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[Monta Ellis #11]

As courting continues, Nets still hoping to win Howard's affection

NEWARK, N.J. -- The throng of reporters stretched three, four deep, packing the tight space around Dwight Howard's corner locker. Five minutes, 10 minutes, 15 minutes passed, the group patiently waiting as Howard goofed with teammates and rattled off sophomoric jokes.

"Shut up and talk to the media, Dwight," Jameer Nelson barked in his direction.

"I've only got one thing to say," Howard said, his voice rising into song. "Leave me alone."

No chance. This was the first and only time the full complement of Nets media would get a crack at Howard, to gauge his feelings on moving north next season and saving a flagging franchise. The team, predictably, rolled out the red carpet, strategically positioning glossy placards of the Barclays Center in Howard's path coming off the bus and quickly removing them once he walked by. Howard masks salted the Prudential Center and signs imploring him to change teams popped up periodically all around the building.

"It's a humbling experience," Howard said of all the attention. "I wish more people can see how it feels to go into another arena and have big faces and posters. It's a blessing."

Howard didn't offer much more, didn't leave any bread crumbs indicating the direction of his future. "Right now, my only concern is winning games, playing as hard as I can every night and leading my team," he said. "That's the only thing I can control. I put all the other thoughts aside and I'm focused on one thing, the only thing I can control, which is what I do on the court. And that's the only answer I can give you."

There is no need for Howard to make waves now, knowing the Magic won't make any moves until the NBA's annual All-Star extravaganza rolls out of Florida this weekend. The chase for Howard won't heat up in earnest until March 1, when Magic general manager Otis Smith asks Howard, again, to sign a five-year, $110 million contract extension, an offer Howard will assuredly reject.

There will be some temptation to challenge Howard, to see if he will leave the $30 million on the table in July and sign elsewhere. But the fear of getting burned, like the Cavaliers and Raptors, will be too great, the appeal of quickly rebuilding like Denver and Utah too tempting, and the Magic will let the Nets, Mavericks and Lakers know they are open for business.

The Nets will be prepared when they do. The creative mind of GM Billy King is already working, constructing, as he did in the pursuit of Carmelo Anthony a year ago, possible three- and four-team trade scenarios to pitch when Smith is ready to talk. An offer with Brook Lopez and draft picks is good, but since the Lakers have the potential to put All-Star center Andrew Bynum on the table, New Jersey knows it must add pieces to the pot.

But the Nets also know they are Howard's top choice, with a new arena in the largest media market and the perfect co-star waiting for him next fall. Yes, the relationship between Howard and Deron Williams is strong. On the eve of Williams' rematch with the Knicks' Jeremy Lin, Howard texted Williams and told him to take it to him, to leave no doubt. Howard has told friends he would love the chance to play with Williams, a top-five point guard who would have no issue relinquishing the spotlight and allowing Howard to be the team's alpha dog.

As the drama around Howard picks up, the Magic are trying to avoid becoming a casualty. Orlando has quietly put together an effective season. They have the fifth best record in the NBA (22-12) behind a stingy defense and prolific three-point shooting. Miami and Chicago are considered the frontrunners with the Lin-led Knicks collecting the hype, but there is a growing feeling in Orlando that in a seven-game series with Howard in the middle, they will be tough to beat.

"We have a good team, we know that," Nelson told SI.com. "We can't get caught up in any rumors. We have to stay professional. His situation is his situation. Every day you hear new stuff. But Dwight is the one who has to go through all this stuff. And he has been professional about it. All of us, we're focusing on winning. We believe we can compete with anybody."

A resolution isn't coming soon, but it's coming. Like LeBron James, Howard wants to be courted, wants to be wooed like the franchise players that have hit the market before him. Howard will say the right things at All-Star Weekend and give the home fans one more show. Then he will be gone, off to a destination of his choosing. And the Nets are hoping, praying that it's to them.


http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/201...ets/index.html

[Monta Ellis #11]

Reggie Miller, Don Nelson, and Bernard King among 2012 Hall of Fame candidates

Enshrinement into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame is a distinct honor to many in the basketball world, no matter how ridiculous and arbitrary the criteria for inclusion seem to be. With that in mind, here are the candidates for the Hall of Fame class of 2012, as announced by press conference on Friday:

Reggie Miller
Mo Cheeks
Don Nelson
Bernard King
Bill Fitch
Don Nelson
Hank Nichols
Rick Pitino
Jamaal Wikes
Ralph Sampson
Katrina McClain
All-American Red Heads

Regardless of the fate of these individual candidates, don’t let your feathers get too ruffled; we’ve all already wasted more than enough time trying to decipher the Hall’s baffling guidelines. There are plentiful examples of worthy players who were excluded for no reason whatsoever, and just as many cases in which a seemingly undeserving player was ushered in with a raised eyebrow.

But if you can find legitimacy in the somewhat inexplicable directives of Hall of Fame voters, then feel free to parse this list and display your nodding approval, insistent outrage, or overall contentment.

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

[Monta Ellis #11]

Bulls looking better than last season’s team

The most efficient way to answer the question of whether this season’s Bulls are better than last season’s team is to give every player a complete diagnostic. That way, we could compare the data from this year to last and determine which was superior.

It’s not that simple, of course. A myriad of factors make any comparison inexact. If there’s one thing we’ve learned through the first half of the season, it’s that these Bulls have the potential to be better than the team that led the league in regular season wins and advanced to the Eastern Conference Finals last season.

“We’d like to think so,” Luol Deng said. “We’re more comfortable with our roles. Last year, we were a new group playing together. Coming into this year everyone knows what’s expected. We know what the system is like and what coach is like in practice and all that stuff helps you prepare for what’s ahead.”

What’s ahead is all that really matters. We can’t judge these Bulls until they meet the Heat in the postseason. Compounding the issue is Rip Hamilton. The team’s biggest offseason acquisition has missed 23 games with injuries.

Injuries to Derrick Rose, Deng, Taj Gibson and C.J. Watson further muddy the issue.

“We’re finding ways to win,” Derrick Rose said. “Last year it was new to everyone. This year, we’re more comfortable with how [coach Tom Thibodeau] wants us to play. He just wants us to go hard and play together all the time with a lot of energy. This year, we do that a majority of the time.”

Rose beat himself up after watching film of the Heat series from last season. He saw open teammates he should’ve passed to and plays he should’ve made when the defense collapsed on him.

He believes he has vastly improved his basketball IQ as a result. He’s in better shape than he was last year, or at least he was before missing five games with back spasms. He has also extended his three-point shooting range.

Initiating the offense for the Great Britain’s national team has made Deng a better ball-handler. He shot 32 three-pointers two years ago and 115 last year after coach Tom Thibodeau arrived. He made his long-range shooting a *priority during the offseason *because he knew he would launching even more shots this season.

“I started shooting threes last year and knowing this summer I was coming back I spent a lot of time working on it,” he said. “Last year, I did a good job of shooting them. It’s something I added to my game and I want to keep on getting better at it.”

The biggest improvement should come when Hamilton returns after the All-Star break.

The veteran not only gives the Bulls another much-needed backcourt scoring threat, but he consistently makes the right play, whether it’s finding the open man or shooting himself.

The Bulls already lead the league in assists. With Hamilton making the kind of plays that makes the game easier for everybody, they have a chance to epitomize team, which is what they must do to bring down the Heat.

“I like the way we are playing offensively in terms of unselfishness,” Thibodeau said. “The ball is moving freely. Overall we are making quick decisions. You can always get better. But the unselfishness is very good.”

There there are intangible factors, such as how making a deep playoff run last season will help the second time around. Hamilton has won an NBA title and could lend perspective, which should help.

Then, too, Miami players have been together for a season and are equally determined after losing to the Mavericks in the Finals.

“That experienced helped us but last year was last year and this year is this year,” Thibodeau said. “It’s a new and different challenge. There are some things in your favor in terms of it’s a group that has been together and has gone through something. But it’s also the *challenge of people understanding who you are and what you do.”

http://www.suntimes.com/sports/baske...sons-team.html

[T-Snell]

Source: Rasheed Wallace to sign with Lakers


ORLANDO, Fla. — There's at least one team apparently still with a need for Rasheed Wallace.

CSNNE.com has learned that the former Boston Celtic forward plans to sign with the Los Angeles Lakers.

Wallace hasn't played in an NBA game since Game 7 of the 2010 NBA Finals, alerting the C's shortly before the game that he planned to retire.

Although he had two years remaining on his contract, Wallace and the Celtics came to terms on a buy-out of the remaining years believed to be worth about $1 million.

His return to action has been rumored for weeks, fueled by a decent showing at Pro-Am tournament in North Carolina this summer.

It only became heightened by, according to league sources, a renewed conditioning regimen that apparently has him looking better than he has "in years."

With a roster of 14 players, the Lakers can add Wallace and not have to worry about waiving a player to make room.

His addition will likely fuel rumors that the Lakers will become even more aggressive in their decision to trade away Pau Gasol.

However, a front office executive whose team has had both internal and external discussions about Gasol, said the addition of Wallace will only be to strengthen their bench.

"His days as a starter in this league are gone," said the source. "I think he knows that, and so do the Lakers. But think about it. Of the big men that are available, is there one that's really better? And if he's gotten himself in shape, adding him becomes a huge get for them."

As for the Celtics, Boston had no interest in reuniting with Wallace when word spread that he was planning to make a comeback. And that lack of disinterest, CSNNE.com has learned, was mutual.


http://www.csnne.com/blog/celtics-ta...2&feedID=10424

[Monta Ellis #11]

Rose signs 'lifetime' contract with Adidas
Deal reportedly worth $260 million

ORLANDO, Fla. — Two months after signing a five-year, $95 million contract extension with the Bulls, Derrick Rose has really struck it rich.

Rose said he signed a "lifetime" contract with Adidas, which a source confirmed is for 14 years and $260 million. CSNChicago.com first reported that figure.

"Man, it's definitely a blessing," Rose said. "They've been with me since the beginning and stuck with me and I'm happy I'm a part of them for the rest of my life. They've been doing everything promotional-wise to make sure they put me out there, marketing me great all over the world. That's all I needed from them."

A source close to Rose said the deal actually was agreed to in principle in December. However, Rose signed the deal Friday in Orlando. He is making promotional appearances for the company this weekend.

"It's great, man," Rose said. "Of course we've been trying to get it out of the way for a long time. I just remember them bringing it up to me and I couldn't really think about the amount. It was crazy. I'm just blessed and feel grateful."

Rose shrugged off whether the combined $355 million will change him.

"Not at all," he said. "I know that with the way that I play and how hard I work, I know I should be fine."

Players showed appreciation for Rose's deal. Dwyane Wade playfully interrupted a question as he passed Rose to say "so fulfilling, so fulfilling." And Kevin Durant, a Nike guy like Wade, shook his head.

"Wow," he said. "I wish I could get a 14-year deal. D-Rose deserves everything he's getting. He's an unbelievable leader, so humble. If you just looked out on the court and didn't know who he was, you wouldn't think he's the MVP of the league, just how well he blends in with his teammates and how he puts himself always last. I'm very, very happy for him."

http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports...,7611985.story

[T-Snell]

Is Big Baby now Magic's vocal leader?


As the Magic soap opera turns ...

The player doing most of the yelling in the dressing room after the loss to the Atlanta Hawks on Thursday night was Glen "Big Baby" Davis.

Now you can look at this one of two ways:

1. Bully for Big Baby, standing up and at least assuming the role of leader.

2. Big Baby?! Where was Dwight Howard?

According to several eyewitnesses in the room, Davis was the one at the top of his lungs as he called a players-only meeting.

Stan Van Gundy was still in the room, and Davis screamed, "Coach, let us do our thing!"

Translated: Davis was telling Van Gundy to allow the players to police themselves.

The Magic needed policing, and some of them needed arresting for their sorry display against the Hawks.

A majority of them didn't look like they wanted to be at Philips Arena, sentenced to playing while others already had begun their All-Star break.

Forward Ryan Anderson said the brief meeting was called to make sure everyone was being held "accountable."

"We talked about everybody coming back together," Anderson said. "We got to keep each other accountable and make sure we play with great effort every night."

Davis should be commended for caring. But it's his first season with the Magic, and he hasn't been a rock of stability this season.

He couldn't accept his role behind Anderson as a guy who does the dirty work.

Davis got into an argument with a Portland fan before a game and was suspended for two games after a practice tiff with Van Gundy, not exactly incidents that foster a level of respect with his new teammates.

Davis takes the floor to talk from time to time, feeling he has the credentials after winning a title as a reserve with the Boston Celtics in 2008.

Huddling with the Magic after his first practice, he talked about the club being a "family." He gave rookies Justin Harper and DeAndre Liggins "homework" assignments on that very word.

Davis is an emotional powder keg and has been a part of a championship culture. But he wasn't looked to as a leader for a veteran Celtics team that was fueled by the intensity of Kevin Garnett, whom Davis greatly admires.

Davis obviously feels there's a void of leadership here. Reminds me of a moment in the movie "American President," when his frustrated chief of staff tells the prez to step up his game.

"People want leadership, Mr. President, and in the absence of genuine leadership, they'll listen to anyone who steps up to the microphone. They want leadership. They're so thirsty for it they'll crawl through the desert toward a mirage, and when they discover there's no water, they'll drink the sand."

Howard, a co-captain with Jameer Nelson, did have a few encouraging things to say during the meeting.

But as one player told me, there was some rolling of the eyes in the locker room, considering Howard has a bigger credibility issue than Davis.

As much as Howard still wants to be a voice and conscience of the club, he lost a foothold after delivering his trade request early in training camp.

Teammates have struggled at times trying to follow the superstar, who isn't wholly committed to the franchise.

The Magic aren't a young, inexperienced team anymore. Do they really need to call a team meeting to remind guys to play hard?

Next Magic center?

During an All-Star media scrum, I asked Los Angeles Lakers C Andrew Bynum about how he handles the trade rumors, including one that has him being sent to Orlando for Howard.

"It doesn't matter to me; I don't read the headlines," he said. "There's a bank in every city, and I'm going to play hard basketball wherever I go, so I'm good."

Bynum believes he'll be a Laker after the trade deadline, although he ought not take that to any bank.

Until then, Bynum isn't going to allow it affect him the way its bothered Lakers PF Pau Gasol.

"I really don't care about it, man," he said. "You've just got to play basketball, just have fun. A lot of people lose that … it's a business and this and that. You're playing a game, and it's something you've been doing since you were a kid. If you just get back to that and just play, nothing matters."

Rumor mill to work overtime

Bynum probably has the best approach. Magic fans, you're going to hear wild rumors galore surrounding Howard until the March 15 trade deadline.

There's a rumor circulating involving Howard, where the deal actually will come down March 1.

It goes something like this: The Magic send Howard, SF Hedo Turkoglu and Nelson to the Lakers; the Magic receive Bynum and Gasol. The salaries are close to matching up, making the deal work.

A third team, the Toronto Raptors, could be part of the deal or in a separate trade with the Magic, sending PG José Calderon to Orlando.

Could be a great deal for the Magic, under the circumstances. There are some obvious holes in the scenario or scenarios.

For one, what do the Raptors get out of it? But the biggest hole is this: Howard is apparently cool on joining Kobe in L.A.

You've been warned.

Last word

As we were told by team official a month ago, the Magic are pinning down Howard on what he wants to do around March 1. Howard said Saturday during interviews that his fellow All-Stars "understand it's a very difficult, tough decision for me. They just all said they're going to be there for me regardless of whatever I decide to do." Hasn't he already made the decision with his trade-request list? Is Orlando in play? Who knows? I know this: I commend Dwight for sticking to the PR playbook this weekend and not detracting from the event.


http://www.orlandosentinel.com/sport...29,full.column

[Monta Ellis #11]

Report: Execs think Dwight Howard, Deron Williams will join Mavericks

Could Dwight Howard and Deron Williams be headed to Dallas?

Howard has been rumored to join Williams after the season with one team.

Some say it's the New Jersey Nets, who are moving to Brooklyn.

“The Nets think they’re getting him,’’ one Eastern Conference GM told the New York Daily News Friday, citing the fact that Howard’s agent, Dan Fegan, is said to want the East’s starting center to relocate to New York.

But the Daily News reported that other NBA executives believe Dallas remains the likeliest destination for Williams, who currently plays in New Jersey, and Howard if Orlando doesn’t deal Howard by the March 15 trading deadline.

“The Mavs want to do what Miami did and put together their own big three,’’ said another GM. “That’s their goal.”

According to the Daily News, Williams privately told members of the Mavericks last June during their Finals celebration that he would love to go back home and be a part of team with Dirk Nowitzki. But he has said recently he wants to continue to be a Net.

Howard and Williams are sure-fire free agents this summer.

The Mavericks have cleaned up their payroll, which could be below $34 million after this season. But New Jersey will have more money to offer the pair, at least as things stand now.

The salary cap is going to be at least $58 million, which means the Mavericks might not be far enough under the salary cap to offer maximum contracts to both players, but they can probably offer a max deal to one of them, then perhaps pull off a sign-and-trade to get the other one up to maximum territory.

It doesn't hurt that Howard's agent is Dan Fegan, who has been very important to many Maverick signings through the years.

Howard is reportedly willing to sign a long-term deal with only four possible teams and the Mavs are one of them. Along with his current team, the Orlando Magic , Howard is also willing to sign with the New Jersey Nets and Los Angeles Lakers.

http://www.dallasnews.com/sports/dal...-mavericks.ece

[ЕлБиЏеј]

A-Rod: Kobe Bryant considered retirement last season

The lasting image behind the Lakers' four-game sweep to the Dallas Mavericks in the Western Conference semifinals hardly jibed with Kobe Bryant's legacy.

He missed a game-winning shot in Game 1. Bryant's surgically repaired right knee and sprained left ankle limited his on-court explosiveness. His 23.25 points on 45.7% shooting showed he couldn't overcome double teams and fatigue. It would've hardly been the best way to end a storied career. Just ask Phil Jackson.

Yet, Yankees third baseman Alex Rodriguez told reporters Saturday that Bryant told him the pain in his right knee and ankle felt so overwhelming that he considered retiring. That is, until an innovative procedure in Germany this off-season on both his right knee and left ankle fixed everything.

Bryant "was really adamant about how great the procedure was for him," Rodriguez told reporters. "I know that he was hurting before, almost even thinking about retirement, that's how much pain he was under. And then he said after he went to Germany he felt like a 27-year-old again. I was still a little apprehensive about it and he kept staying on me about it."

It remains to be seen to what degree, upon Bryant's advice, consulting Dr. Peter Wehling at the Center for Orthopaedics and Molecular Medicine in Dusseldorf will help Rodriguez. There he received orthokine treatments on his right knee and left shoulder as well as five injections on consecutive days. But for Bryant, the contrasting results between the 2009-10 campaign and the first 33 games of the 2010-2011 season provide all the answers.
Last season, Bryant's 25.3 points per game marked his lowest statistical output since the 2003-04 campaign. He played 33.9 minutes per game so he could preserve his energy for the playoffs. Bryant sat out of most practices. Although he downplayed them, Bryant's on-court movement indicated he wanted to minimize further pain to his surgically repaired right knee and sprained left ankle.

This season, Bryant leads the league in scoring (28.4 ppg). He logs 38 minutes per game. Bryant plays in most practices. He hardly shows a torn ligament in his right wrist bothers him.

Bryant's procedure involved receiving platelet-rich plasma injections. Doctors removed blood from the affected area and spun it in a centrifuge. The interleukin antagonists were then removed to create a serum to inject back into the targeted area.

"I gave him the phone number," Bryant said in December regarding his conversations with Rodriguez. "I just told him it made a huge difference for me."

So much of a difference, Bryant hardly thinks about retirement.

[Monta Ellis #11]

Wizards trying to trade Andray Blatche, but nobody wants him

It is the Wizards’ conundrum — they need to remake their roster and bring in guys with a professional attitude, but they can’t get rid of the guys they have to make room.

For example, Andray Blatche. The talented and wildly inconsistent (which is kind) big man is on the block, but there are no takers, reports Michael Lee at the Washington Post.

"The Wizards have aggressively tried to deal Blatche in advance of the March 15 trade deadline, according to multiple league sources, but struggled to find any takers. Blatche is certainly open to a change of scenery, according to a person close to him.

The team discussed dealing Blatche to Charlotte last month for Tyrus Thomas but were rejected, according to two people with knowledge of the situation. Blatche is still owed nearly $23 million after this season, and rival teams have expressed concern about his conditioning and character."

Blatche is shooting 38 percent this year and his game overall has regressed as he has been battling an injury to his calf. And that is not what is scaring teams off — it’s an effort and attitude that nobody else wants to bring into their locker room.

The Wizards have had a lot of those guys over the years. There’s a reason Blatche and others before him (Kwame Brown) have been booed by local fans. Passion and effort can make up for a lot in fans minds, not showing those things leads to anger from the fan base.

Don’t expect the Wizards to have much luck finding a trading partner — Blatche has three guaranteed years left on his deal. Unless he shows market improvement on the court, he will be very hard to trade (and if he were to show that improvement would you want to trade him.

http://probasketballtalk.nbcsports.c...s-him/related/

[Monta Ellis #11]

Sacramento, Kings, NBA reach tentative arena deal

Sacramento's efforts to build a new arena for the Sacramento Kings have never been closer to becoming a reality.

The city, the NBA and the Kings announced a tentative deal Monday to finance a new arena that would keep the team in California's capital. The City Council is expected to vote on the plan March 6.

Sacramento Mayor Kevin Johnson, NBA Commissioner David Stern and the Maloof family, which owns the Kings, emerged from three days of talks in Orlando, Fla., - where they had been negotiating all weekend during All-Star festivities - to announce that the framework of a deal had been reached.

The full financing plan will be made public by Thursday.

"Today is a new day for Sacramento and a defining moment for our community," Johnson said. "We came to Orlando needing to convert both ends of a one-and-one free throw. Over the weekend, the city hit the front end of the free throw by making clear it had delivered on its promises and, today, the Maloof family hit the second free throw by stepping up and increasing their contribution."

The Kings almost moved to Anaheim, Calif., last year before Johnson and city leaders convinced the league to give Sacramento one last chance to help finance an arena. Seattle also had been making a renewed push for an NBA team.

The estimated $387 million arena, which would open for the 2015-16 season in the downtown Sacramento rail yards, is now within reach.

Johnson made a desperate pitch to the NBA Board of Governors last April to give the city a final chance to come up with an arena plan. He also bought time by presenting more than $10 million in commitments for new advertising, ticket purchases and other financial support from regional businesses for this season.

Despite attempts by Anaheim and Seattle to swoop in and lure the Kings, the fate of the franchise is in the hands of the Sacramento City Council - which has approved every arena measure to date under the current project. And the Maloof family - brothers Joe, Gavin and George - have made it clear they want to remain in Sacramento.


http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/201....ap/index.html

[Monta Ellis #11]

C's next two weeks pivotal
With team relatively healthy, franchise's future and trade strategy will become clearer

Not since Game 5 of the 2010 Eastern Conference semifinals has a visit to Cleveland meant this much to the Boston Celtics.

Fresh off a much-needed All-Star break, the staggering Shamrocks reconvened in the Forest City on Monday hoping to find their way out of the woods. Boston has lost a Big Three-era-worst five straight and is merely 1.5 games ahead of the Cavaliers for the eighth and final playoff seed in the Eastern Conference entering the second half of the season.

Boston will officially hit the midpoint of the 2011-12 campaign (Game 33 of 66) during Tuesday's joust with a Cavaliers squad that continues to show encouraging signs despite losing energetic big man Anderson Varejao to a broken wrist earlier this month.

With an incredibly daunting eight-game road trip looming in March (Boston plays 11 of its 17 games that month on the road), the next seven games could be vital in determining the direction of the franchise. Sitting two games below .500 (15-17) coming out of the break, the Celtics and president of basketball operations Danny Ainge must decide soon how they will approach the rapidly approaching March 15 trade deadline.

Will Boston be a buyer looking to give itself a small jolt for a late-season push? Will the Celtics be a seller turning its attention to the future and acknowledging little chance of being a true contender this year? Will the Green simply stay the course and see what happens?

In the 12 days before Boston heads out West, we should find out those answers. Coach Doc Rivers has preached patience with his club, noting that injuries played a big role in its first-half woes and the team has a chance to emerge from the break in about as good shape as it's going to be in (particularly if top reserve Brandon Bass is ready to return to the floor after missing the past six games because of right knee inflammation).

With a softer schedule to start the second half (the first four opponents -- Cleveland, Milwaukee, New Jersey and New York -- are all sub.-500 with a combined record of 53-81), the Celtics need to capitalize. Things ramp up a bit, including a back-to-back with surging Houston (20-14) and Atlantic-leading Philadelphia (20-14), then the Celtics host Portland (18-16) before heading to the Left Coast.

A few key questions to ponder in the second half of the season:

* Can the Celtics stay healthy? Boston players combined to miss a total of 58 games in the first half of the year, and much of the team's inconsistencies can be traced to health (whether it was the absence of Paul Pierce early in the year or that of Bass late in the first half). Can the aging Big Three hold up as the schedule goes into overdrive, and will younger players like Bass and Chris Wilcox be able to stay upright?

* How will the schedule affect Boston's play? The second half of the season is downright brutal -- 34 games in 59 days, 19 of which are on the road. Not only does that eight-game road trip in March start with four games out West -- passing the trade deadline during that stretch -- but Boston hopscotches back across the country with stops in Denver, Atlanta, Milwaukee and Philadelphia. The Celtics also have 10 back-to-backs (and one back-to-back-to-back) on tap, with 16 of those 23 games coming on the road, including six tail ends of back-to-backs (and all three nights of the lone back-to-back-to-back). For a Boston team that is 8-10 in nine back-to-backs so far this season, including 0-5 on second nights ending on the road, that's a bit daunting if it craves more consistency.

* Can Pierce find his shot? The Celtics played their best basketball this season when their captain played his. That's hardly a coincidence. Although Boston clearly needs contributions from its entire roster, Pierce's play will dictate in large part how successful the rest of the season will be for the Green. If his shot continues to be erratic, he'll have to be an even better facilitator to keep Boston afloat. If his shot gets going, that will help eliminate some of the woes around the offense.

Decisions loom for Boston, and the schedule is going to make it difficult to get a true read on the team. It's just another obstacle to navigate in this crazy season. At the very least, we'll soon have answers to these lingering questions, and Boston will know exactly what its future holds.



http://espn.go.com/boston/nba/story/...-weeks-pivotal

[Monta Ellis #11]

Former All-Star Guard Brandon Roy Entertains Comeback Possibility

Former Rookie of the Year and 3-time All-Star guard Brandon Roy, who recently retired from basketball due to a serious knee condition, has been entertaining the possibility of a comeback, telling Eurobasket, 'It's hard being away from the game. Don't be surprised if you see Brandon Roy make his way back to the court.'

The five-year veteran, who was selected sixth in the 2006 NBA Draft by the Portland Trail Blazers, retired on December 10, 2011, after suffering from ongoing trouble with his knees.

Lately, Roy has been working out in his hometown gym, preparing for a life changing possibility. 'It burns being away from the game and watching the entire season from the outside,' a frustrated Roy said as he followed the shortened 2011-12 NBA season from his living room couch.

According to sources close to the player, regardless of his knee problems, Roy's decision to retire wasn't all health related. 'There's something to it, but it's not the right time for me to get into it right now,' Roy said. 'I've been doing some treatment and I'm trying to leave the window open to returning to basketball.'

When met with skepticism regarding his comeback, Roy explained, 'It's the truth. It's really hard being so far away from the game. I spend time watching Jamal (Crawford) and following all of his games; Will (Conroy) and Tre (Simmons) are both doing their thing, so it's driving me to wanna come back out there. If the treatment I've been looking into can work, I believe there's a good chance you will see Brandon Roy back hoopin'.'

Earlier this week, while the NBA's main event took place in Orlando, Roy, Will Conroy and Washington Huskies youngster Tony Wroten watched the All-Star game at the Blazers' guard Jamal Crawford's residence. Roy described his feelings. 'We were just relaxing and watching the game but all I could think about was all of the fun stuff behind the scenes. The guys brought back a lot of memories when they asked me what the feel was like and whether guys get along. I told them the players get along great because it's all really about having fun and amusing the fans.'

As a spectator, Roy observed that 'The players did whatever they could to make sure their fans get the best product, if it being Kobe and Lebron going at it late in the game or Kevin Durant's competitiveness. It's really hard doing it for 48-minutes, but I think in the fourth quarter, they definitely got the job done.'

Last year, while playing his fifth and final season for the Blazers, Roy played in 53 games, averaging 11.9ppg, 2.5rpg and 2.8apg.


http://www.usbasket.com/NBA/basketba...?NewsID=261723

[ЕлБиЏеј]

Lamar Odom not back with Mavs yet

DALLAS -- Lamar Odom did not report back to the Dallas Mavericks on Monday and coach Rick Carlisle did not give a timetable for the forward's return.

Odom left the team last Wednesday to attend to his ill father in Los Angeles, a source confirmed. Odom missed the Mavs' loss to his former team, the Lakers, and apparently won't be in uniform when Dallas resumes the regular season at home Tuesday night against the New Jersey Nets.

More on the Mavericks


"Lamar is not here today," Carlisle said Monday. "He is still dealing with a family matter and the hope is he'll join us soon, and we'll update you when there's an update."

Amid rumors that Odom might not return to the Mavericks and a midseason buyout could be a possibility, owner Mark Cuban told ESPNDallas.com's Tim MacMahon via email Monday night: "We haven't discussed a buyout and we wouldn't do a buyout. No chance that happens at all. We want to help Lamar work through any personal issues and expect him to be a valuable contributor to the Mavs this season. Players go through challenges from time to time and we try to be (an) organization that fully supports our players when things are challenging for them. We will do the same for Lamar."

Two sources with knowledge of Odom's thinking told ESPN.com's Marc Stein on Monday night that -- while the 32-year-old admittedly did briefly ponder retirement during the offseason following the death of a younger cousin -- Odom wants to keep playing despite his season-long struggles.

Guard Rodrigue Beaubois did return to the Mavs on Monday. The third-year guard missed the last five games after the death of his father.

Odom has had a disappointing two months in his first season with the Mavs. He had trouble overcoming the death of his younger cousin last summer and reported to the Mavs admittedly out of shape.

He has averaged 7.7 points and 4.5 rebounds in 32 games. He won the league's Sixth Man of the Year award last season with the Lakers having averaged 14.4 points and 8.7 rebounds.

After three hopeful games in which Odom averaged 11.0 points on 13-of-25 shooting and 3.9 rebounds, Odom followed up in his final three games before the All-Star break with a total of 11 points and 13 rebounds.

Carlisle expressed optimism Friday during his weekly appearance on ESPN Dallas 103.3 FM's "Galloway & Co." that Odom was getting close to turning a corner.

"I think we're closer than we've ever been to him playing well," Carlisle said. "We've just got to stay the course and stay positive about it. The guy's too good of a player and ... he has two bad games in a row and everybody's ready to jump again, but I'm not going there.

"I'm looking forward to getting him back after the break, and we're going to get right back at it. These nine games in 12 days will completely immerse all of us, and we won't have time to think twice about anything, so we're just going to play."

http://espn.go.com/dallas/nba/story/...llas-mavericks

[ЕлБиЏеј]

Howard’s moaning irks Magic fans

That someone could be Ramon Sessions ($4.2 million/$4.5 million). The Lakers are doing some fast talking to the Cavaliers, who are swamped by calls, as are the Kings. Sacramento leads the league in cap room, $9.4 million, whereas Cleveland has $7.1 million. Teams want them to take contracts for draft picks so they can maneuver.

For example, the Raptors are trying to move Leandro Barbosa’s expiring contract ($7.6 million) in hopes of signing restricted free agent Wilson Chandler to a financial arrangement Denver might be reluctant to match. The Nuggets undeniably appreciate Chandler’s on and off-court qualities, but is he good enough to start at small forward? Hence, they’re not forced to go overboard as long as they’re bidding against themselves.


The Lakers, also in dire need of a legitimate scoring threat at small forward, have genuine interest in Michael Beasley, but it’s doubtful they’ll use the $8.9 million trade exception (from Lamar Odom being shipped to Dallas) to acquire him because of the increased luxury tax consequences stemming from the new Collective Bargaining Agreement. Timberwolves coach Rick Adelman recently committed to boosting Derrick Williams’ minutes, making Beasley extraneous. Minnesota is pushing hard to relocate his $6.2 million expiring contract and have the Nets and Celtics leaning.

According to suspect reports, Kyle Lowry and Raymond Felton are additional caretakers the Lakers covet. While it can’t be complicated to get the Blazers to give up Felton, who radically regressed this season (10. 2 points, 6.2 assists, 25 percent from three, 37 percent overall), why would L.A. want someone struggling so badly?

Regarding the Rockets, as much as I like Pau, why would you surrender someone having a season of near All-Star proportions (career highs in points, 15.6 and assists, 7.6) along with Luis Scola, who’s almost as good as Gasol and twice as tough?Houston general manager Daryl Morey admittedly made one monster mistake when he waived Jeremy Lin (surely you didn’t think I could write a column without mentioning his name) so I guess he’s certainly capable of making another one … except he repudiates the story.

A strong case could be made the Warriors have the league’s worst starting center and small forward. At the very least, Andris Biedrins and Dorell Wright are in the heart of the discussion. Thankfully, Mark Jackson has Ekpe Udoh and Brandon Rush in reserve. Let us pray you know that’s a joke.

Obviously, Golden State is in the hunt for a big man on infertile plains. Chris Kaman ($12.7 million) might be it. Yes, he can score and rebound in double figures when he’s fit and fully functioning. But it doesn’t make sense to relinquish an asset to rescue a player no other team wants and nobody likes to play with.
At least nobody wanted Kaman until Mike Dunleavy’s group became the favorite to buy the Hornets. If you recall, the former Clippers coach/president was the one who drafted the 7-footer and re-signed him for major money. In that case, the Warriors might luck out.

There are renewed rumblings about the Warriors possibly getting Brook Lopez from the Nets in a multi-team deal involving Howard. That would cost them big time, though; Monta Ellis would be part of the Magic’s compensation.

Seems to me Dwyane Wade earned a one-game suspension for breaking Kobe Bryant’s nose in the All-Star Game. In essence, he said his hard foul was payback for Bryant fouling him twice. “I didn’t try to draw blood,” Wade said, “but he’s still ahead by one.” Case closed.

This just in from a Texas source, who’s hearing Odom is trying to get a buyout. “Don’t be surprised if the Mavs oblige. He’s just not happy in Dallas. Maybe his wife is making him.”


http://www.nypost.com/p/sports/more_...brFVhCAXnTQO/1

[Monta Ellis #11]

Rose says back is pain-free
MVP didn't bother with treatment during All-Star weekend

Derrick Rose said his back feels so good, he didn't even get treatment during All-Star weekend in Orlando, Fla.

"I don't have any pain," he said Monday after the Bulls' two-hour practice at the Berto Center. "I've been working out, getting my rhythm back. I'm not worried about it anymore and trying to move on from it."

Rose played the Bulls' final two games before the break after missing the previous five. Coach Tom Thibodeau played him only 18 minutes in theAll-Star Game, none in the fourth quarter.

"That was predetermined," Thibodeau said.

Rose didn't get the memo, saying, "At times I wanted to get in there, but I think Thibs was worried about my back."

Leg up: Rose and Luol Deng said Richard Hamilton looked good in practice, but Thibodeau wouldn't say if Hamilton will suit up Tuesday against the Hornets.

"We're going step by step," Thibodeau said. "He's encouraged by how he's feeling, but we're not going to rush. … He has handled the contact stuff well, so the next step will be to put him in the game."

Rose said Hamilton, whose leg injuries have limited him to 11 of the Bulls' 35 games, "was going through the plays, knocking down shots. His conditioning was good; that's the biggest thing. Rip opens the game up for us. I can't wait to get him out there."

Layups: C.J. Watson (concussion) fully participated in practice, and Deng said his left wrist is fine despite a fall in the All-Star Game. … Thibodeau joked that he was concerned about how fans would react to seeing him smile during the All-Star Game: "It kills the image." … Deng said he did not know whether the NBA would fine him for wearing a T-shirt with an outline of Africa, his home continent, during player introductions Sunday. "I felt like I had a chance on national TV to make a lot of kids proud and bring something positive to the continent of Africa," Deng said. … Fans at Tuesday's game will receive, while supplies last, a Scottie Pippen bobblehead.


http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports...,6476412.story