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The Suns and Magic must be seen as viable long-shots to win the NBA championship this year. Unfortunately, Jameer Nelson is not much more than an average NBA PG, but the inside-out game of the greatest centre in the game and an arsenal of weapons from behind the arc (Lewis, Hedo, JJ and Bogans) make Orlando a tough match up.
Shawn Marion is making 20 million a year, how can a coach forget that? There isn’t a day that goes by where Spoelstra does not joke with his wife about how much money Marion makes while brushing his teeth. Will the Heat be content to just let that contract expire, or will we see Marion in a Cavs uniform for their playoff run?
Who doesn’t believe that Charlotte would be receptive to moving two terrible players? For all the great he has done on the court, Michael Jordan’s track record for personnel moves is extremely poor. Oh wow - Matt Carroll and Adam Morisson are available - wow. Morrison is just another example from the long list of big-time college players who just can’t transition to the NBA. Others include Joakim Noah, Mike Conley and JJ Redick…to name a few. Charlotte must continue to clean house and change the culture. This is Larry Brown’s very last chance at respectability in this league…
The Kings have a bright future which will not include Brad Miller. Who is the King that ran out of the dressing room to the backseat of his mommy’s car, following a game last year? Was it Salmons, after his minutes had been down with Artest’s return.
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The Magic have a league-high 14 road wins, including victories in Dallas, Portland and Utah. The win Sunday gave them a sweep of the season series with the Spurs. “We knew the team that made the stops toward the end was going to win,” Howard said. “We came up with some good stops and got a good win.”AP/Philly.com
Marion had a different spin. “He said he forgot about me,” Marion said. “He said the team that was out there, they were on a run.” Asked if he ever had been held out of an entire fourth quarter and overtime in the same game, Marion said, “No, no, no.” South Florida Sun-Sentinel
I believe team management would be very receptive to moving the contract of either Adam Morrison or Matt Carroll. Neither one starts, except as an injury fill-in, and that’s a huge financial investment in backups with redundant skill sets. The question is whether other teams would accept one of those contracts without sending a similar contract back to Charlotte. As far as attractive to other teams, the Knicks would love to acquire Diaw, but why would the Bobcats give him up? His presence has made them significantly better. Charlotte Obsever
And as a reminder, Brad Miller isn’t the only one being shopped here. The Kings are open to almost all possibilities and John Salmons - who is averaging a career-high 19 points per game on 47.6 shooting and a career-high 39.6 percent from three-point range - is near Miller on the list of available players.Sacramento Bee
Milwaukee Bucks: There have been continuous rumors forward Charlie Villanueva is being shopped and whispers about Michael Redd being dealt. Backup guard Charlie Bell’s name has also been bandied about in trade talks and it is believed some teams have contacted the Bucks about the availability of veteran small forward Richard Jefferson. Racine Journal Times
The latest rumor to surface is the Bucks possibly trading backup point guard Ramon Sessions and forward Joe Alexander, who was the eighth overall selection in last June’s NBA draft, to the Memphis Grizzlies. In return, the Bucks would obtain point guard Michael Conley Jr., who was the No. 4 overall selection in the 2007 draft. Racine Journal Times
No, Robert Horry won’t be coming back to play for the Lakers. Horry (shown at left with the Spurs) was in town Sunday night and dropped by Staples Center for the Lakers-Heat game at the urging of Rick Fox, his former Lakers teammate. Horry went on the FSN West halftime show with Fox. LA Times Blog
Horry, who became known as “Big Shot Rob” for his clutch shooting, hasn’t officially retired. But he said he has no designs on playing again. LA Times Blog
The Kings were offered Brandon Bass and Jerry Stackhouse for Ron Artest when Josh Howard was the guy they really wanted. Now, it sounds as if Howard is far more available than he was then. What’s more, the reports of a possible three-team deal with Dallas, Charlotte and Oklahoma City reminded me of a recent conversation in which I was told by a league source that the Kings were part of talks involving the Thunder (with Earl Watson in the equation) and a third team. Don’t be surprised if something eventually goes down that is a variation of some of these pieces and involves the Kings. Sacramento Bee
The Charlotte Bobcats are in ongoing trade discussions with the Dallas Mavericks, and possibly the Oklahoma City Thunder, that could move Raymond Felton and Nazr Mohammed, two NBA sources confirmed to the Observer. Some elements of a potential deal were first reported Sunday in the Boston Globe. The Observer has learned that any deal likely would include moving backup center Mohammed, who is owed about $13.3 million over the next two seasons. Charlotte Observer
If a deal is consummated, the Bobcats likely would end up with Dallas Mavericks center DeSagana Diop. They pursued Diop during free agency last summer before he re-signed with Dallas. The deal Diop signed with the Mavericks is large – four more seasons at an average salary of nearly $6.7 million. Charlotte Observer
The Charlotte Bobcats, Dallas Mavericks and Oklahoma City Thunder put the pieces in place for a three-team trade late last week, but NBA front-office sources said Sunday that those talks have gone “dormant.” Sources told ESPN.com that the full deal, as originally constructed, would have sent Raymond Felton, Nazr Mohammed and Sean May from Charlotte to Dallas, landed Earl Watson and Dallas’ DeSagana Diop with the Bobcats and shipped Jerry Stackhouse to the Thunder along with a future second-round pick. ESPN.com
It was unclear Sunday night if the trade can still be resurrected or revised, but sources say one impediment is an injury suffered in Tuesday’s victory over Boston by Bobcats rookie guard D.J. Augustin, which could suddenly make Charlotte reluctant to part with Felton. Augustin is expected to miss at least 10 days after he aggravated the abdominal injury in Saturday’s victory over Washington. ESPN.com
If the trade can be revived, Watson would be moving to Charlotte as a veteran backup to Augustin, whose emergence has led many executives around the league to presume that Felton would be moved before the league’s Feb. 19 trading deadline. Felton is playing on an expiring contract that pays him $4.1 million this season and will be a restricted free agent this summer. ESPN.com
Raymond Felton will become a restricted free agent in July. He’s having his best season as a pro; just good enough that some other NBA team might sign him to an offer sheet that would place the Bobcats in a no-win situation. Charlotte Observer
Mohammed came to the Bobcats last season from the Detroit Pistons. He will make about $6.4 million next season and nearly $6.9 million the following season, and has been on the fringe of the rotation since coach Larry Brown took over this season. Charlotte Observer
A report in Sunday’s editions of the Boston Globe cited a league source who said the Thunder is involved in a three-team trade that would send Earl Watson to the Charlotte Bobcats. The report did not indicate which player or players Oklahoma City would get in the deal, which would also send Bobcats guard Raymond Felton to Dallas and Mavs center DeSagana Diop to Charlotte. Oklahoman
General manager Sam Presti, citing team policy, declined to comment on the report when contacted Sunday afternoon. The Thunder, however, is believed to be a late third party in the deal to help make the trade work under the league’s salary cap provisions set by the collective bargaining agreement. Dallas and Charlotte could possibly proceed without the Thunder. Oklahoman
While the Celtics clearly aren’t as bad as they’ve looked lately, it may also be fair to say the roster as currently constructed isn’t what they’d like heading into the postseason. Paul Pierce believes there will be changes, and he supports the concept. “I wouldn’t be surprised if something happens,” Pierce said before his team’s 94-88 win over the Toronto Raptors. “Usually every year something happens, regardless of if your winning or you’re not playing so well. The team is always looking for ways to better itself, so it definitely wouldn’t surprise me if we made a move.” Boston Herald
“It’s kind of hard to say, but definitely you would like to get another shooter,” Pierce said. “I think that could help us. I don’t know if that’s going to be coming from a range-shooting four or a 3-point shooting 3-man, but I think we could definitely use another guy who could stretch the defense. “Right now we don’t have a lot of depth at the wing position. You see, with Tony Allen (ankle) out, we’re playing a small lineup with Gabe (Pruitt) and Eddie (House) on the court with Ray Allen at the small forward. And Ray doesn’t really play small forward.” Boston Herald
Asked about defensive issues with Allen out, coach Doc Rivers said, “We just miss another guard, really. Honestly, Tony has been an average defender for us. I’ve always said he should be a great defender; he just hasn’t been yet, and that’s something he has to improve on. But we’re just down a guard.” Boston Herald
It wasn’t a snub, Erik Spoelstra said, just a temporary deviation from his normal rotation. That’s how the Miami Heat coach summed up starting small forward Shawn Marion being held out of the entire fourth quarter and all of overtime in Friday’s victory in Sacramento. “I wasn’t planning on that at all,” Spoelstra said before Sunday’s 108-105 loss to the Los Angeles Lakers at Staples Center. It was the first time he addressed Marion’s absence. “We’ve done that several times this season and the guys have been great about it and very professional about it.” South Florida Sun-Sentinel
On offense, George Karl admitted Friday’s loss to Detroit was the first time this season that he and point guard Chauncey Billups weren’t on the same page late in the game. But in part due to the special circumstance of the opponent being Billups’ former team, Karl also said he was not concerned it might become a trend. The Nuggets, who get three full days off before Tuesday’s game against Dallas, fine-tuned things in a mostly half-court session Sunday. On offense, the team is trying to figure out what players and coaches like and what will work consistently. Denver Post
There were plenty of reasons for the Bulls to be angry following a home loss to the NBA’s worst team. Drew Gooden described how the repair work played out at Sunday’s practice. “We had a film session where we watched the last six minutes of the game and saw what we did wrong,” he said. “I think we’re going to build from this. It was nothing where we were nitpicking at every little thing and guys getting frustrated. I think the optimism around this squad was good.” Arlington Heights Daily Herald
Asked if he’s a believer in calling players-only meetings, Drew Gooden answered yes, but didn’t think the Bulls are at that point yet. “It’s no time right now to push the panic button,” he said. “Guys know what they need to do. If there’s a time when a meeting needs to be called, it will be called.” Arlington Heights Daily Herald
“It’s tough when you have your captains out,” Del Negro said. “But still when you’re a captain, no matter if you’re in street clothes or not, you have a responsibility and a respect from the players that it has to come from them. It can’t always come from me or the coaching staff. As guys take more ownership of the team and understand what leadership and work ethic are all about, guys follow suit.” Indeed, captains Kirk Hinrich and Luol Deng are out, though both practiced Sunday. Hinrich even took contact on his surgically repaired right thumb for the first time and might play Thursday or Saturday. Deng might return after missing eight games with a sprained ankle to face Portland. Chicago Tribune
So, that scenario leaves either Iverson or Hamilton to start at shooting guard. Curry, assuming everybody is healthy enough to play, could choose to go back to his smaller lineup and start all three guards, with Prince moving up to power forward. Or, he could bring Hamilton or Iverson off the bench. Hamilton has made it known he has no interest in coming off the bench, nor does Iverson. So you can see Curry’s dilemma. Curry has elected not to talk about it until Hamilton is officially back and ready to play. Detroit News
Among the many things Shaquille O’Neal likes to take credit for is the construction of Staples Center, which was completed after his third season with the Lakers. As he yelled to Snoop Dogg in Shaq’s first game back with the Miami Heat, “I built this [expletive]!” It was hard to escape Shaq’s legacy at Staples Center on Sunday. He was in town with the Phoenix Suns to play the Clippers in the afternoon game, and the evening featured a matchup of his former teams, the Lakers and Miami Heat. When I reminded Shaq of this unique confluence he went around the Suns locker room shaking hands as if he’d just won an award. If it’s rare for such a superstar to play for four teams (can it really be almost 13 years since he left Orlando?) it might be an even greater oddity that none of the four is a guarantee to retire his jersey when he’s done. ESPN.com
So where would Shaq prefer to have his giant jersey hang? “Hopefully it’ll be here,” he said, walking through the hallway in Staples Center. “I was part of the greatest one-two punch in Laker history. Hopefully they still remember that. “In a perfect world, I have four teams, I’d be the first guy standing there with all four jerseys, number retired in all four places. It’s not something I really think about. If I had my first wish, it would be here. Because when I first came here, I made the statement I would love to have my name next to Kareem and those greats.” ESPN.com
Knicks president Donnie Walsh sounded off yesterday, saying he’s unhappy with the Knicks’ season spinning out of control, but has no regrets about Nov. 21’s landmark deals that cleared cap space for 2010. In a state-of-the-Knicks address, Walsh did not sound anxious to make another trade as a quick fix or to shake things up, wanting to evaluate the pieces over an 82-game schedule. NY Post
Because of his imposed restrictions, Walsh indicated it being doubtful he’ll make a trade by the Feb. 19 deadline. The only way he’ll make a trade is if he gains a solid player who markedly upgrades the roster and one whose contract does not extend past 2010. That may be too much of a heist to pull off, with the Clippers in no rush to trade Marcus Camby. NY Post
But Walsh seems more concerned with evaluations to determine whom to get rid of this summer. Slumping Nate Robinson and David Lee are restricted free agents - and Walsh can match any team’s offer. Walsh will listen to offers for Lee at the deadline, but would want a lot of talent back and not one with a contract past 2010. Dumping injured-again Eddy Curry’s contract (he reportedly was recently offered to Miami for Shawn Marion and rejected) seems like a lost cause, considering he’s battling a weight problem. NY Post
“I don’t know what I can live with until I get to the end of the year,” Walsh said. “I don’t want to be making those kinds of statements in the middle of the season … I want to see the whole season. I want to see what players basically can contribute as we go forward. Those are the things I’m looking at.” NY Newsday
Walsh figures to be active before the Feb. 19 trade deadline, but more likely to move more salary (Eddy Curry) off the 2010-11 payroll. “You’re always both” a buyer and a seller, Walsh said, but the Knicks surely will be frugal. “If I can get a good player, I’d like to do that,” he said. “But I don’t want to interfere with two years from now. That’s one thing I’ve been pretty consistent with. And to a degree, it would have to be somebody that can help us. It can’t be just another guy.” NY Newsday
Skepticism about Elton Brand remains alive and well in Philadelphia, at least among fans and the media. As in: When Brand returns to the active roster, can the 76ers continue to run as effectively as they have been? As in: Can he return playing anywhere close to the level that brought him his 5-year, $79.8 million free-agent contract? Let it be noted that Mike Woodson, the Atlanta Hawks’ coach, shares none of those concerns. “Trust me, don’t throw Brand out the door, my man, because he’s going to help your basketball team win a lot of games, I promise you that,” Woodson was saying before yesterday’s game against the Sixers. Philadelphia Daily News
The Sixers are 6-6 without Brand, who is rehabilitating from a dislocated right shoulder and is likely still more than week away from returning. Without him, they have led the NBA in fastbreak scoring, including advantages of 29-9 and 20-4, respectively, over the Houston Rockets and the Charlotte Bobcats. Philadelphia Daily News
Dwight Howard scored 24 points, Jameer Nelson had eight of his 22 in the final two minutes, and the Magic beat the Spurs 105-98 on Sunday night. Hedo Turkoglu added 21 points for the Magic (30-8), who are tied with the Boston Celtics and Los Angeles Lakers for the NBA lead in victories. Orlando has won four straight and 13 of 15. “It feels good,” Howard said. “We’ve been playing great basketball, but to come here and beat a great San Antonio team says a lot about our growth and maturity.” AP/Philly.com
Nuggets guard Anthony Carter does not like to miss games for any reason. It’s a large part of why he has been playing through a hip injury that won’t completely go away. “In the last week I’ve been getting treatment, and I feel great,” Carter said. According to Carter, he first injured the hip in training camp, but the pain subsided. However, as Carter compensated for a recent groin injury, he aggravated the hip. Denver Post
Nets: But now, Ryan Anderson is healthy, Yi Jianlian isn’t (broken pinkie) and the rookie will make his first career start tonight when the Nets look for a fourth straight win at home. They’ll greet former Net Nenad Krstic and the Thunder - while welcoming Devin Harris back from a hamstring injury that KO’d him for 3½ of the last four games. Anderson replaces Yi, who is out 4-6 weeks. “I’m just going to come in like every other game I’ve played,” said Anderson, who went for an MRI on his back Saturday - no damage was found. “I’m going to just try and be a rebounder, a hustle guy and try and get some easy points. That’s kind of my strategy, if I have one.” NY Post
The sight of Al Horford limping off the floor in Orlando Friday night didn’t give anyone cause for major concern. He walked off the floor under his own power. Did the same on his way out of the locker room. But now comes word that he’ll be out indefinitely with a bone bruise in his right knee. Talk about news you don’t want if you’re the Hawks or a Hawks fan. Horford’s absence from the starting lineup and playing rotation will be felt far beyond his 10.8 points, a team-high 8.7 rebounds, 2.5 assists and 1.6 blocks. Atlanta Journal Constitution Blog
A light smattering of boos accompanied the Hawks as they left the floor for the locker room at the end of Sunday’s ugly 109-94 whipping at the hands of the Philadelphia 76ers. Hawks captain and All-Star Joe Johnson said it was an appropriate end to 48 minutes that he had trouble describing after the Hawks (22-14) dropped their third straight game without putting up much of a fight. Atlanta Journal Constitution
“We’re in a rut right now,” said Hawks coach Mike Woodson, who was without starting center Al Horford on Sunday and will be without him for the foreseeable future. Horford is out indefinitely with a bone bruise in his right knee.” Atlanta Journal Constitutio
Ray Allen earned season-highs of 36 points and eight 3-pointers during the Celtics’ 94-88 victory over the Raptors yesterday at Air Canada Centre. The Celtics (30-9) finally reached the 30-win mark after losing four games in a row and seven of the 10. The Celtics have beaten the struggling Raptors (16-22) seven of the past eight meetings and face them again tonight at TD Banknorth Garden. “We’d like for people to think we’re down, but we are not,” Allen said. “We just hit a bad hitch in the road.” Boston Globe
Allen entered the game having not surpassed 20 points in 11 contests. The 12-year veteran, who had missed 24 of 30 3-pointers in the previous four games, was knocked out of his usual pregame shooting ritual because of the early (12:30 p.m.) start time. Allen typically gets to the arena about four hours before a game to shoot before most of the other players show up. “It felt awkward to me,” Allen said. “Normally I would get to the gym and shoot all the time that we started our meeting at the hotel. Twelve-thirty games are tough for us.” Boston Globe
Paul Pierce suffered a right knee injury in the first quarter after banging knees with teammate Brian Scalabrine. But despite the pain that has his status for tonight’s game up in the air, Pierce went off a hard screen set by Garnett on Moon to nail a 20-foot pull-up jumper to give Boston a 90-83 lead and seal the much-needed win. “It was an open shot,” said Pierce, who had 11 points in 41 minutes. “Kevin set the pick. I came off of it. I’m going to take the shot regardless to how I feel. I’m on the court and I’m trying to help my team win.” Boston Globe
The Celtics were without starting center Kendrick Perkins and guard Tony Allen during their 94-88 win here yesterday. Forward Paul Pierce is uncertain whether he will play tonight against Toronto in Boston because of an aggravation of a right knee injury. Guard Rajon Rondo, who has been hampered by a shoulder injury, also is expected to play after suffering scratches on his legs when he fell into the crowd. Boston Globe
“Scal fell into it - the knee that’s been sore for the last few weeks, the same one I hyperextended,” Pierce said. “It’s just a little sore. I aggravated it a little bit, but I was getting treatment after the game and I’ll see how it feels (today). Hopefully it’ll get better overnight. “I was a little ginger on it for most of the game after I got the hit, but I just wanted to be out there to help my team.” Boston Herald
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