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[Monta Ellis #11]

D’Antoni test-drives Lin-Baron backcourt in scrimmages


Knicks point guards Jeremy Lin and Baron Davis are forming a tight bond. So tight that coach Mike D’Antoni had them sharing the backcourt together with the first unit during yesterday’s scrimmages.

D’Antoni has called Lin and Davis a potential “two-headed monster,’’ but his experimenting yesterday raised eyebrows, especially amid rumblings Davis could supplant Lin as starting point guard in April.

The Knicks front office probably would not want to see Lin lose his starting job because he has become a marketing cash cow for the organization on the sale of Linsanity shirts alone.

If Davis, who has played just four games after sitting out nearly two months because of a herniated disk, progresses to a very high level, the two-time All-Star could squeeze into the starting lineup at the expense of shooting guard Landry Fields with Lin playing off the ball.

For now, D’Antoni said he could pair Lin and Davis for set minutes or even close a game that way.

“You have more playmaking — we’ll see if that’s good or not,’’ D’Antoni said. “They can play together because Baron can guard bigger guards. But somebody’s not playing. You have to be really good together.’’

The Knicks’ quasi-training camp concludes today with their fifth practice in six days (Monday’s session was termed “voluntary’’ because of league rules). The Knicks visit the Celtics tomorrow.

“It would be fun, I’d love to play minutes out there with Jeremy,’’ said Davis, who had eight assists in 15 minutes in Wednesday’s 120-103 over the Cavaliers, a signal he is ready to rise to prior form. “We’re both comfortable with each other on the floor. He’s a great player who makes plays, and I make plays. So It makes it easier for both of us as two playmakers. You put [Carmelo Anthony] in the situation and Landry and you got four guys who can make plays off the dribble and out of the pick-and-roll.’’

Today marks the four-week anniversary of Lin’s sensational breakout game against the Nets that triggered a seven-game winning streak, overhauled the season and turned him into a recognizable name around the globe. Since Lin began playing starter’s minutes, the Knicks are 10-3.

But despite Lin’s success and the appeal of the Linderella story, it wasn’t enough to beat out LeBron James last night for Eastern Conference Player of the Month for February. No Knick has won the monthly award since Patrick Ewing in 1995.

“I’m not worried about that,’’ Lin said. “The Celtics aren’t worried about that. If anything, it’s going to motivate other teams to come at me harder. I’m just trying to get ready. If I let that stuff affect me, I’m going to take my foot off the gas. And I got to make sure I don’t do that.’’

As for playing alongside Davis, Lin said it was a refreshing change.

“Playing off the ball a little bit, sort of what I played in college,’’ the Harvard graduate said. “I’m comfortable doing it and don’t have all the ballhandling responsibilities.

“Watching [Baron] play, he doesn’t have the same burst he used to have but he’s still effective,’’ Lin added. “The pace and poise he plays with is something that’s good for me. Because sometimes I just like to go.’’

There have been a multitude of thrills for Lin during these four weeks — including hearing President Obama is on his bandwagon — but being teammates with Davis, a former hero, is up there.

Davis in turn said he has respect for Lin’s handling of his sudden global fame, which landed him on the cover of Sports Illustrated for two straight weeks.

“He’s been the same person,’’ Davis said. “He respects the game and has an appreciation for the game. He didn’t work this hard to get all these accolades to start looking for endorsements. He’s playing because he loves this game and wants to get better at this game. My hat’s off to him for all the Linsanity and media hype going on, he’ s remained the same person and stayed focused throughout the process and gained confidence in the process.’’


http://www.nypost.com/p/sports/knick...FnmYe1G7wdOqEL

[Monta Ellis #11]

Trail Blazers roster appears headed for overhaul


It's been a long time since a Trail Blazers season has been more frustrating. You'd probably have to go back to the days when the franchise was building around Zach Randolph, Darius Miles and Sebastian Telfair to find a time when the entertainment value at the Rose Garden was so low.

Back then, the frustration was that everybody but Blazers management saw that Randolph, Miles and Telfair had neither the talent, nor the character, to be franchise cornerstones. But this season carries a different type of frustration.

At 18-18, and currently out of the playoffs, it feels as if the Trail Blazers should be better — that they are underachieving. Remember how buzzed this city was after that 7-2 start? The 11-1 home record that was punctuated by the spunk of Gerald Wallace, the speed of Raymond Felton and the savvy of Marcus Camby?
Now, the Blazers are one big mess. They have lost five of the last seven at home, including a humiliating beatdown by Washington, when they allowed 124 points. Two days later, they blew an 18-point second half lead at home to the Clippers. Four days after that, they trailed 37-7 in a loss at the Lakers.

People are confused. People are mad. And everybody, including the guys in the locker room, is trying to put a finger on the problem.

When it comes to the team's followers, many want to pin it all on coach Nate McMillan. Some want to run Felton out of town. And others want to see more of the youngsters, particularly Elliot Williams and Nolan Smith.

But the real problem is more simple: The roster is probably not as good as we all thought.

Because right now, Camby is not the same player as when he arrived. He has deteriorated right before our eyes, continually abandoning the most basic of rebounding fundamentals — putting a body on someone when a shot goes up — which has allowed players to whisk by him for rebounds. And he looks punch-drunk on defense, taking wild haymakers at shot attempts. On offense, he is unwilling to set screens and would rather hover around the top of the key than mix it up inside, allowing teams to virtually leave him unguarded. He is either not trying hard enough or his age has caught up with him.

Wallace has become so inconsistent, missing layins at an alarming rate, that it's impossible to rely on him. What's more, judging from his locker room demeanor, I'm not sure how much the losing is getting to him.

And Felton has become so consumed at placing the blame of his poor play on anyone but himself that he has become a mental pretzel, so twisted and angry that he can't get out of his own way.

Meanwhile, Wesley Matthews, hampered by his inability to handle the ball in the open court, has been exposed as a good bench player but not a starter. And we have learned from watching Jamal Crawford on a nightly basis that for every brilliant and scintillating 25-point performance, there are three others that leave you scratching your head.

Right now, this season has three bright spots: The nightly reassurance that LaMarcus Aldridge is worthy of carrying this franchise; the joy of watching Nicolas Batum blossom; and the intrigue of wondering how good this kid Williams can be with some playing time.

In other words, a season once filled with so much hope has shifted toward a season that now feels like a major transition period. It doesn't feel like McMillan will be back next season. And it doesn't feel like Camby, Wallace, Felton or Crawford, all with contracts that can be terminated at the end of the season, will be back, either.

The more immediate concerns are why this team has such a hard time playing hard, and such an indifferent attitude toward losing. Wallace has smiled and joked after losses. Felton has defended a near-.500 record. The ones who seem most hurt by the losses are Aldridge, Matthews and Batum.

I don't know if some of these guys are trying to get McMillan fired or if they are just sick of Portland and want out. But my sense is all of it is going to happen.

The only question is how quickly?

Team president Larry Miller told The Oregonian's Joe Freeman that the management team will take a "hard look" at improving the Blazers as the March 15 trading deadline nears. But it is unclear whether the Blazers have a grand plan. If they value a playoff run this season, then they need to trade one, or more, of the Camby-Wallace-Felton trio.

If they more value a grand overhaul of the roster through free agency this summer, and are willing to sacrifice more games, they should stand pat at the deadline and allow Camby, Felton and possibly Crawford to walk. Wallace has an option for one more year that will pay him more than $11 million, and his agent said he won't make a decision until after the season. It's likely he will opt in, considering the unlikelihood of finding a team willing to pay $11 million for a 30-year-old player who produces 13.4 points and 6.3 rebounds.

Swirling amid all the roster uncertainty is McMillan, who is under contract for one more season after this one. It is clear he is not reaching this team, or probably more accurately, that certain members of the team have tuned him out and are not playing for him. To a certain extent, he has to own the indecency some of his players are showing him. It's not fair, but it's the NBA, where the players dictate so much of what happens.

To save his job, McMillan probably needs not only to make the playoffs, but reach the second round. Right now, this team has given little to no evidence it is capable, or willing, to do that. While some of the Blazers players love to bring up the early-season win at Oklahoma City and the home win against the Lakers as evidence that this is a good team, there have been more bad losses than quality wins since then.

There's 30 games left, but 16 are on the road, where this team has been dreadful. There's still time to turn it around, but we've been waiting on that line for a good month now, with little encouragement or hope provided.

It's why Aldridge was as down as I've seen him after Thursday's loss to Miami.

"We have a lot of talent," Aldridge said "I never saw us being in this position. But now we are here. We put ourselves in this hole. Now we have to dig out of it."

The question is, will Larry Miller and Chad Buchanan jump in the hole, grab a shovel and help by trading away the players who are showing they don't want to play here? Or will they stand above this hole and shovel dirt on a season that right now is worth forgetting and hope having cap space this summer will spring a new beginning?


http://www.oregonlive.com/blazers/in...ars_heade.html

[Monta Ellis #11]

The Hawks and Celtics held ‘exploratory’ trade talks, Woj says. Don’t get excited.


Yahoo’s Woj says that the Celtics and Hawks held “exploratory” trade talks about a swap but there’s nothing doing.This comes after a New York Daily News report indicated the two had held trade talks centered around Josh Smith for some package of the Boston Big 3.

Woj says the Hawks don’t want to move Smith for an expiring and the Celtics would rather just let Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen‘s money slide off the books after this year if they’re not getting long-term younger players. The impression I’ve gotten is the Celtics do want to rebuild in a trade, but it’s hard to see Josh Smith being the centerpiece if they’re going to move the Big 3. They have to get more than that.

It’s an interesting idea, Smith and Rondo together as a new foundation, but the Hawks are also still a playoff team and will remain so for the foreseeable future. Even though we know they’re not going anywhere, that playoff revenue matters and moving Smith for Garnett and Allen would be part of a bigger rebuilding plan. You’d need new and better ownership for that to happen.

It does show you that the Hawks continue to be open to liquidating some of their assets for the right pieces, and that the Celtics continue to shop the Big 3 trying to put together a new core. Smith may be the model of the type of player they’re aiming for, even if he’s not the big target.

Also, try and imagine Al Horford and Zaza Pachulia on the same team as Garnett. That would be hilarious


http://probasketballtalk.nbcsports.c...cited/related/

[Monta Ellis #11]

Why you should and should not care about LeBron’s whole “passing in the clutch” thing


To review, in last night’s game, the Miami Heat came from behind to lead the Utah Jazz, only to watch Al Jefferson take the lead with a hook shot. At that point, the Heat had time for one final possession. Remember when LeBron passed up the final shot and everyone gave him huge grief about it? Yeah, this time he didn’t inbound, he took the ball, then swung and made a pass to a wide-open Udonis Haslem, who missed the game-winning jumper. Jazz win 99-98.

So here’s a little discussion of why you should and should not care about this.

You should care about this because: Well, it doesn’t really matter if you care about it or not, you’re going to be hearing about it for the next 24 hours until the Heat play the Lakers. Welcome to the news cycle, enjoy your stay.

You should not care about this because: It was a regular season game on a back-to-back on the road during a west coast trip. NBA teams lose these games all the time. Even Kobe. Even Jordan. Even Brian Cardinal. It happens, and it’s a blip in the radar. We can’t say “nothing matters until the playoffs” and then freak out over a regular season game. Well, we can, and we will, but we probably shouldn’t.

You should care about this because: It’s reflective of the standard people have set for LeBron. You can choose to set a different standard outside of our culture, but eventually your evaluations will regress back to the mean of our society. You can try and applaud James for making the right play, but it’s clear that we as a basketball society have redefined our decision-making chart based on Michael Jordan. To be the best, which James is, you have to pull-up and take and hit that mid-range-to-long-range jumper with a hand in your face. Making the right play is not considered the right play in this instance.

You should not care about this because: Let’s face it, it was the right play. An open jumper from a guy who has, in his career, hit a high number of big shots, is a much higher percentage shot than a contested off-dribble pull-up jumper. That’s just simply basketball. Michael Jordan passed to Steve Kerr. Kobe Bryant passed to Metta World Peace. You make the play when it’s there, especially when you’re as gifted of a passer as LeBron.

You should care about this because: Erik Spoelstra drew up a play that involved a pick and roll with Udonis Haslem instead of an isolation for LeBron or a pick and roll with Dwyane Wade. You know what we kill the Thunder for? Drawing up terrible late-game possessions that are essentially “Here, Kevin Durant, go win this” and sometimes it works and sometimes Durant throws up 35-foot threes that miss badly.Wade and James haven’t been super effective in the pick and roll throughout their time together, but that’s still the guys you want with the ball. Wade misses that shot and the narrative is likely different, slightly. It’s not the wrong play, but it says something about Spoelstra’s mindset and the approach of the team.

You should not care about this because: We destroy guys for being too selfish, for going hero mode, for jacking up shots instead of working in a system. Instead, now we’re killing players for making the right play, making the easy play, trusting in their teammates. The double standard is so blinding you can’t see the shine off James’ forehead, and as a bald guy, I can tell you that gets bright.

You should care about this because: It’s yet another game the Heat should have won over a lesser team that was lost due to a late-game decision by LeBron. (We can blame Haslme for the missed jumper but that’s not going to happen. Stars take the blame.) The Heat continue to struggle in key situations on the road nd most of the games in the playoffs aren’t going to be blowouts.

You should not care about this because: It was their first loss in weeks after a long winning streak all by double-digits. This team is not “in trouble” or “struggling.” They lost “a game.”

You should care about this because: Where was Dwyane Wade? Wade in the final minutes fouled Devin Harris on a three-pointer, one of the single dumbest plays of the season and then later missed a free throw. Where’s his public shaming? The fact that James’ narrative completely overrides a terrible game for Wade should probably be mentioned.

You should care about this because: James had 35-10-6 and poured it on in the fourth quarter. He made ridiculous shot after ridiculous shot to get them back in it and carried the team on his shoulders. When it counted, he passed to an open teammate. Most guys do what he did in the fourth and we marvel at their effort in a loss. James does it and there’s something wrong with him.

This is more about who we are than who LeBron James is.


http://probasketballtalk.nbcsports.c...thing/related/

[Monta Ellis #11]

Monta Ellis, The Best Clutch Player In The NBA… Lebron James, The Worst

Monta Ellis is the best clutch player in the NBA, at least according to probasketballreference.com. While I was watching the Bulls-Cavaliers pregame Friday on Comcast Sportsnet Chicago the commentators, Kendall Gill and Mark Schanowski, showed a chart, courtesy of probasketballreference.com, breaking down the best clutch players in the NBA. The chart looked something like this:

1. Monta Ellis (GS) 12-20 60%

2. David West (IND) 6-10 60%

3. Paul Millsap (UTAH) 9-16 56.3%

T-8. Derrick Rose (CHI) 5-10 50%

T-25. Dwyane Wade (MIA) 5-13 38.5%

46. Kobe Bryant (LAL) 7-31 22.6%

50. Lebron James (MIA) 1-10 10%

The data on the chart is based on the final 2 minutes of the game or overtime when the game is a 5 point spread or less; in layman’s terms: clutch time! Furthermore, the data looke at the top 50 players who have attempted a minimum of 10 shots during clutch time throughout this season. The data presented is very interesting because it shows some of the best players in the league are right towards the bottom.

There is no doubt that Ellis is a prolific scorer and has hit many clutch shots throughout his career and based on these numbers he is arguably the best clutch player in the NBA. I am not surprised that Ellis is number one on the list because he has never been afraid of taking the big shot. Furthermore, I still can’t believe that Monta Ellis was once again passed over for an All-Star selection this season because he is having another great season. Ellis has been averaging 22.2 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 5.8 assists a game this season. I am surprised to see two big men in the top three though; I never realized that David West and Paul Millsap have made so many big shots this season. Kobe Bryant is towards the bottom of the list, but at least he is taking the clutch shots, which is more than I can say for Lebron James.

I am not surprised to see Lebron James dead last on the list. James is arguably the best player in the game right now, but when it comes to the clutch time King James often chokes. The numbers don’t lie; Lebron is only 1 for 10 in clutch situations and not much has seemed to change from last season. That is why I love this chart so much; it breaks down which players in the league can knock down the big shots when it matters. When you think about it the chart kind of exposes the Miami Heat. It has not been too often when we see the Heat lose a game as they are on an absolute tear as of late, but when it comes down to the wire in close games the Heat can’t seem to make a shot. Despite how well they have been playing, I think the Heat are still struggling to negotiate who their closer is. This is evident when we look at Wade and Lebron’s shooting percentage in the clutch. Between James and Wade they are 26% when it comes down to knocking down a clutch shot; if I am an opposing team I am liking my chances to beat the Heat in a tight game.

I know the Miami Heat are number 1 in the east, the Golden State Warriors are not above .500, and Lebron James is arguably the best player in the NBA, but in the clutch I would take Monta Ellis over Lebron James every time; Lebron’s inability to perform in the clutch is just too well documented. One more thing, the Warriors beat the Heat this season and they beat them in overtime…


http://www.rantsports.com/courtcrusa...mes-the-worst/

[T-Snell]

Howard's future, Boston's break-up and more rumors as deadline nears


Is it possible that after all these months of chatter, the endless trade talks and media reports about how and when he'll get to the next destination of his choice, that Dwight Howard remains in a Magic jersey past the March 15 trade deadline? Sources close to the process say it is.

If the Orlando brain-trust of owner Rich DeVos, CEO Alex Martins and general manager Otis Smith ultimately decide to keep the big man grounded, it will be for two obvious reasons: The pieces available in return simply weren't deemed good enough to build a post-Howard foundation and the allure of regaining $18 million in salary cap space was more enticing, and there remains some hope of him staying long-term. Martins said as much on Friday, telling Yahoo! Sports that "good conversations with [Howard] and his "people" had given him "hope."

Yet while there would be even more reason for optimism if the Magic could find some help for Howard, two sources close to the situation said their reported attempt to land Golden State guard Monta Ellis simply never happened. Warriors owner Joe Lacob is obsessed with the far-fetched thought of landing Howard himself, and chances are he wouldn't green-light any move -- even if it was a three- or four-team situation -- that helped Orlando keep Howard. More on the Warriors' front later.

As for the Magic's slice of leverage -- that extra fifth year on his contract and three percent edge on raises -- SI.com's Zach Lowe recently noted its relevancy is routinely and dramatically overstated because we're talking about mid-20s athletes with no plans of early retirement (or injury) here.

Still, a source close to New Jersey general manager Billy King said he is operating with the understanding that getting Howard for the long haul via trade is much more likely than via free agency because of his desire for the extra cash. That's the only way to impress fellow free-agent-to-be and Nets point guard Deron Williams as well, meaning this bold plan that was launched when they acquired Williams from Utah last February faces serious stakes in these coming weeks. There is also always the chance Howard could exercise his 2012-13 player option for $19.5 million if he felt like pushing the pause button on this whole sordid experience.

The only good news for King these days is that he appears to be in a one-horse race, with Howard's other preferred landing spots (the Lakers and Dallas) coming up with all sorts of deal-breaking complications. Which brings us back to Golden State.

Anyone who enjoys good theater should be rooting for the Warriors to pull off Mission Impossible here. Despite repeated assurances from Howard's agent, Dan Fegan, that the Howard would not stay beyond this season, sources say Lacob remains willing to blow up his roster for Howard -- even in a rental situation. His pitch is the West Coast version of the Nets' recruiting campaign: a virtual marketing bridge from the Bay to a lucrative overseas market in Asia and Howard's dream of becoming, as he has so often said privately, "a global icon." In a similar vein to the Nets' move from Newark to Brooklyn next season, the Warriors' lease on Oracle Arena in Oakland expires in 2016 and the idea of moving to San Francisco at that point is being explored.

To be clear, the idea of Lacob sending that all-or-nothing message now is very different from actually shipping the likes of Ellis or Stephen Curry to Orlando for a six-week date with Howard, so we'll see where it goes from here. Lacob could change his stance if his team falls even further back in the standings soon (the Warriors are four games out of a playoff spot at 14-19).

It's mostly a moot point as it is, considering the Magic haven't shown much interest in anyone on the Warriors' roster. If Lacob landed Howard, though, he'd have to deal with the possible reality of Howard bolting from the Bay Area and leaving a decimated Warriors roster behind. Then we're talking real tragic comedy, one that even Howard might find funny.


Break-up in Beantown?


As you've likely heard, the breakup of the Celtics may be sped up soon.

Yet for all the talk of Boston point guard Rajon Rondo possibly being traded, some league executives have shooting guard and free-agent-to-be Ray Allen pegged as the most likely to be moved. Sources say the Clippers are interested, having lost Chauncey Billups to season-ending injury and lost out to New York in the J.R. Smith sweepstakes.

But the price is likely too high, as Boston wants a package that includes a young talent and a draft pick. The Clippers don't have the latter component, though, and there's a bit of irony involved as to why.

Their 2012 first-round pick went to Oklahoma City in a deal for point guard Eric Bledsoe, and was then moved to Boston in the trade that sent center Kendrick Perkins to the Thunder. The Clippers also had Minnesota's unprotected 2012 first-rounder, but gave it to New Orleans in the Chris Paul trade.

Even with his age (36), Allen would be a difference maker for any team looking to add offensive firepower. The NBA's all-time 3-point champion is shooting a career-high 48.6 percent from beyond the arc (third in the league) while averaging 14.8 points per game on 47.5 percent shooting overall.

The Celtics (18-17) are still in playoff position, and they have some incentive to not fall too far this season no matter what moves are made since the aforementioned pick from the Clippers is top-10-protected until 2016. Boston also has its own 2012 first-round pick as well.


Crawford on his way out?


The Clippers or any other team looking for scoring could also turn their attention to Portland's Jamal Crawford. With the Blazers (18-18) underachieving and the 12-year veteran having struggled to fit in this season, sources say he's available. Crawford signed a two-year, $10 million deal on Dec. 15, but the second season is a player option and he plans to opt out this summer to retest the free agent market.

Crawford wasn't a natural fit from the start, as defensive-minded coach Nate McMillan was said to be wary of whether his new player would buy in on both ends. What's more, McMillan's use of Crawford as the starting point guard over Raymond Felton rather than playing him at his natural off-guard position is causing Crawford some consternation.

The 2009-10 Sixth Man of the Year -- who, for what it's worth, would prefer to finish the season in Portland -- is averaging 14.5 points in just 26.8 minutes per game. But his 40.2 percent shooting is his lowest mark since the 2006-07 campaign. While it's not known whether the Clippers and Blazers have discussed a deal involving Crawford, a source close to him said they showed significant interest when he was a free agent but lacked the flexibility to get a deal done.


Lakers action?

The Lakers are well aware that they need scoring and point guard help, thus their continued interest in Minnesota's Michael Beasley and Cleveland's Ramon Sessions.

Beasley, whose scoring and playing time are down significantly under first-year T-wolves coach Rick Adelman, is making $6.2 million this season (prorated for the 66-game season) and is a restricted free agent this offseason. Sessions, who is talented but expendable with the arrival of Rookie of the Year frontrunner Kyrie Irving, is on the books for $4.2 million this season with a player option of $4.5 million in 2012-13.

But it's unclear whether they're willing to take on any salary in any such deal or simply land one of them merely by way of their $8.9 million trade exception acquired in the Lamar Odom trade with Dallas in December, as well as giving up the lesser of their two first-round draft picks (theirs or the one obtained from Dallas in the Odom deal that is top 20 protected through 2018). It's no secret that the Lakers are trying to prepare for the luxury tax hell that's coming in the 2013-14 season, when the more punitive system agreed on in the new collective bargaining agreement will finally be put into place. One source said Lakers small forward Matt Barnes was included in one version of a possible Beasley deal with Minnesota.

Meanwhile, the future of Lakers forward Pau Gasol hasn't been made any more clear after Kobe Bryant's Feb. 19 mandate for clarity from management. Sources say Minnesota general manager David Kahn is still attempting to land Gasol, and that push is likely to continue all the way until the deadline. Houston general manager Daryl Morey remains equally enamored with the player he thought he landed in the vetoed three-team deal with the Lakers and New Orleans on Dec. 8, but the Rockets' love of point guard Kyle Lowry (who the Lakers would also love) has likely ended any possibilities there.

Should no moves take place, the Lakers -- who are 16-2 at home and just 6-12 on the road -- may remember this stretch as being pivotal come playoff time. They have won seven of their last nine games and crept into the top four in the Western Conference, otherwise known as home-court advantage territory.

In the five games since Bryant spoke publicly about Gasol's situation, the forward has continued his steady play while averaging 18.4 points and 8.4 rebounds.

"It is what it is," his brother, Memphis center Marc Gasol, told SI.com during All-Star weekend in Orlando. "There's no way around it. He knows that his name is out there and [the Lakers] are putting it out there and trying to find the best deal for them, but I think he's doing a great job of staying out of it and playing great basketball and trying to win games. That's all he wants to do. You can't find players like Pau.

"Pau's abilities cannot be found anywhere else, with that length, so many skills that he has. He can score so many different ways. He makes his teammates better, and on top of everything he's a winner. Winning is on top of everything. He doesn't care about points, rebounds, anything like that."


Chandler, Nuggets still negotiating


The Nuggets and restricted free agent small forward Wilson Chandler are struggling to get a deal done, and his agent, Chris Luchey, said on Friday that the possibility remains that he head overseas until next season.

Chandler, who played in China during the lockout but was recently cleared by FIBA to return to the NBA, had until March 1 to sign an offer sheet with another team and force Denver to match. But since no offer sheets were signed and Nuggets GM Masai Ujiri has made it clear he will only sign Chandler to a long-term deal, the four-year veteran may decide to play in Italy and restart negotiations this summer when he would still be a restricted free agent.

Teams with cap space could then join the bidding and the question of whether the Nuggets would match wouldn't be so certain then as it was before. Luchey, who made it clear that the negotiations with Ujiri continue, said one offer sheet came in that was declined (he wouldn't specify which team).


A Lin Subplot


In a roundabout way, Clippers center DeAndre Jordan deserves as much credit for the Jeremy Lin saga as anyone. Because Golden State was so determined to land the then-restricted free agent in early December, they waived Lin in order to clear more salary cap space and boost the offer.

Nearly three months later, Lin -- the second-year, undrafted pick out of Harvard who was also cut by Houston before landing in New York and sparking the Knicks' incredible turnaround -- may be the most marketable talent in the league, in part, because of his international appeal as an Asian-American phenom. And should Lin feel like cutting Jordan a check from a potential new contract to show his appreciation, you can bet it won't be returned.

"It's a great story," Jordan said recently. "And at the end of the day, I'm happy for that dude. So I mean, I know he's about to sign some new deals, so..."

"Pay up?" he was asked in jest

"Exactly," Jordan said.


Griffin back in dunk contest next year?


For the Clippers' purposes, it was -- as coach Vinny Del Negro said -- the "smart move." But Blake Griffin's decision not to defend his All-Star slam dunk contest crown was seen as a negative by most everyone else, as the event was sorely lacking on star power and sizzle.

Between the Rising Stars Challenge and the All-Star Game itself, Griffin's schedule was plenty full and he opted to take a rare rest on Saturday night after making the long trip from Los Angeles to Orlando.

"I was able to just rest and see my family and chill, and I needed that," Griffin said once the weekend had come to an end. "Looking back on it, I'm so glad I did it that way, just because I wouldn't have had a chance to rest otherwise. It wasn't necessarily a no-brainer. I wanted to."

Griffin hadn't yet heard of LeBron James' idea, how the Miami star said he'd reconsider participating if there was a $1 million reward involved. And while he already said he'd like to take part again, he admitted the extra incentive wouldn't hurt.

"I'm not opposed to doing it again ... but [the $1 million] makes it a little bit more competitive," Griffin said. "Like I said, I think a lot of guys want to rest for All-Star weekend. That's two or three days you don't normally get. That's just one more thing to do. It's just one of those things."


Arenas continues to wait


Memo to NBA fans in the Orlando area: Find Gilbert Arenas at your local YMCA and get back to me with a scouting report, or even some YouTube material.

The 30-year-old guard who was amnestied by the Magic in mid-December continues to dominate the rec league ranks, informing me via text message that he scored 42 points on Thursday night -- in the fourth quarter alone. Arenas, who explained his situation at length in our recent interview, always envisioned a post-All-Star break return. The Lakers worked him out on Feb. 29 in Los Angeles and could still sign him. The trade deadline could be coming into play here, as teams likely want to preserve maximum flexibility until no more moves can be made.



http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/201...otebook/1.html

[Monta Ellis #11]

Blazers Insider: For Portland, only hard decisions remain this season


Like with most franchises, each time there has been an overhaul or a change of direction with the Trail Blazers, things have had to get pretty ugly first.

Folks, we are in the thick of some pretty bad stuff right now with the Blazers, and from the looks of it, it's going to get worse before it gets better.

The Blazers have lost three in a row, have a losing record for the first time since 2008, and are in 10th place in the Western Conference with a seven-game road swing looming next week.

"Pick any one of those for an area of concern," Gerald Wallace huffed after the latest Blazers debacle, a 122-110 pasting at the hands of the upstart Minnesota Timberwolves on Saturday night at the Rose Garden.

So the question looms large:

What to do with these Blazers?

Tinker and try to make the playoffs?

Blow them up?

Stand pat and let dead-weight contracts expire?

For those who want some instant change and a chance to make a spirited run to the playoffs, there may be hope.

Long after Saturday's game, team president Larry Miller stood underneath the south basket, where owner Paul Allen usually sits. He seemed a little stunned and a little confused.

But he insisted the goal of the management team this season will be to keep the Blazers competitive for a playoff berth. Does Miller believe this roster as is can make the playoffs.

He paused, giving the question deep thought.

"I don't know," Miller finally said. "I think the way we are playing right now, I would have to say no. But do we have the pieces? They might be there, but we are not playing the way we should be playing."

That to me sounds like an executive who has seen enough dysfunction and enough discombobulation from this roster to be convinced that changes need to be made. And if he holds true to his vow that making the playoffs is a priority, then Blazers fans should settle in for an eventful March 15, which is the NBA trading deadline.

Of course, it takes two to tango, and two teams to make a deal.

There are reports out there that the Los Angeles Lakers are in the market for a point guard, and that Blazers' point guard Raymond Felton is among their targets. Perhaps some type of deal that involves Steve Blake coming back to Portland to run coach Nate McMillan's system?

I don't know if McMillan has been more comfortable with a point guard during his era than Blake, and it would allow Jamal Crawford to return to his more natural shooting guard position.

I have no idea on the validity of the Lakers' interest in Felton, who has been a monumental bust in Portland. And I have no idea on the interest the Blazers have in bringing back Blake.

But never in the McMillan era has it felt more like change is needed. The dilemma, of course, is whether small changes now to pursue a low-level playoff seed is worth jeopardizing making a larger, more long-term overhaul in the summer.

"We are looking at every option right now," said Miller, who works with acting general manager Chad Buchanan to shape the roster. "If there are some good deals out there to be made, then we will deal. If not, we will ride out the season and see what we can do at the end of the season. But we still want to make the playoffs. For sure. It's something we are still shooting for."

By the time the trading deadline rolls around, the Blazers (18-19) will have a good idea where they stand. They will be five games into that seven-game trip. Today, they wake up two games out of the eighth and final playoff spot, having to leapfrog Minnesota (19-19) and Denver (20-17) to get there.

On Saturday, we saw some signs of life from this team.

Marcus Camby showed some heart, diving onto the floor in the opening minutes. He cut his chin, requiring eight stitches, and strained his neck in the process.

And the effort and intensity of Wallace was a refreshing rerun of those early-season games when he looked like an All-Star, and not the stubborn malcontent of the past month. Wallace even stood up and spoke for the team afterward, offering the harshest and most real talk about the state of this team.

"I'm tired of losing, man," Wallace said. "It's pride, man. We know we are a better team than this. This is hurting now. It's about pride -- guys standing in front of the mirror and taking pride in themselves and this team, and this organization."

He said that Miller and Buchanan don't need to get on the phone and make a deal. All the players needed for a playoff push, Wallace said, are right here in the Blazers' locker room.

"But as a whole we have to figure this out and get on the same train," Wallace said. "And get that moving before they shut our station down."


http://www.oregonlive.com/blazers/in...cisions_r.html

[T-Snell]

Source: Lakers and Blazers discussing Felton


A league source has informed CSNNW.com that the Los Angeles Lakers and the Portland Trail Blazers have had “exploratory talks” regarding Trail Blazers' guard Raymond Felton.

According to the source, talks have been ongoing for weeks and it is likely to involve Lakers' guard Steve Blake in the deal.

CSNNW.com has also been told that terms of this potential deal “haven't got off the ground” but it is one that is being considered by both sides.

This season, Felton is suffering a career-low in points per game (9.7), field goal percentage (.368), three-point percentage (.246), and rebounds (2.1).


http://www.csnnw.com/pages/landing3?...04&feedID=5212

[T-Snell]

Blazers’ Jamal Crawford on the Move?


The Portland Trail Blazers are enduring a trying season at 18-19 and changes could be on the horizon. One Blazer who is garnering a lot of interest in particular is shooting guard Jamal Crawford.

Sources confirm to HOOPSWORLD that Crawford, who was signed as an unrestricted free agent this offseason to be retired shooting guard Brandon Roy’s replacement, is on several team’s radar. The Los Angeles Clippers and Minnesota Timberwolves are pursuing him the strongest, but the Sacramento Kings, Toronto Raptors and Milwaukee Bucks have also expressed interest.

Crawford has a very reasonable contract that is paying him $5 million this year with a player option for the same amount next season. Sources also revealed that the Blazers are concerned that he will not exercise that option this summer and that they’ll lose him in free agency. His recent move into the starting lineup directly coincides with that fear.

If a good enough offer comes along, the Blazers could take it to ensure they get something for Crawford rather than risking losing him this summer for nothing.

The problem is there’s no clear pecking order in Portland right now. Teams trying to deal with them have voiced frustration because they are unsure of who to talk to. As bad as things are in the locker room right now, they’re not much better in the front office.

They will continue to receive phone calls, though, because Crawford’s value far exceeds his salary and teams in need of a shooting guard view him as someone who could come in, start and make a major difference for them.


http://www.hoopsworld.com/blazers-ja...rd-on-the-move

[Monta Ellis #11]

Turns out Chris Bosh is pretty important this season


Chris Bosh was once one of the best players in the league. We’re learning that this designation moves faster now. Due to the extensive nature of talent in this league, players are constantly rising and falling to the top tiers. In 2010, he was considered one of the best players in the NBA. Last year, the bottom fell out. Someone was going to fall to the bottom of the Big 3, and Bosh wound up as it. He was considered rattled, soft, and the whole crying thing after the Finals didn’t look good either. (Never mind that if other players had done it they would be complimented for how much they cared.)

But we’re seeing bits of that player that was considered so elite before “The Decision.” And no more definitive an example of that exists than Sunday’s game against the Lakers.

There will be claims that Bosh’s absence due to personal reasons for the second game lead to the ability for Andrew Bynum to relentlessly pour in points and putbacks at the rim. That’s not really true. The Heat actually won the rebounding battle. Bosh wouldn’t have added toughness down low, wouldn’t have negated the advantage of having Pau Gasol and Bynum roaming the paint at both ends.

But what Bosh serves as is the superior drop-off option. Twice late in Sunday’s game against the Lakers, LeBron James drove to the rim and faced a double-team before dishing a whip-around pass to a teammate. Unfortunately, it was Juwan Howard and Joel Anthony catching the passes. Both times the ball was stripped, the Lakers recovered, and, well, you know. Kobe Kobe Kobe, all day long.

Even beyond the Lakers game, that missed jumper from Udonis Haslem that got LeBron in such hot water for (gasp) passing to an open man? That would have been Bosh taking that shot. Which, by the way, he’s 6 for 9 in those clutch situations this year.

Bosh wouldn’t have changed the outcome of Sunday’s game. Metta World Peace was draining turnaround jumpers for crying out loud. Kobe Bryant played an efficient game and when that happens the Lakers are pretty unstoppable. With Dwyane Wade completely failing, there is no doubt the Lakers would have won that game. But the bigger scheme makes it clear that the Heat legitimately depend on Bosh. This doesn’t mean he’s more important than LeBron James or Dwyane Wade. He’s not. But he is pivotal to their success, which they’ve had a lot of this season.

After so much grief the past year and a half, all of a sudden, and very much under the radar, Chris Bosh is showing himself to be a legitimate member of the Big 3. His absence on Sunday was completely understandable. It was also noticeable beyond the revenge game from Kobe and Metta Madness. Bosh is no longer just decoration. He’s necessary for the Heat to win a title.


http://probasketballtalk.nbcsports.c...eason/related/

[Monta Ellis #11]

Behind Jeremy Lin phenomenon lies youngster with room to improve
Legend still learning


Jeremy Lin has seen quite a bit since stepping into the NBA spin cycle a month ago to the day from taking the floor against the Celtics [team stats] yesterday.

He’s gone against some of the best point guards in the league and held his own or done even better.

But it’s fair to say his few minutes against the Celts last month didn’t prepare him for what he saw from Rajon Rondo [stats] this time. While Lin was having by most accounts the second-worst of his 13 starts, Rondo was hitting the Knicks upside the head with 18 points, 17 rebounds and 20 assists in the Celtics’ 115-111 overtime victory.

And lest you think this was a wind-aided effort (you know, because of the overtime), understand that he had 13, 12 and 18, respectively, in regulation.

“He’s just unconventional,” said Lin, who posted 14 points, four rebounds, five assists and six turnovers. “But like I said before the game, he’s one of the best in the league, and so you saw a stat line tonight . . . there aren’t many guards — maybe no guards — who can put up something like that. We didn’t do a good job of containing him, and he obviously controlled the tempo of the game.”

Lin shouldn’t take it personally. It was Rondo’s 17th career triple-double including playoffs, so he’s done it to point guards who didn’t go to Harvard or grace the cover of Sports Illustrated two weeks in a row.

And those who wish to rate Lin on a game-to-game basis need to factor more than points and assists and turnovers into their analyses. Standing beside him late yesterday amid the crush of reporters that forced Knicks PR man Jonathan Supranowitz to wisely move Lin’s postgame chat to an area outside the dressing room, one was struck by the fact that the kid is, well, a kid. His youth has gotten a bit lost as the Lin legend has grown.

“The thing about Jeremy is that he’s going to make some mistakes,” New York coach Mike D’Antoni said. “He’s got a learning curve. There’s no way you can throw him in here the first time he does it and expect it to be perfect. But he finds a way to be very positive in the end of games.”
Indeed, if Carmelo Anthony’s jumper from the right had gone down at the end of regulation, Lin would have been hailed. The Knicks were down by five with less than four minutes remaining in the fourth when he personally authored a 6-2 run to make it a one-point game with two minutes left. Lin made 1-of-2 from the line, scored on a drive and drilled a trey from the left corner.

But he was otherwise 4-for-14 from the floor, including 1-for-7 in overtime.

Lin said he has seen similar defenses, with additional people flashing his way. What threw him was the quality of player occupying the Celtics X’s and O’s.

“It wasn’t necessarily something different,” he said. “They’re similar coverages, but the personnel (is different).

“They did a good job of controlling the paint for sure. They sent a lot of bodies and had me take a lot of tough shots. I didn’t really get much easy stuff today. But still, in my opinion, I should have finished a lot of those shots. So hopefully next time we play them I’ll be able to hit the same shots.”

Having gone 0-for-3 at the Garden on Feb. 3 (the night before his breakout performance against New Jersey), Lin hasn’t had much professional success in the town he calls “kind of my second home.”

“I didn’t have a great one today, and I didn’t have a great one last time, so maybe it is the arena,” said Lin, who acquired two fouls and a seat on the bench in the game’s first three minutes. “I don’t know. I mean, obviously the team (is) a good defensive team. They communicate and they’re long and they’re athletic.”

Lin has his own set of attributes, but one shouldn’t forget that he’s just left the NBA runway simply because he can speak in complete sentences or because he can handle a crowd off the court as well or better than on it.

“It’s just going to take time, you know?” said Lin. “It’s my, whatever, 11th, 12th (game), I don’t really know — early on. I’m learning a lot and absorbing information right now.

“Obviously it doesn’t feel good at all,” he said of games like yesterday’s and the one against Miami (eight points, three assists, eight turnovers) on Feb. 23, “and (I) have some long nights after some bad games, but that’s part of the growth process.”

http://bostonherald.com/sports/baske...259&position=0

[Monta Ellis #11]

Bulls share basketball, lead NBA in assists
Rose: 'We don't care about who shoots'


PHILADELPHIA — For a team that leads the league in assists, the Bulls pass praise as easily as the ball.

"Coach always preaches unselfishness," Carlos Boozer said of Tom Thibodeau.

Countered Thibodeau: "You have to have players who buy in."

However it has happened, it's pretty basketball to witness. The Bulls entered Sunday night with seven games of 30 or more assists. No other team has more than three.

"It's very easy to play on a team like this," Derrick Rose said. "We don't care about who shoots. In certain possessions, I want the ball toward the end. Other than that, we don't care. Pass the ball to anyone. Anyone has the green light if it's a good shot. That's the way it should be."

The Bulls' league-leading average of 23.3 assists per game is up a full assist from last season's average of 22.3, when they ranked ninth.

"They play for each other," Thibodeau said. "If you have the right guys, they'll do that. If you look at the good teams in this league, to advance you have to do that. If one guy is holding onto the ball it makes it easy on the defense."

Trick bag: Richard Hamilton played for Doug Collins in his third season in the league while in Washington.

"He's tough, but he respects the game and always brings the best out of you," Hamilton said. "He teaches kids how to play the right way."

Hamilton also said Collins "showed me a couple of tricks" and when asked about this, the 76ers' coach laughed.

"I talked to Rip about reading the defense," Collins said. "I used to always tell him, 'Don't fight pressure with pressure.' Go away from pressure. I'm really proud of Rip. ... He is a champion."

Collins also called Hamilton one of the most conditioned NBA players and cited his experience and ability to deliver in clutch as positives come playoff time.

Layups: Randy Brown, Gar Forman's assistant, spent the Saturday off day scouting college games, including Penn-Yale at the famed Palestra. Toni Kukoc's son, Marin, is a sophomore at Penn and had an assist and rebound in five minutes of Penn's victory. ... Speaking of the Palestra, Hamilton's Coatesville team staged two memorable high school battles against Kobe Bryant's Lower Merion squad there. That's not their only connection. On Sunday, Hamilton tweeted this: "I see that Kobe is wearing the mask. Welcome to my world bro." ... Several players watched the Heat lose to the Lakers in the pregame locker room. "I know they'd like to get home court (in the playoffs)," Collins said of the Bulls. ... Thibodeau coached the 76ers' Andre Iguodala at the All-Star Game: "I was very impressed with how serious he is, how hard he plays, how unselfish he is. Those are winning characteristics."


http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports...0,447092.story

[Monta Ellis #11]

NBA rankings: Heat, Bulls could ride in tandem all season

1. Heat (28-8): Kobe Bryant will be a masked man, Dwyane Wade a marked one in showdown.

2. Bulls (30-8): First to turn 30, hope to reach 50 by season's end.

3. Thunder (29-7): Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook may one day combine to score 100 points.

4. Spurs (25-11): Didn't need Manu Ginobili … or just about anyone else to beat Bobcats.

5. Clippers (21-13): Clipper Darrell suddenly feels like half the man he used to be.

6. Magic (23-14): Soundtrack to Dwight Howard's season provided by The Clash.

7. Pacers (22-12): Danny Granger among the ones who get it done for Pacers.

8. 76ers (22-15): Fans treated to free Big Macs on night 76ers pay tribute to Big Dipper.

9. Lakers (22-14): Hard to climb rankings when you're 1-7 against teams above you.

10. Mavericks (21-16): Lamar Odom takes a pass on filming of "My Life in the D-League."

11. Grizzlies (21-15): Last few weeks have been a 'W' wonderland for Grizzlies.

12. Rockets (21-16): Feeling "Sorry!" after losing board game against Nuggets.

13. Hawks (21-15): "Space cadet" Vladimir Radmanovic still can occasionally provide liftoff.

14. Nuggets (20-17): Nuggets mining for usable bodies with starters Nene, Danilo Gallinari out.

15. Trail Blazers (18-18): Bring back Brandon Roy? At this rate, Blazers could use Bill Walton too.

16. Timberwolves (18-19): Michael Beasley could make more than a stopover at Staples Center.

17. Knicks (18-18): Knicks win Oscar for Best Waiver Acquisitions in Jeremy Lin, Steve Novak.

18. Celtics (18-17): Lose five in a row, win three in a row … Celtics aren't too old to go streaking.

19. Jazz (17-18): Fans congratulate Jeremy Evans on dunk contest win, ask if he'll ever play.

20. Suns (16-20): Could factor in Pacific Division race after all — as a spoiler.

21. Warriors (14-19) On 50th anniversary of Wilt's 100-point game, 11 Warriors muster only 83.

22. Bucks (14-22): At least the Ryan Braun saga takes some of focus off fading Bucks.

23. Cavaliers (13-21): When Kyrie Irving is out, Cavaliers are over and done.

24. Kings (12-24): Kings not fit for Monowi, Neb., (pop.: 1), much less Seattle or Anaheim.

25. Raptors (11-25): Season highlight film won't include late-game images of Rudy Gay.

26. Pistons (12-25): Easy victory over Bobcats a reminder that things could be worse.

27. Nets (11-26): Nets aren't even trending inside Prudential Center anymore.

28. Hornets (9-27): Chris Kaman tweet: "Well hey @clipperdarrell at least u got a phone call!"

29. Wizards (7-28): Fixing team in his backyard should be Obama's focus, not Blake Griffin's jumper.

30. Bobcats (4-30): Fore! Golfing buddy Charles Barkley takes 5-iron to Michael Jordan's credibility.


http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports...6.story?page=1

[T-Snell]

Lopez injury won’t block Howard deal


MIAMI — The timing of the latest injury to Brook Lopez — 11 days before the trading deadline — could have been better but in reality, the sprained right ankle suffered by the Nets center really should have little impact on the overall attempts to land Dwight Howard via trade.

True, the very last thing a Magic franchise that endured seven years of foot and ankle woes with Grant Hill wants is a damaged specimen in return for their franchise player. But Lopez’s injury — expected to sideline him for three weeks — is just a sprained ankle, the Nets say, and not related to the broken foot he suffered during the preseason, an injury that cost him the first 32 games. Lopez, back in a walking boot, went down hurt Sunday at Charlotte, where Deron Williams scored a personal career, Nets franchise and NBA season-high 57 points.

The Nets, then, remain the one team with the most of what Orlando needs: assets. The Nets have players, draft picks, cap space. You can’t be this bad this long and not have something going for you.

The Nets are playing a waiting game. Their opponent tonight, the Heat, are is one of the teams that formulated the Dream Team roster, a plan the Nets seek to copy by adding Howard as Deron Williams’ inside sidekick. That would give the Nets two superstars to bring to their new arena in Brooklyn. Howard wants the Nets, by all accounts. The Nets want Howard. What’s the holdup?

Sources in Orlando maintain the team still clings to the hope Howard will chose to remain with the Magic. In talks with team brass, he proclaims his love of team and city. At least on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. The other days, nothing has changed with his trade request.

One source insisted, “I really don’t think he knows exactly what he wants to do.” A key factor in the Magic stance is 86-year-old owner Rich DeVos does not want to trade Howard.

On days he waffles, Howard then gets reminders of the business opportunities awaiting through the wealth of Mikhail Prokhorov in Brooklyn. Williams, his friend, has been in his ear. That’s why Orlando brass was ticked when of all the players available, the NBA teamed Howard with Williams at an All-Star weekend community event. Williams has picked up endorsements with the Nets which simply would not have been available in Utah. Howard sees that. And Howard knows of Williams’ input on personnel matters, another sore point for him in Orlando.

Orlando’s predicament is clear. The Magic try to persuade Howard to stay. Others tell him to leave.

The Magic risk losing Howard for nothing if he gets to free agency. If they don’t like the Nets’ package, they can look elsewhere. But no one is going to trade for a costly free-agent-to-be who doesn’t want to be there. If necessary, figure Nets general manager Billy King has plans for a 25-team deal. The Nets will do whatever it takes.

There is no set framework in place for a Nets-Magic trade. Orlando still must decide if they want to deal Howard. If they say yes, the Nets have the assets. Magic GM Otis Smith earlier this season said there was no rush because what was available in December would be available in March. True. But what’s available in March won’t be available in July. A sign-and-trade offers little benefit to Howard. He still would get only four years — and head to a team gutted of assets. And as confident as the Nets have been about getting Howard, they are equally confident that, should they fail, they will be able to keep Williams.

Williams’ franchise record 57 points Sunday was the sixth 50-pointer in Nets history, the first since Vince Carter scored 51 on Dec. 23, 2005 in Miami. ... The 57 were the most in the NBA since Kobe Bryant’s 61 against the Knicks Feb. 2, 2009. ... Williams’ 40 second-half points were the most by a Net in any half. ... Williams’ 21-of-21 at the line was the second best showing ever. Dominique Wilkins was 23-of-23 for Atlanta in 1992.


http://www.nypost.com/p/sports/nets/...m_content=Nets

[Monta Ellis #11]

Magic GM says 6 to 8 teams pushing for Dwight Howard

Apparently there are a number of teams in the “rent-a-Howard” market.

The latest trade news on the Dwight Howard trade front is that while teams are lining up for a shot to get him even if it is for just the rest of this season, right now there is no movement.

We cannot emphasize this enough — the Orlando Magic’s primary goal is to keep Dwight Howard in Orlando. Magic CEO Alex Martins is doing everything short of begging (actually, he’d probably do that, too) to convince Howard to stay. That stems from a real desire to keep him and to show Magic fans that they did try if Howard is traded. Bottom line: Until word comes down from owner Richard DeVos to move Howard — something he is reluctant to do — nothing is going to happen.

But the Magic front office has not been idle on the Howard front, GM Otis Smith told the Orlando Sentinel.

“I’d say everybody in the league has called us. …but this late, it’s six to eight,” Smith said before the Magic faced the Toronto Raptors on Monday night.

Smith said there was “nothing new to report” about Howard’s situation….

“We still have a ways to go. It’s early,” he said. “Usually nothing gets done until the 15th.”

Two thoughts from that. One, “nothing new to report” means Howard’s demand that he be traded to either New Jersey, Los Angeles or Dallas stands. The begging has yet to change Howard’s mind.

Second, there are teams lining willing to rent Howard for this season. Of the teams on his list, Dallas is not going to trade for him, their goal is to get him this summer via free agency (and Deron Williams, too). The Lakers are certainly involved and likely are still offering Andrew Bynum and parts, but reports are both Howard and the Magic have cooled on that plan. That leaves the Brook Lopez centered Nets offer (which will not be impacted by his sprained ankle).

Afte that, tther teams willing to trade for Howard knowing full well he may opt out this summer and they would lose him. Golden State is one team reportedly in that mix, but there are clearly at least four others.

I don’t expect the Howard thing to really start to move until next week, but when it does — and if the owner agrees to move him — it will happen fast.


http://probasketballtalk.nbcsports.c...oward/related/