determined To Fix Knicks
Speaking emotionally in front of Chicago's Moody Bible Institute following practice on a balmy day in the Windy City, Isiah Thomas retaliated against recent remarks made by his former Pistons coach, Chuck Daly.
"Maybe he should move upstairs," Daly said, citing the Knicks were no longer "competing" for Thomas.

"I am determined to fix this, to make this right," Thomas said. "That's how I want to leave it. I want to leave it right." -- New York Post
Amaré, Suns Move Forward
Amare Stoudemire | Suns
Amaré Stoudemire, who notified the team by text message on Sunday that he would be absent, said Monday that he was absent because his son had a 103-degree temperature that returned to normal Monday.
"There was nothing basketball there at all," Stoudemire said. "I don't know how it became basketball-related, probably because of the loss and guys were frustrated. It was strictly for the health of my son. That was the only reason. I could see why you may think it's basketball-related because it's a loss. We should have won and guys were upset about the loss."

Suns GM Steve Kerr said management dealt with the issue before Monday's shootaround, and the resolution would be kept private. -- The Arizona Republic
Jury Is Out
Timberwolves vice president of basketball operations, Kevin McHale called the Wolves' performance Sunday against Dallas "terrible." He also said he will judge this season by personal improvement he sees from players.
"It's professional basketball, it's not a church league," said McHale. "You have to win some games. We have to develop our guys and get to the point where they are better basketball players weekly. Unfortunately, right now, I would say some guys have regressed, some have moved forward. Right now, I'd say the jury is out with a lot of guys."

McHale also said he is confident coach Randy Wittman hasn't lost his players' attention. -- Minneapolis Star Tribune
Much Ado About Nothing
Chris Bosh | Raptors
Chris Bosh's family -- his girlfriend, his cousin and her brothers and sisters -- were having some fun heckling LeBron James who quickly turned the tables on them and had the last laugh.
Bosh said it was all in fun.

"They know LeBron," he said. "We all know each other and it wasn't anything personal. They were just having fun and I guess he had a really good game so he was able to gloat a little bit. It's nothing more than that. I saw a lot of people were trying to make a big deal out of it, but they probably don't know that we all know each other. We all talked after the game and everything was cool." -- Toronto Sun
Kerr Won't Panic
Suns GM Steve Kerr said the team isn't panicked about the Suns' 2-6 record against the West's current playoff seeds.
"You want to bust through that door and expectations change," Kerr said. "There are frustrations throughout the year. On every team I've ever been on, it's happened." -- The Arizona Republic
Not Appreciated?
Earl Watson | SuperSonics
Earl Watson is candid enough to talk about the possibility of being traded for the third time and said he has given up wanting the coaching staff and management to embrace him the way other NBA point guards are appreciated. He mentions Dallas' Devin Harris as a reference.
"I don't know if this situation will be that type of situation because it's almost to the point of the season where you don't look for it any more," Watson said. "Like if it doesn't happen early, it's mental toughness from that point on. It's mental toughness on staying focused." -- Seattle Times
Ready To Play?
Darius Miles | Trail Blazers
Darius Miles says he's ready.
"It's up to (team officials) now," he says. "I can play. I can practice any day they practice. There's no pain in the knee. I'm ready to go."

Will he push the Blazers to get back in action?

"I've been doing that," Miles says.

Though everyone skips around the issue, part of the Blazers' concern is, with the team playing so well, Miles' return could disrupt the chemistry. He's not exactly been a character guy in the past, and there are questions about how he will fit in. -- The Portland Tribune
Under The Radar
Coach Byron Scott said it hasn't bothered him that the Hornets have been flying under the radar, despite entering Monday tied with the Dallas Mavericks, Phoenix Suns and San Antonio Spurs for the most wins in the Western Conference with 23.
"We're in a small market and (not as noticed) because you have San Antonio, Dallas and Phoenix, who everybody pretty much concentrates on," Scott said. "I don't think it affects anybody on our team. We're going to try and keep playing basketball the way we've been playing and try to keep winning games." -- New Orleans Times-Picayune
Ready To Play
Oleksiy Pecherov | Wizards
Rookie Oleksiy Pecherov announced himself ready to play for the first time following yesterday's workout at Verizon Center and said he likely would be in uniform for tonight's game against Houston.
"I am ready to try," Pecherov said. "We will see." -- The Washington Times
Turiaf Should Be Monitored
Ronny Turiaf | Lakers
After seeing the Sixers against Utah and the Lakers, it's not surprising that president and general manager Ed Stefanski said he was looking for a low-post option from the power-forward spot.
The Sixers didn't have to play against Lakers power forward Lamar Odom, who was serving a one-game suspension for a flagrant foul. But his replacement, Ronny Turiaf, had 15 points, four rebounds, and five blocked shots.

Turiaf is a restricted free agent after this season, and one suggestion would be for the Sixers to continue monitoring his progress. -- Philadelphia Inquirer
Duhon: I've Got To Be Confident
Chris Duhon | Bulls
Chris Duhon is trying to stay positive as he struggles through another shooting slump. The Bulls point guard is shooting just 14 percent from the field since joining the starting lineup Dec. 28.
"The thing with me is sometimes I let my shot bother me," Duhon said Monday at the Berto Center. "I'll pass up shots or the shots I do take, I'm not fully confident in shooting. I've got to be confident the whole time. Nobody shoots 100 percent. Guys go through rough stretches." -- Arlington Heights Daily Herald
No Rush
Nenad Krstic | Nets
Nenad Krstic said that he isn't rushing back into action after suffering setbacks when he tried that earlier in the year.
"Hopefully, this month I'll start practicing [with contact]," Krstic said. -- New York Post
Stay Patient
J.J. Redick | Magic
J.J. Redick is growing more frustrated by his lack of playing time as the season progresses, but Magic Coach Stan Van Gundy continues to preach patience. Van Gundy still believes players can develop, even when they aren't playing in games as long as they are ready when their opportunity arises.
"The best example is Jermaine O'Neal. He went to Portland originally and he never played, but he put in his time and continued to work hard," Van Gundy said. -- Orlando Sentinel
Out Again
Luke Ridnour | SuperSonics
Luke Ridnour sat at the end of the bench Sunday and did not play, and it was believed that P.J. Carlesimo did not choose to use the point guard. But Ridnour's painful left quadriceps injury flared up again Saturday at practice and he will be out indefinitely to rehabilitate.
"We've been saying it, but he's gotta get right," Carlesimo said Monday. "He's got to get where he can practice or play three, four, five days in a row and it doesn't come back. He got the knot back. He's back with too much pain and it tightened up again." -- Seattle Post-Intelligencer
Plenty Of Point Guards
If the Knicks are looking for point guard help, the market is starting to fill with names such as Luke Ridnour (Seattle), Mike Bibby (Sacramento), Jason Williams (Miami) and Damon Stoudamire (Memphis). -- Newsday Will Jones Return?
Bobby Jones was waived so his $687,456 contract wouldn't become fully guaranteed. Considering the luxury tax, the Nuggets will save about $820,000. The Nuggets are one of six teams with the minimum of 13 players. They have the flexibility for a three-for-one trade.
"I can't deny having a window open for an opportunity to make our team better somewhere along the way is probably more valuable than having Bobby on the team," George Karl said. -- Rocky Mountain News
Roster Intact
Monday was the deadline for the Heat to waive players with non-guaranteed contracts in time to avoid full 2007-08 payment. Forward Alexander Johnson and center Joel Anthony, the only players on the roster without full guarantees, both were retained.
There was no decision to be made with slumping swingman Luke Jackson, with Pat Riley having guaranteed a full season upon adding the former first-round pick last month. -- South Florida Sun-Sentinel
Swingmen Cut
In a move that wasn't wholly unexpected, the Spurs waived swingmen DerMarr Johnson and Keith Langford on Monday, returning them to the NBDL's Austin Toros.
Johnson and Langford were signed and called up a little more than a week ago, when Manu Ginobili and Brent Barry were sidelined with injuries. With Ginobili back and Barry nearing a return, Johnson and Langford became expendable. -- San Antonio Express-News
Frahm Out, Diaz In
The Clippers are expected to sign former second-round draft pick Guillermo Diaz to a 10-day contract today after waiving guard Richie Frahm on Monday.
Diaz's signing followed the announcement that point guard Brevin Knight will be limited because of a stress reaction in his left fibula. -- Los Angeles Times


As expected, the Clippers placed the 30-year-old journeyman guard on waivers following Monday's practice with the intent on signing Frahm to a 10-day contract Wednesday.
However, a 48-hour period must pass, during which time Frahm is available to be claimed by any other NBA team. The odds are the Clippers will be able to get him back. Other than the Clippers, Phoenix is the only team that has expressed any interest in Frahm (the Suns had Frahm in training camp but waived him after the final exhibition game). -- Orange County Register
Roster Stands At 13
The Griz waived Jeremy Richardson Monday, ending his brief stay after being called up from the NBDL.
The team's roster now stands at 13 players.

There are no immediate plans to replace Richardson, although it is possible he could be re-signed to a 10-day contract. -- Memphis Commercial-Appeal
Warriors Add Watson
Point guard C.J. Watson is expected at practice today after agreeing to a 10-day contract with Golden State and should be available for Wednesday's game against Portland.
"I'm as anxious as anybody," coach Don Nelson said of getting his first look at Watson. -- San Francisco Chronicle


"We'll give (Watson) a look," Chris Mullin said. "He could be a good backup for us. That's why he's coming here, to figure that out." -- Contra Costa Times
Monday, January 7
Does Cassell Want A Trade?
Sam Cassell | Clippers
Asked whether he would like to play for a team with championship aspirations to finish this season and his career, Sam Cassell said he wasn't at the point of requesting a trade.
"We'll see," he said. "It ain't to that point right now, but we'll see. I started this thing and we'll see how it pans out.

"Everyone on this team is searching, from the coaching staff to the players. Everybody is trying to do what they can do to turn this thing around for the better of the team." -- Los Angeles Times
Mbenga Waived, Payton Considered
The Warriors waived backup center DJ Mbenga on Sunday, freeing up a roster spot for a possible trade or free-agent signing and saving a little money in the process.
"(It's) flexibility to be able to make some decisions moving forward," Warriors vice president Chris Mullin said. "Leave some options open."

The Warriors are looking to improve their team's passing and all-around savvy, and one option is signing Oakland native Gary Payton out of retirement to play for his hometown team. -- San Francisco Chronicle


Mullin isn't certain the Warriors want to go down the path of veteran help again. The two experienced players the Warriors brought in this season -- point guard Troy Hudson and forward Austin Croshere -- have been bedeviled by injuries. -- Contra Costa Times
Amare A No-Show
Amare Stoudemire | Suns
Sunday afternoon, Suns GM Steve Kerr said from San Diego that he plans to return to the Valley Monday morning to speak with Amare Stoudemire about the circumstances surrounding his absence. He would not comment on whether disciplinary action in the form of a fine or suspension was under consideration
"Amare didn't come to practice. He did have an excuse. From there, the matter will be handled internally," Kerr said. -- East Valley Tribune
Sonics Have No Interest
Smush Parker | Heat
The Miami Heat contacted the Sonics about troubled guard Smush Parker, and the Sonics told the club they weren't interested. -- Seattle Post-Intelligencer Wade To Riley: Bench Me
Dwyane Wade | Heat
Heat guard Dwyane Wade came off the bench for the second time this season in Sunday's loss to the Grizzlies. It was at his request.
Wade said he spoke with coach Pat Riley about coming off the bench just before the start of Sunday's game.

"I really don't do much in the first six minutes anyway," said Wade, who checked into the game midway through the first quarter. "I'm able to get into the flow of the game at that time." -- Miami Herald
Still Angry?
Andre Miller | 76ers
"Andre Miller's real angry at me still for the trade," George Karl said. "Andre's been in my life since my son [Coby] was in the eighth grade. I remember when [Miller, at the University of Utah] weighed, like, 235 pounds and [then-coach Rick Majerus] asked me to tell him, 'Hey, you can't play this way; you've got to lose weight.'"
"I've been through situations like that, where [after] a year or two sometimes, they come back and you become good friends again," he said. "That would be my hope."

Said Miller: "It was just a business relationship. When I met [Karl], I was 18. Obviously, he has a big reputation in the league as a coach, and he plays the type of ball I like to play. It was a player-coach relationship. That's how I see it." -- Philadelphia Daily News
Ford To See Specialist
T.J. Ford | Raptors
Raptors point guard T.J. Ford, who has not played since he left the game on Dec.11 in Atlanta, is expected to travel to the renowned Cleveland Clinic on Wednesday to consult with even more specialists concerning the state of his injured neck and arms.
"It's just a waiting game," he said yesterday. "But mentally and physically, I feel fine."

Ford insisted that once he's cleared to play, it will only take him "one day" to get back into playing shape. -- Toronto Sun
Will Exceptions Help Other Teams?
With two trade exceptions garnered from offseason deals, Seattle can help teams over the salary cap complete deals or it can assist teams interested in shedding payroll to avoid paying the luxury tax, which is a dollar-for-dollar penalty for teams whose payroll exceeds $67.87 million.
"The trade exception could certainly prove to be valuable around the trade deadline, but it has to be something that works for both teams," general manager Sam Presti said. "It can't just work for the team that's trying to utilize our trade exception. It's hard to predict whether or not those things come into play, but it will be driven by whether it can help our team in the immediate or in the future." -- Seattle Times
Anxious Time
Dan Dickau | Clippers
Forgive Dan Dickau if he grows more anxious when the 2008 NBA draft approaches. Why? He has found himself part of a draft-day trade in each of the past two years. The deals represent two of the trades he has endured, but there were many more.
"I've lost count," Dickau said.

Calling Dickau a journeyman could be viewed as an understatement. He has been traded eight times, played for six teams and been associated with nine teams in his six-year NBA career. -- The Oregonian
Another CAT Scan
Randy Foye | Timberwolves
Randy Foye will have another CAT scan to see whether the stress reaction in his left kneecap -- which has kept him out of action all season -- has healed. Foye has been tested twice since the season began, and both times he has been told to wait.
The good news? Foye has been slowly ramping up his workouts, and he remains pain-free.

"It hasn't been anything close to being full activity, but he's been doing a little shooting, a little running," Randy Wittman said. "Things of that nature."-- Minneapolis Star Tribune
Losing Fallacy
Steve Nash | Suns
Nash said he may be oblivious to the finger-pointing to a fault but called it a "losing fallacy."
"If that stuff is going on, it needs to be stopped or else we can kiss it goodbye, because you can't win at this level if you don't have great chemistry and you don't pull for each other," Nash said. "If you're worried about your shots or about yourself or making excuses and pointing fingers at other players, that's for losers. We've been a winning ball club here, and if we want to take that next step, that's going to be a big part of our character." -- The Arizona Republic
Matters Of State
Dikembe Mutombo | Rockets
Before the Rockets face the Washington Wizards on Tuesday, Rockets Dikembe Mutombo and Tracy McGrady will have important business in town.
"I've been invited to meet with (Secretary of State) Condoleezza Rice and the under secretary (of African Affairs) Jendayi Frazer," Mutombo said. "They wanted to thank me and Tracy for the work we continue to do outside the basketball court." -- Houston Chronicle
Frustrating Return
Ike Diogu | Pacers
Ike Diogu played three minutes against the Los Angeles Lakers on Sunday and made his only field goal. He's shooting just 34 percent (14-of-41) from the field since returning Dec. 21.
"I haven't been playing very well," Diogu said before the game. "That's made it hard for me to get minutes. We're in an important stretch. I'm going to have to start giving the team more if I want to get on the floor. It's always going to be frustrating because you want to be on the floor playing, but injuries are one of the things that happen and you have to deal with. I have to be positive about things." -- Indianapolis Star
Target Date: March 1
Shaun Livingston | Clippers
Elton Brand recently expressed concern that the March 1 target date for his return was too early. On Sunday, Shaun Livingston did the same thing.
"It's somewhere around there," Livingston said of March 1. "But it's so hard because it's still not pinpointed yet. Once we get these next two months knocked out, we'll get a better feel on a timetable and date." -- Los Angeles Daily News
Kobe's Been Contolled
Kobe Bryant | Lakers
After tying for third in the NBA with 14 technical fouls last season, Kobe Bryant has four this season -- which puts him on pace for 10.
Said Phil Jackson: "He has been very controlled. We talked a lot about that in the offseason, about that ability to let those things (such as no-calls) go and know there are going to be those problems in the course of the game." -- Orange County Register
Ratliff Progressing
Theo Ratliff | Timberwolves
Wolves center Theo Ratliff has been off crutches for about a week to 10 days, Randy Wittman said, as he continues to go through rehabilitation in Atlanta. Wittman said there's no clear timetable for Ratliff's return from the arthroscopic surgery the veteran had on his right knee Dec. 18.
Ratliff is expected to be sidelined until early February. -- St. Paul Pioneer Press
All Fine
Richard Jefferson | Nets
A doctor examined Richard Jefferson's right knee yesterday and determined all was fine.
It was also determined that no additional tests are needed and the Nets' leading scorer is not expected to miss any games, a team spokesman said. Jefferson tweaked his knee Saturday, but continued playing. -- New York Post
Anxious Night
After an anxious Sunday night, Jeremy Richardson will learn today whether his dream of being an NBA player will come to an end. The Grizzlies have until tonight to waive Richardson, otherwise, his contract will become guaranteed on Jan. 10.
Waiving Richardson would leave the team with just 13 players on their roster.

"I'm going to think that through (Sunday) evening," Chris Wallace said. "We're in the same situation many teams in the league are right now, taking a look at that spot. There's more to it than Jeremy. You have a situation with your flexibility going forward through the year." -- Memphis Commercial-Appeal
D-Day For Karl
Coby Karl | Lakers
Thursday marks a big day for undrafted rookie Coby Karl. "It's D-Day," he said. "A decisive date in my career is coming up."
All NBA players with non-guaranteed contracts become officially guaranteed for the rest of the season if they are still on the roster on Thursday, as per league rules.

All indications are that Karl will not be waived. He rarely plays and spent four weeks on the Lakers' Development League team, although he scored his first NBA basket Friday against Philadelphia. -- Los Angeles Times
Decision Time
Richie Frahm | Clippers
Mike Dunleavy met after the game with Elgin Baylor, the Clippers' vice president of basketball operations, and player personnel director Neil Olshey. The topic of discussion was guard Richie Frahm, whom the Clippers signed to a non-guaranteed contract Dec. 14, one day after they waived forward Ruben Patterson.
Frahm's contract would be guaranteed for the remainder of the season, if he remained on the Clippers' roster after Thursday. A very likely scenario would be for the Clippers to waive Frahm, then sign him to a 10-day contract, once he clears waivers, after 48 hours. -- Orange County Register
Ager Stays Patient
Maurice Ager | Mavericks
Maurice Ager, recalled from Tulsa of the NBA Development League, played almost four minutes Sundays in his first NBA action since Nov. 26.
As he weighed the pros and cons of biding his time on a contender or playing more on a mediocre team, he said he's working hard and staying patient.

"After a while, losing gets old," Ager said. "I feel right now I'm learning from a lot of great guys, a great coaching staff, and I think, in the long run, it's going to help me a lot more for my future." -- Fort Worth Star-Telegram
Time For A Checkup
Robert Swift | SuperSonics
Robert Swift is expected to visit Santa Monica, Calif.-based surgeon Dr. Stephen Lombardo on Wednesday for a checkup. Lombardo performed arthroscopic surgery on Swift that repaired a torn anterior cruciate ligament Nov. 22, 2006. -- Seattle TimesQuick Shots
Pacers equipment manager Joe Qatato, who was shot in both elbows during an incident at an Indianapolis hotel last month, has returned to work on a limited basis at Conseco Fieldhouse. Qatato, who isn't with the team on its five-game West Coast trip, still has his left arm wrapped.
Jamaal Tinsley missed his fifth straight game with a hamstring injury. He did some conditioning work during the team's morning shootaround at the Lakers practice facility. Tinsley hopes to return to the lineup at some point during the trip. -- Indianapolis Star
Friday, January 4
Stoudamire Requests Trade Or Buyout
Damon Stoudamire | Grizzlies
Damon Stoudamire will seek a trade or contract buyout, his agent said Thursday, in the wake of the veteran point guard's demotion and rookie Mike Conley's receiving the starting role.
Aaron Goodwin, an experienced NBA agent with a star-studded client list, called the decision to relegate Stoudamire to an insurance player at the point unacceptable and disrespectful.

"For the Grizzlies to demote Damon because of his age and because of the team's record is unacceptable," Goodwin said. "They're going to have to do right by Damon -- move to get him out of there or restructure his contract so he can be bought out. Mr. Heisley is a good, compassionate man. But we're not going to sit back and watch Damon's career rot." -- Memphis Commercial-Appeal
Dolan Wouldn't Talk With Vandeweghe
Right up until he accepted the Nets' offer, Kiki Vandeweghe, an ex-Knick whose dad also played in New York, was still trying to figure out a way to have a sit-down with the Garden's CEO and convince him that he could get this team righted.
"The job Kiki really wanted was the Knicks' job," said one of Vandeweghe's friends in the league. "He was really hoping that James Dolan would do something, and he had a lot of people talking on his behalf. But they didn't even give him a whiff." -- New York Daily News
Not Ready To Return
T.J. Ford | Raptors
Raptors point guard T.J. Ford said yesterday that he is pain-free and will return to action sometime this season, adding that he will sit down with team officials within the next week or two to discuss his eventual return.
Ford told The Fan 590 yesterday that retirement had crossed his mind after his latest scare in Atlanta.

"I can honestly say, yeah, it definitely comes across your mind," he said. "Especially as soon as it happens, when you are laying on the ground. It all plays the part when you are not able to move or get up on your own." -- Toronto Sun
Will $57M Gamble Pay Off?
Andre Iguodala | 76ers
Who really knows why Andre Iguodala walked away from the Sixers' offer -- reportedly worth about $57 million? Maybe he believes, if he has an excellent season, they'll offer more? But if he thinks another team will try and trump the Sixers, he's more than aware that they retain the right to match.
In any case, he said he paid attention to advice from the Lakers' Kobe Bryant, with whom he shares agent Rob Pelinka.

"Kobe told me to focus on the job at hand, that you can't come to work [bleeped] off every day, that it'll affect how you perform," Iguodala said. "You have to play every day, try and win and everything else will take care of itself." -- Philadelphia Daily News
African Trip Forever Changed T-Mac
Tracy McGrady | Rockets
Tracy McGrady understands he lives a life of privilege, making $19 million as an NBA superstar. But he always thought he had a rough upbringing until he spent a few days last summer in a Darfur refugee camp. He had been convinced to visit the genocide-torn region of Africa by his Houston Rockets teammate, Dikembe Mutombo.
"I knew it was going to have a huge impact on me," McGrady said. "One night when I was tired from everything that was going on that week, I went to bed about 9 o'clock, but I woke up early because we were leaving the next day. I was just staring at the ceiling, reflecting on everything that I went through, and I actually started crying." -- The Ledger
Howard Cool With Hill Firing
Dwight Howard | Magic
Dwight Howard confirmed that Magic management consulted with him before making the decision to fire Brian Hill. And here is Dwight's assessment of Hill's dismissal:
"I was cool with it."

Riddle solved. Those five words doomed Brian Hill. -- Orlando Sentinel
Time To Gut The Bucks?
When a team dogs it as much as the Bucks have continued to do this season, there is nothing beyond Yi Jianlian and Andrew Bogut worth salvaging for a bottom-up restoration. Gutting the team and starting over is the only way to go at this point. The playoffs? Please. Besides, that would only cost the Bucks a lottery pick to expedite the rebuilding.
Unfortunately, the roster is just undesirable enough that the Bucks' options would be limited. GM Larry Harris wasted about $15 million a season on Bobby Simmons and Dan Gadzuric, so they're probably stuck there. The Bucks' only commodity with the potential for return is Michael Redd, who gives them a lot of scoring but little else. -- Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
On The Campaign Trail
Al Jefferson | Timberwolves
Al Jefferson's name didn't register a blip when the latest All-Star Game balloting totals were released Thursday, but Randy Wittman said he has, and will continue, to lobby other coaches on Jefferson's behalf for a spot in the game, next month in New Orleans.
"You put seeds in people's minds about what he's doing on a consistent basis," Wittman said of Jefferson, who along with Orlando's Dwight Howard is the only player in the league to average 20 points and 12 rebounds or more. "An all-star in this league does it on a consistent basis, and he's been pretty consistent." -- Minneapolis Star Tribune
Wallace Connects With People
Chris Wallace spends a lot of time trying to strengthen the Grizzlies' fan base. He's been to numerous lunches with season ticket-holders since departing from Boston. And with Grizzlies president of business operations Andy Dolich departing to the San Francisco 49ers last month, Wallace is filling some of that role until a replacement is found.
"I enjoy being involved with the overall organization, not being with just basketball," Wallace said. "We have a big task in front of us. Not just winning games, reengaging with the community. Winning is the cure.

"But this is a smaller town than Boston. Not that there isn't value in this everywhere. But there is a great deal of value [in Memphis] getting connected with people." -- The Boston Globe
Season Heads South
The absence of Elton Brand and Shaun Livingston, and a significant number of other injuries, are hindering the Clippers. But after the quick start, players and scouts say the team's play changed as opponents designed game plans on center Chris Kaman.
Teams are packing the middle around Kaman, who is having a resurgent season, and exposing the Clippers' poor perimeter shooting.

"As the season has progressed, teams know that the only true inside threat is Kaman, so they focus on him," said a Western Conference advanced scout. "Watching them sometimes [now], it seems like guys are competing with each other on the court and that's not good." -- Los Angeles Times
Jackson Cautions Pippen
Phil Jackson | Lakers
Scottie Pippen has served Phil Jackson's Lakers as a special assistant coach and is now lobbying to become the new Chicago Bulls coach.
But Jackson offered some caution, just as he has regarding Kareem Abdul-Jabbar's past wishes to short-cut the process to become an NBA coach without much training.

Jackson referenced "understanding the nuances of how you teach and becoming an educator." -- Orange County Register
Shipping Thomas A Sound Move
With Brian Skinner making a healthy contribution as an effective -- and reasonably priced -- replacement, the Suns feel confident that their decision to ship Kurt Thomas and his luxury tax-busting contract to Seattle in the offseason isn't costing them on the court.
Skinner makes $1.1 million this year, while Thomas would have cost Phoenix $16 million in salary and taxes. But Thomas isn't helping to make that argument stronger as he is posting a strong performance in his first -- and perhaps only -- season as a Sonic. -- East Valley Tribune
Second Stint With Spurs?
Malik Rose | Knicks
Malik Rose is a close friend of Tim Duncan's and has his family in San Antonio. He would love a trade to a contender but doesn't foresee one to the Spurs for a second stint.
"It was some of the best moments of my life," Rose said. "Unfortunately it's in the past. I'm going to remember it and treasure it always. That part of my life is behind me and behind them also." -- New York Post


Malik Rose, who spent eight seasons with the Spurs, couldn't help but point out the difference -- the approach, the style and toughness that makes a team a winner or loser. The Spurs have it The Knicks don't.
"It's just a few small things that are in the players, in the locker room, in the players' shirts, in the players' heads, in the players' hearts, that are the difference between winning and losing," Rose said. "In some instances you have to be born with them. In some instances you can work to get them. We need more of those things." -- Bergen Record
No All-Star Love
Despite having the second-best record in the NBA and four players who have been named all-stars in previous years, Detroit players will likely be at the mercy of the coaches who select all-star reserves. The latest numbers have the Pistons far behind the leaders at their respective positions.
"It doesn't surprise me, because every year it's the same old thing," said Richard Hamilton, an all-star pick by the coaches each of the last two seasons. "I just think the way that I play ... I'm an old school player. There ain't too many flashy moments. Every now and then, I'll get up and dunk on somebody or something like that. But it doesn't surprise me at all." -- Booth Newspapers
Achilles Tendon Nagging Deng
Luol Deng | Bulls
Bulls forward Luol Deng left the game Thursday against the Portland Trail Blazers early in the second quarter with tightness in his left Achilles tendon, an injury he revealed has bothered him since the Bulls' road victory Sunday against the New York Knicks.
Deng said he hopes to have an MRI exam today.

"It's been nagging me," he said. "But I've been playing through it and getting treatment. Today I went up for a jump shot, came down, and it tightened up on me." -- Chicago Sun-Times
Carroll Can't Find Starting Groove
Matt Carroll | Bobcats
"You wonder about your minutes, you see others going in (to games) before you do," said Matt Carroll. "You say, `Block everything out,' but you can't always do that."
The downturn is easy to quantify, more difficult to fix. Over the first 16 games this season, Carroll averaged 10.4 points and shot 47 percent from the field. Over the next 14 games (through tonight's meeting with the New Jersey Nets), Carroll averaged 5.5 points and shot 35 percent from the field.

"It is hard," Carroll said, "because when you do get into that game, you've got to make that first 20- to 25-foot shot." -- Charlotte Observer
Bird: D-League Very Important
The Indiana Pacers' affiliate is in Fort Wayne, where the Mad Ants play at Memorial Coliseum, just a two-hour trip north on I-69 from Indianapolis. The Pacers haven't used the franchise yet, but not because team president Larry Bird doesn't believe in the concept.
The Pacers' roster includes two players who toiled in the NBDL last season, Andre Owens and Stephen Graham, and the team's scouting staff makes frequent trips to its games.

"There's a lot of players down there," Bird said of the D-League. "It's very important. If we had some younger players who weren't playing, I'd send them right up there." -- Indianapolis Star
Pecherov Getting Closer
Oleksiy Pecherov | Wizards
Rookie forward Oleksiy Pecherov, who has been out of action since suffering a hairline fracture of his right ankle during practice Oct. 29, went through an extensive on-court workout yesterday at Verizon Center and is moving closer to a being cleared to participate in a full practice.
The team has not established a firm timetable for Pecherov's return to game action, but Pecherov believes he could be cleared for contact work in practice next week if the ankle responds well after yesterday's workout. -- The Washington Post


"I'm still having a hard time making hard cuts, and that's the biggest challenge," said Pecherov, whom the Wizards drafted with the 18th pick in the 2006 draft. "It's getting close." -- The Washington Times
Different Mindset
Juan Dixon | Raptors
With the Raptors' numbing loss of T.J. Ford, his backup Jose Calderon has now taken over the majority of the minutes at the point. And with Darrick Martin looking better in a suit than a uniform, Juan Dixon's the one ... or, at least the 1-eh. "It definitely changes the mindset," Dixon said of his quest to master a new position. "I've been a two (guard) my whole life and all coaches tell me to do is score the ball.
"At that point-guard spot we have to get the other guys involved in the game. You have to manage the game." -- Toronto Star
Wade DVD Out Tuesday
Dwyane Wade | Heat
On Tuesday, a new DVD will hit stores called Undeniable: The Rise of Dwyane Wade.
It could be followed by another release: Unbelievable: The Fall of the Miami Heat.

The Wade DVD chronicles the Heat star's stunning path to greatness, from under-recruited high school star to three-time NBA All-Star and champion. -- Fort Worth Star-Telegram
Exam Pushed Back
Matt Harpring | Jazz
He had hoped to get it done this week, but because of scheduling issues Jazz forward Matt Harpring will wait until Jan. 23 to undergo a colonoscopy and biopsy as doctors continue to seek a cause for his frequent gastrointestinal issues.
Harpring does not expect to miss any games because of the colonoscopy, and he suggested Thursday that he anxiously awaits the exam. -- Deseret Morning News
Quick Shots
The Nuggets have a $2.95 million trade exception that expires Jan. 11, a year from when they dealt Earl Boykins and Julius Hodge to Milwaukee for Steve Blake. It's hard to see the Nuggets, deep into the luxury tax, taking on much extra salary, but they've made creative deals before.
Perhaps more likely would be a trade involving Bobby Jones, whose $687,456 contract is guaranteed for the season if he's on the roster Thursday. The Nuggets might look to avoid letting Jones go for nothing, perhaps shipping him to a team seeking to clear some salary room. -- Rocky Mountain News
Almond Takes Demotion In Stride
Morris Almond | Jazz
Truth be told, Morris Almond isn't upset and is using his time with the Flash to improve his game.
"It's a transition year, there was no D-League in college," Almond said. "I have to take advantage of the opportunity. ... It's a good opportunity to stay in shape and work on the nuances of the game."

According to both Almond's college coach, Rice's Willis Wilson, and Flash coach Brad Jones, his attitude is not surprising given his character. -- Deseret Morning News
Quick Shots
Rod Thorn spent the day showing Kiki Vandeweghe around the campus, but he's not ready to drive his "special assistant" to the airport just yet. "He's going to be around the team for a while before he starts (traveling)," Thorn said.
It appears that Darrell Armstrong has officially moved back ahead of Marcus Williams on the point guard depth chart. "We knew we were getting a guy who can be both a backup and third point guard, and give us leadership and direction," Lawrence Frank said. "And you like to reward guys for good play."

Antoine Wright (sprained right ankle) had a setback yesterday, when he experienced some swelling after his workout. -- The Star-Ledger


The Nets had no intention of using the $3.6 million trade exception gained in the Jeff McInnis-Bernard Robinson "I'll take yours if you take mine" deal from last season. The exception expired last night. -- New York Post
Thursday, January 3
Raptors Seek More Info
T.J. Ford | Raptors
GM Bryan Colangelo confirmed that the club plans to pursue other professional opinions on the state of T.J. Ford's injury. The Houston native suffers from a condition known as spinal stenosis, which sometimes results in a loss of feeling in his arms when he collides with something, as was the case on Dec.11.
Ford already has consulted with a pair of specialists in the U.S., Dr. Robert Watkins in Los Angeles and Dr. Patrick O'Leary in New York, and Colangelo said that they plan to seek even more help, and get more opinions, although he couldn't say yet as to when and from whom. -- Toronto Sun
Thomas Predicts A Title
Sounding delusional, Isiah Thomas appeared to be talking to Garden chairman James Dolan through the media by saying he believes the Knicks will win a title and by reiterating that he has no plans to resign.
"My belief and what I see and where I believe we can go as a team and an organization, I believe one day that we will win a championship here and I believe a couple of these guys will be a part of that," Thomas said. "I believe I'll be a part of that."

"As I sit here and I say it today, I know people will laugh even more at me, but I'm hell-bent on getting this accomplished and making sure that we get it done. And I'm not leaving until we get it done." -- New York Daily News


More than delusional or whatever other word you want to assign to it, Thomas sounded like a man who knows he will soon finally be put out of his misery.
"I don't necessarily just want to win a championship," Thomas said. "I want to leave something that's going to stand for a long time. I want to leave a legacy. I want to leave tradition. I want to leave an imprint and a blueprint in terms of how people play and how they coach and how they respond when they put on a Knick uniform." -- Newsday
Showcasing Pietrus?
Mickael Pietrus | Warriors
It's no secret that the Mavericks have thought Mickael Pietrus is the sort of player that would fit well in coach Avery Johnson's system. When he was a restricted free agent this off-season, the Mavericks made the obligatory calls to Pietrus' agent if for nothing else than to kick the tires.
Could Pietrus' start on Wednesday have been a chance to showcase him for the Mavericks?

Maybe it's a coincidence, but maybe not, considering that the first day Pietrus could be traded was New Year's Day, three months after he signed his contract. -- Dallas Morning News
Full-Time Starter?
Mike Conley | Grizzlies
Mike Conley made his first NBA start, replacing veteran Damon Stoudamire, for the Grizzlies' road game against the Indiana Pacers.
Marc Iavaroni was noncommittal when asked if the move marked the official transition to Conley taking over as the full-time starter at point job. He did guarantee this: "Mike Conley will start (Friday night) against Boston."

"It was to be expected," Stoudamire said. "They have to see what Mike can do. He's a very capable player. I'm happy to see him get a chance. It's something everybody's looking forward to -- you know, to see how he plays." -- Memphis Commercial-Appeal
Blazers Follow Bulls' Blueprint
Kevin Pritchard said he monitored the Bulls' method in building the Trail Blazers.
"It's absolutely paramount to bring in the right people," he said. "I've talked to John [Paxson] a lot and they've been a model. They've done it through the draft, bringing in good guys who care about the team. I wanted to be around guys who enjoy the work, work hard and represent us well.

"We knew we had to change. I told Pax many times the way they've been doing it is a model for us." -- Chicago Tribune
Find The Core
The playoffs remain the target. But Heat coach Pat Riley said Wednesday there is another goal with the turning of the calendar.
"It's also, somewhere during the course of the next month, finding a core of players that really want to be here for the long run," Riley said. "I think we're getting to that stage."

"I'm just saying that's what this year is going to be about," Riley said. "This is what 2008 is going to be about, it's about guys that are going to come forward, be part of this, regardless of what the situation is and try to make the best of it, try to make the playoffs and not get down like we've been down for the last month." -- South Florida Sun-Sentinel


Now the question becomes whether Riley, in his dual role as team president, has to begin to take the long view, beyond trying to salvage the season.
"We're not there yet," he said. "I don't think we're there yet.

"At the end of the month, talk to me about that. We can't let go, just can't." -- South Florida Sun-Sentinel
Carter Was Never Going Home
Vince Carter | Nets
Orlando is home for Vince Carter, but when he was a free agent for a few hours last summer, he never really gave playing for the Magic too much thought.
"None," he said. "I knew they weren't interested like that. Maybe my agent talked to them to see what they were thinking. It's always nice to play at home, but it's something I didn't get excited for because nine times out of 10 I'm one of those I'll believe it when I see it. We didn't really hear from them and that was it." -- Bergen Record
Not To Be
Charlie Bell | Bucks
"No comment," said Charlie Bell, laughingly. "No comment."
The question, of course, was whether Bell ever thought that this was where he would be playing if the Bucks had not matched the offer sheet that the Heat had given him last summer.

"I may think about it," said Bell. "But it didn't (happen) so I'm just trying to move on and am just trying to help this team win ... Milwaukee is where I'm at and I'm close to home (Flint, Mich.) and I was able to go home for the holidays and see the family. So I'm just trying to enjoy the situation that God has put me in." -- Milwaukee Journal Sentinel


"They didn't have the money," Bell said of the Heat being limited to the mid-level exception. "But they attempted to persuade me with other things, which was very tempting."
"It was hard not to think about it when we got here, and you feel that nice weather, and it's like, 'Whew, it's warm here,'" he said. -- South Florida Sun-Sentinel
Rough Few Days
Kyle Korver | Jazz
"I'm glad it's over," an emotional Kyle Korver said in the locker room. "It wasn't an enjoyable game for me. I wanted to win, but those guys are my friends."
"I'm still in shock, and it doesn't help that I saw them [Tuesday] night," Korver said. "It's strange, and it hasn't set in."

"It's been a rough few days for me emotionally," Korver said. And last night he admitted to being extremely nervous. -- Philadelphia Inquirer

'Horrible' Practice Facility? ...


Did Kyle Korver really tell a Salt Lake City reporter that the 76ers' practice facility at Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine was "horrible"?
"I'm not going to sit there and bash while I'm there," Korver said, laughing. "It's not that I'm sitting here bashing, either. But this is a really nice facility. I'm really going to enjoy it, and that's all I'm going to say about it."

"I have so many positive things to say about Philadelphia and that team, the coaching staff and the city ... I probably shouldn't have said what I did," he said. "I apologize for that if they took it the wrong way. That was not a shot at Philadelphia and the 76ers at all." -- Philadelphia Daily News
Forever Gone
Steve Nash | Suns
"That's forever gone," Steve Nash said of that 2004-05 season when each game was "this exciting, beautiful gift" to the team and fans. "That's forever gone. Now we have to be grown men and professionals and not euphoric souls."
Nash said he did not foresee that this regular season would be less enjoyable for a team whose proving ground lies in the postseason. Nor is he envious that the lost magic can be seen in Boston's bounce.

"Been there, done that," Nash said. "Hopefully we're hardened and grizzled because of it and when the time comes, we'll be ahead of that place." -- The Arizona Republic
Too Cold
Dikembe Mutombo | Rockets
Dikembe Mutombo said he received strong interest from the Celtics during the offseason, but Boston's cold weather was the main reason he didn't come.
"It's too cold, man," said Mutombo, who gave 19 tickets last night to relatives on his wife's side. "I didn't talk to any GMs. They talked to [my agent] David Falk. A lot of teams tried to get me. It was tough for me to break myself from Yao Ming, T-Mac [Tracy McGrady], and the rest of the guys." -- The Boston Globe
Mihm Sidelined
Chris Mihm | Lakers
Chris Mihm will be out three to four weeks because of a sore right Achilles' heel, leaving the Lakers with Kwame Brown and Andrew Bynum at center. In a pinch, Ronny Turiaf can also play the position.
"It's been something I've been trying to avoid," Mihm said of the layoff. "We've pretty much exhausted every avenue to try and be able to speed the recovery on my Achilles while still playing. With Kwame being out the last four or five weeks, I wanted to stay active. Now with Kwame back and healthy, timing-wise it was a good opportunity here to try and do this." -- Los Angeles Times
Cautious Approach
Manu Ginobili | Spurs
Gregg Popovich was encouraged by what he saw from Manu Ginobili, but is approaching his return off the injured list with caution.
"He's trying to get comfortable with that thing on his hand," Popovich said, "but he's also trying to stay in shape and keep a rhythm. So it was good to have a real practice with contact so he could get out there and try to get his rhythm back.

"It will probably take him a while before he feels totally comfortable, that's for sure. But he's on the right track." -- San Antonio Express-News
Hill Mum On Departure
It's no secret that Brian Hill harbors some resentment over the way his firing was handled last spring, a month after he had coached the Magic to their first playoff appearance in four years.
It obviously was an emotional return Wednesday for the Nets/Magic game, but he declined to talk specifically about his departure.

"I'm not going to get into that. You're always going to have mixed feelings [in situations like this]. Obviously, I'd rather be in the other locker room [as the head coach], on the other bench, but it just didn't work out that way," he said. "I'm happy to still be working. I'm happy to still be a coach in the NBA." -- Orlando Sentinel
Positive Reports
Randy Foye | Timberwolves
Randy Foye, who suffered a stress fracture in his left kneecap during training camp, is scheduled to have another evaluation Monday, and preliminary reports are positive.
"Hopefully, he'll be cleared to go. He has no pain or anything," Wittman said. -- St. Paul Pioneer Press
Coach's Claims Befuddle Bobcats
Coach Sam Vincent said his two most dynamic players looked out of gas during the second half against the Chicago Bulls.
Gerald Wallace and Jason Richardson looked slightly mystified when Vincent's conclusion was passed on to them through the media. They didn't feel tired and didn't think fatigue was the reason they lost.

The quizzical look on the players' faces is becoming commonplace in the Bobcats locker room. Ever since Vincent wondered aloud in Toronto whether his players were getting enough rest or eating the right foods, they don't know what to make of their coach's assessments. -- Charlotte Observer
On The Mark
Andris Biedrins | Warriors
Center Andris Biedrins, the league's leader in field-goal percentage at 63.8 entering Wednesday's game, added another highlight to his cache.
By going 5-for-6 from the field against the Mavs, Biedrins became the first player to make at least half his shot attempts in 27 straight games since Shaquille O'Neal did it in 2001. -- San Francisco Chronicle
Move Delayed
The Nets basketball franchise, which has called New Jersey home since 1977, have committed to play the 2009-10 season in the Garden State as it waits for its new arena in Brooklyn to be built.
Team spokesman Barry Baum confirmed a delay in the long-touted move to the new Barclays Center in Brooklyn planned for 2009.

"We plan to be in at the Barclays Center during the 2010 calendar year," Baum said. -- Bergen Record
McGrady To Announce Humanitarian Project
Tracy McGrady | Rockets
Tracy McGrady of the Houston Rockets will announce his participation in a "Stand Up for Darfur" humanitarian project today at Auburndale High School's auditorium.
Included in McGrady's presentation will be a pledge of $75,000 to build a school in the Djabal Camp in eastern Chad, an area of north Africa visited by McGrady last summer. -- The Ledger
Rehabbing Right Knee
Theo Ratliff | Timberwolves
Center Theo Ratliff, who had surgery on his right knee Dec. 18, is rehabbing the knee in the same Birmingham, Ala., clinic where he had the surgery. The plan is for Ratliff to stay there for the rest of this week, then come back to Minnesota for another evaluation. -- Minneapolis Star Tribune Simmons Sent To Rio Grande
Cedric Simmons | Cavaliers
Wednesday the Cavaliers assigned Cedric Simmons to the Rio Grande (Texas) Vipers of the D-League, where he's expected to get his first heavy minutes of the season. Simmons, who will celebrate his 22nd birthday today, probably will get his first action for the Vipers on Friday in Austin.
"We just wanted to let him play and get him some time on the floor," Cavs coach Mike Brown said. "We can also evaluate him playing more than five minutes or two minutes here and there." -- Akron Beacon-Journal
Raptor Fans Won't Hear Mitchell
Sam Mitchell will be wearing a microphone for tomorrow night's broadcast on ESPN, but the NBA has denied the Toronto Raptors' request to let the comments cross the television border.
Raptors NBA TV produces the team's games and tomorrow's home game against Detroit will air on Rogers Sportsnet. Since ESPN is not on Canadian cable and satellite systems, Raptors fans won't get to hear what Mitchell has to say. -- Toronto Star
Quick Shots
Lindsey Hunter did not accompany the team on this two-game trip. He was going to be inactive, barring an injury, for both games and the Pistons have allowed him to stay home and work out on his own. Rookie Cheikh Samb, still recovering from oral surgery, also stayed home.
Former Pistons draftee Sammy Mejia was named D-League player of the week. He averaged 31.7 points and 7.6 rebounds for the Fort Wayne Mad Ants, hitting 57 percent of his shots (32-for-56) during the week of Dec. 24-31. -- The Detroit News


Pistons guard Richard Hamilton, who had 20 points on Wednesday, surpassed Gene Shue for 10th on the franchise's all-time scorers list. Hamilton now has 8,051 points as a Piston.
Rasheed Wallace picked up his sixth technical foul of the season. -- Booth Newspapers


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er, any reason for this?

In before lock, a waste of my time

boy am i glad i scrolled through that one.