Price fixing on Rajon Rondo’s shot

TORONTO - Atlanta Hawks shooting consultant Mark Price got a good look at his summer pupil Rajon Rondo [stats] on Friday night, and he had to be impressed when the Celtics [team stats] guard made both his 3-pointers.

Rondo had been 3-for-27 on the season coming in, and he’d hit just one of his previous 11. But he was true twice against Atlanta, both coming as the shot clock was winding down, meaning Rondo didn’t have time to overthink the attempts.

“I haven’t gotten to see him too much this season,” said Price, “but when I have I feel like he’s trying to stick with some things we worked on. Obviously when you’re not there to stay on top of things you get a little slippage with some stuff. He got off to a little bit of a slow start this year, but it seems likely he’s starting to pick it up a little bit.

“I just like the fact that he’s sticking with some things,” he added. “I think a lot of times guys, when they struggle a little bit out there, they just kind of say, ‘Well, I’m going to go back to what I was doing before or whatever.’ But I think in the long run it’s going to pay off for him. I can see he’s been doing a lot better from the line lately.”

When asked how far off Rondo was when he first came to see him last summer (they got together three times), Price paused.

“He had a lot of work to do,” he said. “But he’s a hard worker, and he’s a great player. It’s just one piece that’s not there yet, and if he gets that going a little bit, look out.”

And the fact that Rondo can get to the basket even when teams are playing off him lessens the pressure on his jumper.

“I think in some ways that plays into his hands,” Price said. “With a guy that’s this quick, sometimes that’s the worst thing you can do is to give him a free run at you. You’re almost better getting up and playing him and taking your chances there.”

Snow reaction

The Celtics were still shaking their heads about the Atlanta area’s panic after snow flurries and ice on Thursday as they headed out of town yesterday.

Most schools were closed, leaving Celtics PR man Jeff Twiss to shrug a little bit. He’s from northern Vermont, where 31 inches of snow last weekend still failed to get the school kids Monday off.

Feeling hunted

It’s clear the Hawks are loaded for bear when they take on the Celtics, who have been unprepared to match that intensity in two losses to Atlanta this season. They will get another chance tomorrow, but they must first deal with the Raptors this afternoon.

Toronto has won eight of its last nine, the loss being to the C’s last week. But the C’s don’t expect the hosts to be apprehensive, even with six straight losses in the series.

According to Ray Allen, even clubs lesser than Toronto no longer fear the elite teams.

“Everybody feels, you know, ‘We’re going to beat this team tonight and we’re going to turn our season around,’ ” he said. “And we know that. So the teams that we’ve played in the last three years, everybody’s looking to play us and get their team turned around against us because they’re getting the best speech in the other locker room every night. And for us, we’ve got to remember that we are the hunted.”

Nuggets' Anthony hopes to return by Monday

Nuggets forward Carmelo Anthony (right knee bruise) is unlikely to play tonight against Cleveland, saying this morning at Denver's shootaround: "I got to be smart — I want to play this game more than anybody, but unfortunately I might not."

Anthony, who averages 30 points per game, said if he doesn't play tonight he also won't play Saturday at Sacramento and will shot for Monday against Minnesota.

Nuggets coach George Karl said that point guard Ty Lawson (ankle) is doubtful for tonight but starting point Chauncey Billups (groin), as expected, said today he will play against LeBron James and the Cavaliers.

It's possible starting center Nene (ankle) won't play tonight — he is a game-time decision — and reserve center Chris Andersen, originally thought to be out for sure, could possibly give it a go tonight, though he too is a game-time decision.

Alston starts at point after one workout with Heat

PHOENIX -- Rafer Alston probably could thank Dwyane Wade for leaving the worst team in the league this season and rejoining the Heat.

It's not because the two were friends and teammates in Miami during the 2003-04 season, when Wade was a rookie.

Instead, it was Wade's game-winning shot as time expired in the Heat's 81-80 victory over the New Jersey Nets on Nov. 14 that might have contributed to Alston's eventual departure.

Had Wade missed that attempt, the Nets would have ended their season-opening losing streak at nine games. Instead, they lost another eight, coach Lawrence Frank was fired and team set an NBA record with a 0-18 start behind a lineup ravaged by injuries.

``We think we had that game won, and Dwyane hits it,'' Alston said Friday. ``It's tough.

``Little things like that start the snowball effect, uphill or downhill.''

Things are looking up again for Alston, who started at point guard for the Heat on Friday, barely 24 hours after he signed with the team for the remainder of the season. Alston finished with 10 points and four assists in 35 minutes in the Heat's 109-105 victory.

And it has been a whirlwind since for Alston, who arrived in Phoenix on Thursday, participated in Miami's shootaround before Friday's game and stayed at U.S. Airways Center to get in more work after the team left.

Alston is back with Miami after the Nets bought out his $5.3 million contract Tuesday.

Heat coach Erik Spoelstra was confident enough in Alston's ability to pick things up quickly that he inserted him into the starting lineup in place of Carlos Arroyo, who had started the past 12 games.

``Guys that have played in a lot of different systems make it pretty easy to come into new stuff,'' Spoelstra said of Alston, who has played for six teams in 11 seasons. ``I just want to make sure he has enough knowledge of our basic package.''

Alston's arrival reestablishes the pecking order at point guard, with the veteran Arroyo and second-year player Mario Chalmers uncertain of their status.

``We've addressed it,'' Spoelstra said discussions with Arroyo and Chalmers about their roles. ``We'll just have to see how it plays out. I'm sure we'll have more conversations once the issue becomes clearer.''

Arroyo, who's had one of the best assist-to-turnover ratios in the league since replacing Chalmers as the starter, said Alston's addition makes the position stronger.

Granger returns, starts for Pacers

MINNEAPOLIS -- Danny Granger was still two weeks away from his return just days ago. The next day, his return was near but it wouldn't be during the team's current two-game trip.Then, with the help of two good practices, the Indiana Pacers' All-Star forward was in the starting lineup against the Minnesota Timberwolves on Friday after being out since Dec. 5 with a torn right plantar fascia.

Granger finished with 19 points, six rebounds and four fouls in more than 31 minutes of play.

"He responded well to a couple days of practice," Pacers coach Jim O'Brien said. "He didn't have the soreness that we had anticipated."

The Pacers originally announced Granger would be out four to six weeks.

"I had a feeling that it would be sooner than later," Granger said. "It's just a matter of keeping an eye on it and making sure it doesn't get sore."

O'Brien wasted little time putting Granger back in the lineup, starting him alongside Earl Watson, Luther Head, Roy Hibbert and Troy Murphy, who also returned Friday after being out with a sprained left ankle.

"It's very important to have a guy of Danny's talent on the court for a number of reasons," O'Brien said. "He's a go-to-guy. He's a very good isolation guy when things break down, he spaces the court. Our whole package of plays are in play when he's able to play. We have to get him going as quickly as possible."

Bird going back in time

Larry Bird, LeBron James and Dwight Howard teamed up to film a Super Bowl commercial for McDonald's. The commercial is a reincarnation of the famous Bird-Michael Jordan H-O-R-S-E commercials featuring impossible shots.

The new commercial was filmed Monday at Conseco Fieldhouse.

The Bird-Jordan commercials end with the two on top of the Sears Tower in Chicago and Jordan saying, "Off the expressway, over the river, off the billboard, off the wall, nothing but net."

How does this one end? Who wins?

Bird can't talk about the commercial until after it airs.

Nothing but net

Granger was shooting free throws at one end of the court after shootaround Friday morning when somebody mentioned Bird was on the other end of the court shooting.

Granger immediately turned his attention to the team president. Bird missed his first shot -- an 18-footer -- but then it was suddenly like he was still playing for the Boston Celtics.

Bird effortlessly made five straight jumpers that were nothing but net before he walked off the court saying, "I can still average 10 (points) and 10 (rebounds)," in front of the majority of his players, who also started watching him. What made his shooting display even more impressive is that it was only the second time since March that he shot a basketball.

"You just have to stop and watch when you see him shooting the ball because he makes it look so easy," Granger said. "His shot is so wet."

Jamison speaks from the heart

You don't often see emotional post-game interviews following regular-season NBA games in mid-January. Friday night was different. With almost all the remnants of Gilbert Arenas peeled away from the Verizon Center, with trade talks swirling, with the franchise turning into a national punchline, Antawn Jamison got on the mic before the game and told the fans that this team would make them proud.

"We never meant to make light of the situation," he said. "And we're going to do everything in our power--as long as I'm your captain, as long as these guys right here are my teammates--to make this one of the most respectable organizations in the league."

Then he went for 28 points and 11 rebounds as the Wizards beat the Magic in D.C. for the first time in forever, earning just their second divisional win of the season. And then he talked to Comcast SportsNet, before leaving the court. I thought he might cry.

"The most important thing for us is just to get back to having fun," he said. "It's been tough. They're friends of ours, we wish them the best, we know it wasn't any kind of [villainy] they wanted to go along with it. But for us, man, there's still a long way to go, we've still got a lot of basketball to play, and we just wanted to get back to playing basketball and having fun. And this is what we can do, if we play hard against the best teams and find a way to get it done."

The team left to the floor to a standing ovation, with Caron Butler pumping his fist and gesturing to the stands.

"That's the first time we probably got everybody out of their seats this year," Flip Saunders said later. "And they stood up because of how hard we played and the fight that we were playing with."

CSN's Chris Miller asked Jamison about the crowd, and the captain seemed genuinely emotional.

"You know, it's great," he said. "They're gonna be the reason. You know, they've always been the reason. My fondest memories are of a playoff atmosphere here. These people love the game of basketball, they know about the game of basketball, and we owe it to them, man, to come out here and play hard and give them something to cheer about, bring their families and their kids. And that's what we're gonna get back to. I know it's been difficult the last week or so, but we're gonna get back to having fun and making this one of the toughest places to come in and play at."

"They don't make 'em like Antawn Jamison any more," Miller said a few minutes later.

"Class," agreed Ron Thompson. "There's one word that comes to mind when you see him, when you watch how he plays, how he carries himself. Class."

Behavior becoming a liability in the NBA

DENVER: A lot of eyebrows might have been raised this past week when Washington Wizards guard Gilbert Arenas received an indefinite suspension from the NBA for behavior related to the locker-room gun incident that's given the NBA a black eye.

After all, didn't Cavs guard Delonte West get arrested on weapons charges just prior to the opening of training camp?

An NBA team executive who spoke on condition of anonymity said the situations are vastly different.

Arenas allegedly had his guns in the Verizon Center, the Wizards' arena, something expressly forbidden by league rules.

And Arenas was disciplined more for his behavior in the aftermath than for the incident itself.

Instead of showing some contrition, Arenas openly joked about it during the pre-game portion of a recent game and on his Twitter feed, which recently disappeared.

For anyone that's been around a pro sports locker room, the idea that the players take part in games of chance — usually involving cards of some sort — isn't big news or a big deal.

For instance, some members of the Browns regularly play a game called Tonk after practices. The Cavs indulge in friendly games of cards on the team plane.

But in light of what's going on with Arenas in that he allegedly pulled a gun out on teammate Javaris Crittenton in an incident related to a gambling debt, NBA teams are looking hard at their policies.

Nevermind that Crittenton could have weapons issues of his own, according to a Washington Post report.

The New Jersey Nets banned gambling on team flights earlier this week. The Wizards had issued a similar ban on Dec. 21.

Yes, members of the Cavs occasionally play cards for cash, but a team official said the chances that things escalate to the level of what's happening in Washington is next to nil.

As for the Nets?

They're overreacting, the source said, by punishing their players for something with which they had nothing to do.

On a lighter note

Daniel Gibson was seen at the Cavaliers' shootaround Friday with an Alabama Crimson Tide hoodie lying right next to him, part of the payoff for losing a bet with teammate Mo Williams over who would win the BCS National Championship Game.

Williams' University of Alabama beat Gibson's University of Texas Longhorns.

Williams said that he was so confident of a Tide victory that he shopped for Gibson's gear before the team left Cleveland. That confidence waned more than a little as the Longhorns, behind the efforts of freshman quarterback Garrett Gilbert, made a run at Alabama.

''I was disappointed in our offense in the second half and when [running back Mark] Ingram went down,'' Williams said.

''When he came back, I got a lot of confidence back.''

Buzzer beaters

The Cavs arrived at the Pepsi Center to play the Denver Nuggets only to discover that the Nuggets would be playing short-handed. Three key players, including superstar Carmelo Anthony, who is having the best season of his career, are injured and were game-time decisions.

Utah Jazz notebook: Williams' wrist could keep him out of Saturday night's game

MEMPHIS, Tenn. — It may be back to the beginning for Jazz starting point guard Deron Williams, who didn't play in Friday's loss at Memphis and missed a second straight game due to his bruised and sprained right wrist.

Backup Ronnie Price, who missed practice Thursday because of tendinitis in his left shoulder, started instead.

"I don't have any strength in it right now," Williams said before the game. "I don't know if I hit it ... but it's right back to where it was."

Williams took part in the Jazz's morning shoot-around and went through some pre-game drills Friday night, but little was falling.

"I'm an erratic shooter right now," he joked.

"Even when I'm hitting my shots, it's not 'my shot,' " Williams added, turning serious. "It's kind of like I'm pushing it up there. When I actually follow through is when I have the most pain, like when I actually shoot my shot. That's why it's frustrating."

Williams was injured when he fell hard to the floor in the fourth quarter of Monday's loss to New Orleans.

It's uncertain if he'll be able to play tonight at Dallas, where he calls home.

"(I'll) see how it feels," Williams said. "Maybe."

REGRETS AND PRAISE: Sloan expressed regrets about turning the offense over for a short time in Friday's second half to rookie swingman Wesley Matthews, and not bringing back Sundiata Gaines, the rookie point guard playing on a 10-day contract.

"I probably made a mistake by not putting him back out there whenever I put the other guys (in)," he said with reference to Gaines, who played five minutes and missed his only shot in his second NBA game. "It looked like we didn't have enough desire to really want to compete when I took Ronnie Price out.

"We couldn't get anything going at the other positions," Sloan added. "A couple of plays, we ran them on the wrong side of the floor."

Sloan did, however, have high praise for Price, who scored 10 and dished a career-high 9 assists in 40 minutes.

"It's just his competitiveness that makes him get in a big hurry sometimes," he said.

"That's to be understood. But he's out there to try to win. That's what his attitude is. It's not just like, 'I'm gonna go through the motions.' He's gonna put it out there and play hard, and I can live with that."

KORVER UPDATE: Swingman Kyle Korver, still recovering from preseason arthroscopic knee surgery, played 15 minutes and scored a season-high 10.

"I'm still not there yet. I still have a ways to go," Korver said. "But it's feeling good enough that I feel like I can help out a little bit and come in and provide some energy. ... It's better than what it was last week."

"Kyle's not in the best of basketball shape," Sloan added. "I was glad to get him in the game some because he executed our offense and then caught the ball and shot it. I mean, if you're a shooter — step up there and shoot, and make it. Not just get it off."

HE SAID IT: Jazz forward Carlos Boozer, on his hard foul against Memphis point guard Mike Conley that helped the Grizzlies tie the game at 87: "I told Mike right away, 'Are you all right?' Because I'm not a dirty fouler. I don't take people's heads off. I felt like I went for the ball. I feel like my hand was on top of the ball.

"He's just a real light player, and he came down pretty hard. I didn't try to take his head off at all. I know it looked that way because he fell, but I didn't do that to him. He's just real light, and I'm real strong."

MAVS, NETS MAKE A DEAL: ESPN.com reports the Mavericks and Nets have reached a verbal agreement on a trade that will send reserve forward Kris Humphries, a former Jazz player, to the Nets and bring forward Eduardo Najera back to Dallas, which acquired him in the 2000 draft.

NBA front-office sources told ESPN.com the Nets have also agreed to use a trade exception to absorb the $2.4 million expiring contract of exiled Mavs swingman Shawn Williams to complete the deal.

Sources said the deal might not be finalized before the league office reopens Monday.

Jordan's job might be in jeopardy

PHILADELPHIA — Team president and general manager Ed Stefanski isn't happy with the Sixers right now, particularly on defense, where they have been woeful.

He met with the media before Friday night's game against the Toronto Raptors and, when asked what he was most unhappy about, defense was the first thing that came to his mind.

And given the current state of affairs, he wouldn't guarantee that coach Eddie Jordan's job is safe until the end of the season.

"What's disappointing to me is the defensive end," the general manager said. "I think that's where we have to get better. We're emphasizing that. To me, the players we have in that locker room and what their skill set is, the defensive end will fuel our other end. When I say defense, it's a team defense.

"I'm very unhappy, but everyone -- coaches, players, myself -- we're all accountable on this whole thing. We review daily. I don't think there's a certain time where you say a change . . . everyone in the organization is accountable."

Stefanski hired the offense-minded Jordan in June and signed him to a three-year deal. Jordan has never been known as a defensive coach. His Washington Wizards were never known for defense.

His Princeton offense seemed to be the drawing card, yet it hasn't worked.

The Sixers are averaging just 97.7 points, with Andre Iguodala's 18.5 points leading the way, but there really hasn't been much pop. Stefanski acknowledged the Sixers are running a "watered down" Princeton offense because of some personnel changes.

But, the problem isn't the offense. It's the Sixers' inability to stop other teams. They are among the league's worst at it.

Before Friday's game, they were last in the league in defending the 3-pointer (41.9 percent opponent accuracy) and were giving up 101.9 points per game. Opponents were also nailing 47.9 percent of their shots from the field.

What's telling is that before Friday's game, the Sixers had allowed 110 points or more seven times this season after doing so only nine times all last season.

None of their players is known as a top-notch defender -- from Elton Brand (who didn't appear in the first half Friday because of a stomach virus), to Iguodala, to Lou Williams, to Allen Iverson. Samuel Dalembert is a decent shot blocker, but he isn't a strong defender.

Stefanski admits that if you go by the team's record, he hasn't done a good job, but he thinks the team defense can can be more consistent.

"The thing is being consistent and playing for 48 minutes," said Stefanski, who said the Sixers would only make a trade by the Feb. 18 deadline if it were for the future. "Got to play for 48 minutes, got to win.

"I review it daily. I watch every game again, watch the tape. I talk to the coach every day. You just keep reviewing and looking for ways to get better. To me, the defensive end is real important."

Wait and see

While the New Jersey Nets have banned gambling on team flights, in light of the well-publicized locker room gun incident involving Gilbert Arenas and Javaris Crittenton, Stefanski said he will take his cue from the league. The Arenas-Crittendon incident allegedly started during a card game on a flight home.

According to the Associated Press, proactive Nets president Rod Thorn told the New York Times that his team has never had a problem with gambling, but . . .

Arenas was suspended indefinitely without pay this week after reports surfaced that he displayed several of his guns in the Wizards locker room in response to an ongoing dispute with Crittenton. While the guns apparently were not loaded, bringing a gun into an NBA arena is a no-no.

Nice honor

The cheerleaders from Haddon Heights High School performed before the game. The girls were seen practicing their routine the night before, following the Haddonfield-Haddon Heights girls' basketball game.

Lakers' Phil Jackson sticking with Derek Fisher

Reporting from Portland, Ore. - Derek Fisher has been struggling lately, sitting out the entire fourth quarter in three close games -- against Golden State, Sacramento and the Clippers.

But Lakers Coach Phil Jackson isn't close to making a lineup change, preferring to stick with the 35-year-old instead of handing over the job to one of the 20-somethings, Shannon Brown or Jordan Farmar.

In one breath, Jackson acknowledged the defensive shortcomings of the 14-year veteran. In the other breath, he stuck up for Fisher's steady hand on the court.

"We function so much better with Derek on the floor as an offensive team that it's very important for him to be out there," Jackson said Friday. "He has all the knowledge that's necessary for a lead guard. He knows how to keep our guys in what we want to get done out there on the floor. It's very important, and we actually talked a little bit [Thursday] about that, in supporting him in situations where defensively he may be playing back-to-back games or may be overmatched in a certain situation."

In the past, Jackson has also mentioned Fisher's penchant for making key shots, including a late three-pointer against Miami last month and, of course, crucial three-pointers in the fourth quarter and overtime of Game 4 in the NBA Finals against Orlando last June.

Jackson told the team about the need to cover for Fisher more often, including Friday against Portland, when Fisher was matched up against veteran Andre Miller, who set up in the post on several occasions.

"Tonight's a night where Miller takes guys in the post and tries to mistreat them in there," Jackson said. "We have to be prepared."

Fisher finished with 15 points and one assist in almost 35 minutes. He played seven minutes in the fourth quarter. Miller had 17 points and seven assists.

Hamstring watch

Pau Gasol went with the team to Portland but sat out a third consecutive game because of a strained left hamstring. All told, he has missed 14 games this season because of hamstring injuries.

The Lakers' next game is Sunday against Milwaukee, but it doesn't look as if Gasol will be back. "I don't think he's actually got on a treadmill or [elliptical machine] or anything and really run yet," Jackson said.

In the cards

The Washington Wizards reportedly have banned card games on team flights, a reaction to the alleged gambling-and-guns dispute between guards Gilbert Arenas and Javaris Crittenton, but the Lakers aren't going to follow suit.

"I think it's just a PR thing, personally," Jackson said. "What are these players going to do when they get back to the hotels? Or they get back in their home space? They're going to houses or their rooms in the hotels and gamble.

"The planes might even be a spot for them to do it because they're monitored and they're in the company of guys and whatnot. It hasn't been a problem. We have about four or five guys that play on our team and they seem to have a wonderful time doing it and it seems to be really like a great release for them to pass time."

Nuggets, Karl still talking about contract

Talks have not ceased between representatives from the Nuggets and George Karl, in regards to the coach's potential contract extension. A report in the Newark (N.J.) Star-Ledger said Karl could be up for the Nets' summer vacancy — and that Karl's talks with the Nuggets have been tabled — but Karl's attorney Bret Adams said Friday that "discussions are continuing, and although it's flattering that teams are interested, Coach Karl wants to stay in Denver."

The Nuggets coach since January of 2005, Karl has continuously expressed interest in staying in Denver. He makes a base $3 million this season, an average amount compared to fellow coaches of top-level teams.

Turn of events.

Nuggets guard and captain Chauncey Billups spoke again Friday about the circumstances of former all-star Gilbert Arenas, who is under investigation for having a gun in his locker. Arenas was then suspended because his tweets and pregame "finger-shooting" hand gesture.

"It's just an unfortunate situation," Billups said. "And it's probably cost him. It cost him. I'm sure he'll have a chance to sit back and contemplate."

Roll Tide.

Cleveland all-star Mo Williams — and former Alabama guard — on watching Thursday's BCS title game, along with teammates such as Daniel Gibson, a former Texas Longhorn.

"I really want to thank Colt McCoy," Williams said. "He won the game for us."

D'Antoni: No need to ban card playing on trips

HOUSTON -- With the league-wide scrutiny over gambling among players that led to the Gilbert Arenas locker-room gunplay, coach Mike D'Antoni said he's not following the Nets lead and prohibiting card games on the team plane.

"I don't think we have that problem," D'Antoni said. "Guys are aware. We've got good guys. We'll be OK."

Nevertheless, Larry Hughes reportedly lost $17,000 in poker to Arenas when they were Wizards teammates. Hughes declined to comment earlier this week other than to say, "I play cards with a lot of people."

Team president Donnie Walsh said Thursday team security director John Donohue keeps a list of Knicks players with a licensed gun and are told to never bring it to the arena, the practice facility or anywhere in New York City, where gun laws are the tightest.

"We have John Donohue who does that," D'Antoni said. "That's his job. Obviously you have to make sure it's being done. John is great at it."

Al Harrington admitted earlier this week he kept unloaded guns in his home, and Eddy Curry talked about owning a gun after getting robbed at gunpoint in his Chicago home nearly four years ago.

⇒ It's no matter that Marcus Landry is an anonymous rookie who came to training camp with a non-guaranteed minimum contract and figured to get cut.

Landry, who has played two of the last three games, is ready to take on his older brother, the more established, Carl Landry, who has been mentioned in the All-Star conversation. Landry of Houston is averaging 16.9 points and shooting 57.2 percent.

"It's going to be great," said Marcus, who played at Wisconsin. "I faced him before in college. He's been doing a little trash talking, so we'll see what he does. He just keeps calling me weak. We'll see what he comes up with."

Marcus could come in handy for his scouting report on Carl.

"I know all his moves, every last one of them," Landry said. "I'll call them out. I'll call the move out before he does it."

⇒ Walsh flew to Houston with the team but not to meet with Tracy McGrady, who is training in Chicago.

Walsh met with agent Arn Tellem on Thursday night at the Garden but sources believe a deal will not be done until February with any team. . . . Al Harrington (calf) didn't practice and it looks like he will miss his second straight game.

Grizzlies claim former Central High player Lester Hudson off waivers

In this June 2009 file photo, Lester Hudson works out for the Memphis Grizzlies at the FedExForum practice

The Grizzlies have added some Memphis flavor to their roster, claiming former Central High player Lester Hudson off waivers.

Hudson, a former Tennessee-Martin standout, was waived Wednesday by the Boston Celtics. He played in 16 games for the Celtics this season, averaging 1.4 points in 4.4 minutes. He also spent time this season with Maine of the NBA Development League.

Hudson will be at FedExForum tonight as the Grizzlies play the Utah Jazz. But it’s not known how soon he’ll be in uniform.

Guns double-barrel issue

If saner, Gilbert Arenas could be Karl Malone.

Malone, the former Jazz forward, Hall of Famer and ardent member of the National Rifle Association, has his photo posted on the NRA Web site alongside other famous gun enthusiasts/spokesmen such as actor Tom Selleck and former Chrysler chairman Lee Iacocca.

But the NRA needs Arenas like the NBA needs Arenas.

The Wizards guard has now created an image problem that stretches from the Olympic Tower in New York City to Capitol Hill, where gun lobbyists must be cringing.

Arenas’ jokester defense of his gun-wielding locker room spat with teammate Javaris Crittenton so horrified Malone that he wrote for SI.com an opinion piece that included the following passages:

“Once again, gun owners get a bad rap. We’re good people; we’re not back in the old west. I got my first gun when I was 8-years-old - an old .410 single shot. I’ve been around them all the time ever since, and I’m a member of the NRA. I love guns and I respect guns. I have them in a secure place.

“When I was in Utah I took all the necessary training with the gun and had my concealed-weapons permit. I’ll be the first to tell you I don’t go anywhere in my vehicle without my weapon, but at no point has it ever occurred to me to take it inside anywhere, let alone an arena.

“If I seem a little fired up, I am. It’s a privilege to own a firearm and I take offense when people don’t handle their business the right way.”

Taking gun ownership seriously is obviously a step that Arenas initially took by moving his collection from his home, out of reach of his children, and into the Wizards locker room, no matter how misguided the latter choice might have been.

Malone is right. Gun-owners in general - with their more high-profiled bretheren in professional sports taking the biggest hit - suffer the rap. But they are also very serious about what they consider a need for personal security.

“We’re walking targets,” Celtics [team stats] captain Paul Pierce [stats], who nearly died in a vicious 2000 stabbing incident, told the Herald in 2006 of his personal need to own guns. “You have 15 guys on a team, and they can’t all be using security guards. I know that nothing good comes from a gun. I’ve been to the range a few times, but I’ve never used it except for that.

“I’ve been followed in my car before - a few times - coming home from the game. I’ve rerouted how I go, and they still followed me. Sometimes when I get home it’s 3 or 4 in the morning. I’m scared of going in the house. I’m out there in the woods, and it’s pitch black.”

Former Celtic Delonte West, speaking for the same story, said, “Um, no, I don’t own a gun. But I’ve thought about it. Nothing’s happened up here, but there were a few incidents down in Maryland. People broke into my brother’s house and took a few things. They stole my truck from down there. And this all happened last summer. . . .

“People know who you are, and who you know. You’re an NBA player, and that can bring things out in people. I agree that we can all do a better job across the league of choosing the places where we go. It’s better to be safe. But as far as handguns go, you do have to protect yourself.”

Unfortunately, West now resides on the Arenas side of the ledger, and the Cavaliers guard has been indicted on gun charges stemming from a bizarre and frightening traffic incident last summer, in which he was caught in possession of two handguns and a shotgun - all loaded.

The NBA’s older generation - Malone included - simply can’t understand what is perceived as a new recklessness.

“When I’ve addressed it with a couple of guys, they’ve said, ‘I understand, but you don’t understand,’ ” said Celtics [team stats] director of basketball operations Danny Ainge, who had to confront the problem when another former Celtic, Sebastian Telfair [stats], faced a gun charge in the summer of 2007. “We didn’t have a gun culture back when I played, but I don’t think we have a gun culture in this league now. (Telfair’s) gun was in his wife’s name, and found under the front seat of his wife’s car.

“I’ve never seen a gun in a locker room or in a practice, and I’ve been in this league for 30 years. This to me wasn’t even a gun situation. (Arenas) brought them out of his locker as a joke, and then he made stupid jokes about it and got in trouble. It’s just unfortunate that everyone gets labeled because of the actions of a couple of people.”

Arenas, presumably, is learning a lesson - the sort that only comes from an indefinite suspension without pay.

Figuring Net gains

The Nets have done the relatively easy part.

They have unloaded contracts, refrained from adding cumbersome weight to their payroll, have seven expiring contracts on their 15-man roster, while holding options on another two, including one (Sean Williams) they will gladly allow to dissolve.

They expect to be roughly $20 million under the salary cap for next season. Thus, they hope to be a player when the 2010 free agent market opens, with “hope” being the operative word.

As of Thursday, they were a three-win team, and at the head of the lottery field in the race for a chance to draft Kentucky’s John Wall.

The Celtics, who not so long ago dreamed of choosing between Kevin Durant and Greg Oden, know the feeling.

But this summer’s free agent market will be a much bigger deal, and even with his moves to clear cap space, team president Rod Thorn realizes that the Nets aren’t a prime destination.

Atlanta’s Joe Johnson, probably the most overlooked impending free agent, when asked last week about the Nets, told an AOL reporter that a suitor’s competitiveness will figure prominently in his shopping.

No amount of cap space is going to solve that problem.

“That will be a critical part of it,” Thorn said. “In some cases not. But some guys will make that kind of choice.

“That’s a big reason why we have to play better. Last year, Oklahoma City started out at 3-29 and ended up winning 20 of their last 50 games. So we haven’t given up on trying to win games.

“People who are on the open market will see us as a team with some (problems), but the reality is that we have to play better the rest of the way.”

The Celtics, and their transition from a 24-win team in the 2006-07 season to an NBA champion the following season, are instructive in this case. Perhaps New Jersey’s high first-round pick will be best served as part of a trade package for a high-quality veteran, who can then lure another high-quality free agent.

“When the Celtics [team stats] got good, they went from, ‘We have to get Oden or Durant to trading for (Ray) Allen and (Kevin) Garnett’ ,” Thorn said. “Only once in the last 10 years did the team with the worst record actually get the top pick, and that was Cleveland (with Lebron James). If you depend on drafting your great player, your chances are one in four.

“But we’re going to be in the same position the Celtics were in several years ago.”

MVP list is short

Kobe Bryant and James won their respective conferences’ Player of the Month awards for December, and though the Bryant-for-MVP lobby already appears to be building steam, consider the resumes submitted by each player.

Over four games from Dec. 13-30, James had peak scoring performances of 44 points (Oklahoma City), 36 (Philadelphia), 34 (Sacramento), and a season-high 48 (Atlanta).

Bryant, playing much of his run with a broken finger, exploded for 39 (Milwaukee), 29 (New Jersey), 35 (Cleveland) and 44 (Golden State).

James also averaged 7.6 assists per game in December. Bryant averaged five.

Barring injury, no one else need apply this time.

NBA’s Euro vision blurred

The skittishness of top Euro talent isn’t helping the relationship between NBA personnel chiefs and international players.

First there was Spanish center Fran Vazquez, who put Orlando on ice in 2005, stayed in Spain, and has yet to play a minute in the NBA. (Of course, Dwight Howard makes it easy to forget.)

But now we have an even bigger and equally fickle character - Ricky Rubio, who cost the Timberwolves a higher draft pick (No. 5 overall last June), appears to waffle more every time he speaks.

Consider what the young guard recently told the Spanish newspaper L’Equipe:

“Ultimately, I preferred to stay in Europe. When I stand back, I know I made the right choice. We’ll see if I’m going to the NBA one day, when I feel ready.”

Rubio denied that his decision to remain in Europe was related to the sorry state of the Timberwolves, though perhaps he was being considerate.

““There were many reasons. ... but also the feeling that I had not done everything in Europe,” he said. “For example, I have never been Spain’s champion. I have never won the Euroleague either. That’s why I signed with (Barcelona). I want to win everything.”

Vazquez similarly felt unprepared and more compelled to win titles in his home country. And he’s still not here five years later.

Hopefully Minnesota general manager David Kahn hasn’t left a candle in the window.

Celtics fall on icy patch

ATLANTA - On a day when schools throughout the area were closed because of a snowfall that slicked up the roads a bit but barely accumulated, the Celtics [team stats] couldn’t complete the trip to a triumph.

They were unable to steer out of a third-quarter skid, falling to the Hawks, 93-85, last night.

The Celts looked far too much like the paralyzed Georgia citizenry following the alleged storm here. (Seriously, calling it a dusting would be overly dramatic.)

“I thought they played harder,” C’s coach Doc Rivers said. “I just thought offensively we had very little ball movement. I thought we just tried to do it all ourselves. Defensively is where I was disappointed. I really thought because we were not scoring it affected us on the other end and I didn’t think we made a great effort. You put in and you get out the same amount, and we got out of this what we put in it.”

Rivers again leaned heavily on his starters, with Paul Pierce [stats], Ray Allen and Rajon Rondo [stats] all playing more than 40 minutes. Rasheed Wallace and Kendrick Perkins [stats] went 38 and 37, respectively. Pierce, in his second game back from a knee infection, had 21 points despite a stomach virus. Rondo, still nursing an ailing left hamstring, hit two 3-pointers after entering the game 3-for-27 from the distance on the season.

But the Celtics couldn’t overcome their spotty play.

Emerging from the first half with a 45-39 lead, they proceeded to hit a patch of ice. After a Pierce jumper at 10:01, the visitors secured just one field goal in the next 9:06 and just three the rest of the period. They finished the frame 5-for-22, including one stretch of 1-for-16 marksmanship.

The Hawks were more than happy to take up the scoring slack, producing a 23-4 run that staggered the Celts. But it didn’t knock them out.

“When one team is just shooting wide-open shots and the other team is taking poor shots, that usually happens,” Rivers said.

Down 68-53, the C’s struck back. Pierce broke the glacier with a trey early in the final minute of the third quarter, Rondo tipped in Eddie House’s missed fast-break layup try and Glen Davis hit a pair of free throws to make it an eight-point game entering the fourth.

There, the Celtics kept on the heat, coming back from a Jamal Crawford four-point play to score nine straight points and get within two (78-76) with more than five minutes left. But Mike Bibby put in a 3-pointer as the Hawks inched away.

The killer possession for the Celts came when Atlanta missed three shots but managed to track each down. The Hawks got just one point out of the trip up the floor, but their time of possession really cut into the Celtics’ chances. Crawford, who had 14 of his 18 points in the last period, then hit a cinching trey with 53 seconds left.

That makes the Hawks 2-0 against the C’s this season.

“They feel real comfortable with us right now,” said a disappointed Perkins after collecting 15 points and 14 rebounds. “They’ve beat us in our house and their house now. I thought this was a statement game for us. I think we played in spurts. I don’t think everybody was on the same page. Our defense was pretty good, but it could have been better. And offensively we just (stunk). We didn’t play Celtic ball tonight.

“I think sometimes we kind of look over them. Guys don’t take them serious, but they take us serious. You can just tell with the way they’re playing that they’ve got something to prove.”

That the Celts had so much success when they did put their heads into it only underscores the critical remarks from Rivers and Perkins.

Caution with Kevin Garnett

ATLANTA - Doc Rivers acknowledged yesterday that Kevin Garnett’s hyperextended right knee is a temporal as well as physical issue. Were this May instead of January, KG would likely have been on the floor last night.

“We’re just going to wait,” Rivers said before the 93-85 loss to the Hawks. “The only thing we do know is that historically with hyperextended knees, if you want them to be 100 percent you’ve got to allow it to heal 100 percent before you put him back in there.

“You can play him - Kevin could play today - but then it would just keep getting worse, keep getting tighter. We’re just not going to go down that road.”

The fact Garnett hasn’t been arguing to get back into the lineup after a week out is testament to knowledge gained from his previous knee problem.

“No, he’s been good,” Rivers said. “He’s been very good. If anything with Kevin, I think going through the thing last year, I think he’s kind of learned that lesson. I mean, for Kevin he’s been very good. Extremely good.”

Back in House

The C’s got Eddie House back last night (seven points, 16 minutes), but they were without Tony Allen, who stayed at the hotel with flu-like symptoms.

Rivers was happy to see House, who missed the previous game with a stomach virus. “But now we’ve got Tony feeling bad and Paul (Pierce) feeling bad,” said the coach. “I just think it’s going to run through the team, so we’re going to get through this probably in the next couple of weeks. Most likely every single guy will get sick at some point.”

Said House: “It wasn’t the flu, so y’all don’t have to worry about that. I’m cool. It was just a stomach virus or something like that.

“I felt a lot better (Thursday) than I did the day before. The day before that I was terrible. I feel 100 percent right now.”

Memphis bound

Lester Hudson was claimed off waivers yesterday by his hometown Memphis Grizzlies, meaning the remainder of his rookie year contract (some $260,000) is guaranteed.

“That’s great,” said Rivers. “I’m happy for him. I had a great talk with Lester. I do think Lester’s an NBA player, and I’m very honest with guys when we release them. He’s got to get an NBA mind. I think he has an NBA body, he has NBA ability. Now he’s got to turn his mind into an NBA player - being a better thinker, understanding how important all the little things are.”

Hudson and the Celtics [team stats] parted on good terms, and his agent said there is a possibility they could be reunited down the line.

“Danny (Ainge) has been singing his praises to other teams,” Lance Young said yesterday. “He said it basically came down to a little bit with the money but more the roster spot. Danny thinks some pretty good players are going to be released or bought out.”

Rajon Rondo [stats] spoke to Hawks assistant Mark Price before the game. He worked last summer with the former Georgia Tech and Cavaliers star on his shot.

“He just worked with my mechanics, just getting my elbow in,” Rondo said. “That was the biggest adjustment he wanted me to make. It takes repetition. For so long, I’ve been shooting with my elbow out. It’s hard to break a habit in a couple of months.”

Weary Wizards conjure up some Magic

The last-place and distracted Wizards overcame a 10-point, fourth-quarter deficit last night, beating the first-place Orlando Magic, 104-97, in Washington in the team’s first game at home since Gilbert Arenas’ suspension.

The Wizards earned several rousing, standing ovations during the final period - an unusual display from the typically subdued Washington crowds - for their perseverance in what has been an extremely difficult week.

Antawn Jamison, who took a microphone to address fans before the game, had 28 points and 11 rebounds to lead the Wizards. Jamison called the whole situation “very embarrassing” and told the sellout crowd that “being a positive role model is something we don’t take lightly.”

Three-time All-Star Arenas is being investigated by federal and local authorities for bringing guns to the Verizon Center and related incidents. He was suspended indefinitely on Wednesday by NBA commissioner David Stern, and the team has removed nearly all traces of him from the arena, taking Arenas-related merchandise out of stores and editing him out of the pregame video shown.

Meanwhike, four Wizards players were fined $10,000 apiece for making light of Arenas’ antics Tuesday.

Blazers 107, Lakers 98 - Brandon Roy scored 32 points and Portland beat Los Angeles at home for the ninth straight game.

The Blazers own the NBA’s longest home winning streak against the defending champions.

Nuggets 99, Cavaliers 97 - Carmelo Anthony sat out his fourth straight game with a nagging knee injury, but Kenyon Martin had 19 points and 12 boards as host Denver beat LeBron James and Cleveland.

Raptors 108, 76ers 106 - Chris Bosh made the go-ahead three-point play with 8.4 seconds left, and had 29 points to lead visiting Toronto over Philadelphia.

Before the game, Sixers team president Ed Stefanski refused to say coach Eddie Jordan’s job was safe for the rest of the season with the team off to a 10-25 start.

Mavericks 112, Spurs 103 - Dirk Nowitzki scored 26 points, including 16 in the fourth quarter, and Dallas rallied past host San Antonio.

Heat 109, Suns 105 - Jermaine O’Neal scored four points in the final 29.7 seconds, two on a pair of clutch free throws, and Dwyane Wade had 33 points, nine rebounds and eight assists to lead visiting Miami over Phoenix.

Hornets 103, Nets 99 - Chris Paul hit a driving scoop as he was fouled with 7.6 seconds left, and host New Orleans narrowly averted a stunning loss by beating New Jersey.

Bucks 96, Bulls 93 - Andrew Bogut had 27 points, 13 rebounds and six blocked shots, and Michael Redd added 24 points to rally host Milwaukee past Chicago to extend its winning streak to three games.

Timberwolves 116, Pacers 109 - Al Jefferson [stats] had 25 points and 12 rebounds, and Minnesota spoiled Danny Granger’s return by beating Indiana in Minneapolis.

Warriors 108, Kings 101 - Monta Ellis had 39 points and six assists, Anthony Morrow made a critical 3-pointer in the final minute, and Golden State Warriors came back from an 18-point deficit to beat Sacramento in Oakland, Calif.

Grizzlies 91, Jazz 89 - Zach Randolph had 29 points and 15 rebounds, O.J. Mayo hit a 21-foot step back jumper with 5.2 seconds left, and host Memphis escaped with a victory over Utah.

NBA needs to send a Stern message about out-of-control players

SEATTLE — Back in the late 1970s, when I was covering the Portland Trail Blazers, one of the best parts of the job was riding in the back of the buses with the players and listening to their basketball war stories.

Several of the Blazers were refugees from the old American Basketball Association — Maurice Lucas, Dave Twardzik, Tom Owens and broadcaster Steve Jones.

The ABA was an amazing collection of great talent and bad tempers, and the stories about the fights and feuds in that league are legendary.

One story involved a former Sonic, John Brisker, who was playing for Pittsburgh in the ABA. Brisker was a very intelligent man with a highly flammable temper. He also had an affinity for hand guns.

At practice one day, so the story went, Brisker was arguing with a teammate and generally disrupting coach Jack McMahon’s practice. Finally McMahon tossed Brisker from practice and Brisker stormed off the floor.

Moments later, however, Brisker returned, this time carrying a gun. While the players looked on in wide-eyed amazement, McMahon calmly declared, "Practice is over."

When that story was told at the back of the Trail Blazers’ bus, it always drew loud laughter.

It doesn’t sound so funny anymore.

A recent high-stakes card game on the Washington Wizards’ airplane has turned into another ugly incident for the NBA.

The card game reportedly ended in a dispute between Wizards star Gilbert Arenas and reserve Javaris Crittenton.

It devolved into Arenas, who has a history with gun violations, bringing several guns into the Wizards’ locker room and displaying them in what he now is saying was a bad joke.

On Wednesday, commissioner David Stern suspended Arenas indefinitely.

It seems, even after issuing his first apology, Arenas didn’t get the seriousness of his offense. Before Tuesday’s game with Philadelphia, he stood in the center of the Wizards’ pregame circle, cocked his thumbs and play-acted as if he were shooting his teammates.

The wire photo of his teammates laughing along with Arenas was even more offensive than the original act. You have to wonder how many other NBA players thought Arenas was funny.

The NBA: Where Handgun Happiness Happens.

I believe incidents like this are major reasons Seattle no longer has an NBA team. Stephen Jackson discharged a gun outside a strip club. Lakers superstar Kobe Bryant was involved in a highly publicized rape case. And referee Tim Donaghy was jailed on felony gambling-related charges.

Casual fans got turned off by the behavior. Lawmakers grew tired of players finding their way onto police blotters. Voters rebelled against what they believed were millionaire children who disrespected the law.

Guys like Arenas, Jackson and Donaghy are secondary villains in the Sonics’ soap opera. They helped grow the misperception that the league is out of control.

But the Arenas incident and his teammates’ total disregard for its seriousness is another ugly chapter for a league that is playing too many of its games in half-empty arenas and struggling mightily to wake up the echoes of its past.

It pains me because I still love the NBA game. And I miss the Sonics like I’d miss my favorite uncle.

Stern was right to suspend Arenas. I think much of the NBA is hoping that the investigation by the U.S. Attorney’s Office and the District of Columbia police will lead to Arenas’ arrest, which could allow the league to void the rest of the Wizard guard’s $111 million contract.

But Stern has to become more strident in dealing with the players. Running a few transparent "NBA Cares" commercials during televised games isn’t cutting it with the fans.

Gun play isn’t funny. Gun ownership is a responsibility that too often is offered to the irresponsible.

If players feel so unsafe they believe they need to own guns, then the league should reassess its security policy. Every player, even those who don’t own guns, should be made to enroll in a gun safety class.

And players should be made to disclose to the league every registered gun they own.

As angry as I am with the league, I want it to live and thrive. I want it to return, sooner rather than later, to Seattle. And I want the knuckleheads systematically removed.

The game is too good to allow guys like Gilbert Arenas and a misguided gaggle of Wizards to spoil it.

Darko Milicic says Pistons wasted their pick on him

Every NBA observer would say that Darko Milicic was a wasted draft pick by the Pistons in 2003.

Milicic agrees.

The Pistons took Milicic second overall in 2003 -- after LeBron James -- and missed the opportunity to take Carmelo Anthony, Chris Bosh or Dwyane Wade, who went 3-4-5 to the Nuggets, Raptors and Heat, respectively. Anthony, Bosh and Wade are bona fide NBA stars, while Milicic has become a seldom-used NBA journeyman.

Milicic was asked by SLAM magazine if he gets upset when it is suggested the Pistons wasted their No. 2 pick on him.

"They did," Milicic told the magazine. "They did waste a pick. Why did they take me? Who knows if I really had a chance to play like these players that play like Dwyane Wade or Carmelo. Those guys are incredible players."

Milicic languished on the bench in Detroit for three seasons before Joe Dumars gave up on his failed pick and traded Milicic to Orlando. Milicic also has been with Memphis and the Knicks, and recently said this season would be his last in the NBA.

"For me, being a second pick, I don't get why they didn't play me at all," Milicic told SLAM. "Why did they take me? You should take someone that they really think was gonna play right away because just taking someone to sit on the bench, you waste a pick and you waste the guy's time.

"You wasted my time for three years not playing so you (mess) up a player and you (mess) up yourself, and I just didn't get it. I guess they thought they were gonna be champions forever."

Zydrunas Ilgauskas' expiring contract certain to incite trade talk: Cavaliers Insider

DENVER -- Zydrunas Ilgauskas is bracing himself for the storm. For at least the next six weeks he has a new attachment to his name when it comes to clandestine trade talks and media reports: expiring contract.

Players with that designation are the center of the NBA's universe at this time of year, trade season.

"I'm sure there are going to be some teams that take a very hard look at me," Ilgauskas said before the Cavs took on the Denver Nuggets to begin their five-game Western trip Friday night.

"Because so many teams are trying to dump salary, I know the talks are going to pick up."

That is what an expiring contract does. NBA trades have to be balanced by the salaries of the players being swapped, within 25 percent by rule. But the numbers that have to match are the salaries this year, not the future.

So by trading for a player like Ilgauskas, who makes $11.5 million this season, for a player with a long contract can save a team tens of millions in the future. In Ilgauskas' case, the offer is potentially even sweeter than normal.

According to a source, Ilgauskas' payment schedule included half of his salary paid last summer and the rest of the $5.75 million spread out over payments during the season. That means a team that would trade for Ilgauskas would be left with a relatively small prorated portion to pay off Ilgauskas' remaining salary.

The most a team could save on such a transaction is $3 million, but every little bit helps. Especially because Ilgauskas has a kicker in his contract that would award him a $1.7 million trade bonus.

Adding even more intrigue to an Ilgauskas trade is the prospect that he could ask for a buyout of his contract if he's sent to a non-contender. In that case, he'd potentially take slightly less money to get out of the end of the deal and make it up by re-signing with a contender. Again, saving the team that might trade for him significant dollars.

"I have read about that and I've seen it happen before with other guys but no one has talked to me about anything like that," Ilgauskas said. "My desire is to stay here and play with this team but I know everything else is out of my control."

Right now the Cavs probably couldn't afford to trade Ilgauskas and not get him back via a buyout. The so-called "buyout and return" is a loophole in the current collective bargaining agreement that will probably be closed in a few years. Teams like the Boston Celtics and Detroit Pistons have used it effectively in the past.

Such a scenario may be needed because Ilgauskas has been playing so well in his first season coming off the bench. He went through a shooting slump in November, which seemed to be kicked off by a six-game stint in the starting lineup in place of an injured Shaquille O'Neal, where he shot just 29 percent over nine games.

But he's found a groove over the past month, shooting 55 percent and averaging 8.8 points over the past 13 games. His size has helped the Cavs deal with the height of elite teams such as the Lakers and Magic, games where he's been on the floor at the same time as O'Neal.

"He had a lot going on, it wasn't just the change to coming off the bench," Cavs coach Mike Brown said. "He adopted two wonderful little boys and when you have a family at home your schedule is a little different. So it was an adjustment period with that, too. But he's had the kids for a while and gotten a solid routine and he's gotten that on the floor. He's got a better feel and you can see it."

Ilgauskas is feeling so good about his role at the moment that he's apparently decided to table any retirement talk. At the beginning of the season, he said this season could be his last.

"The minutes aren't as massive as they used to be," Ilgauskas said. "I'm not as beat up, usually this point of the year you start to feel the physical toll but I feel better than last year at this point. I want to play as long as I feel like I enjoy playing and I contribute and I want to play past this season."

Dribbles: Cavs guard Daniel Gibson got engaged to his girlfriend, singer and reality show star Keyshia Cole, over New Year's while at home in Houston. The couple is expecting a baby boy. . . . That was the good news, the bad news is Gibson, who played at Texas, lost a bet on the BCS National Championship Game to Mo Williams, who played at Alabama. Gibson will now have to wear Alabama gear for the next week, starting with a sweatshirt Friday. . . . Leon Powe will probably start practicing with the team when the Cavs get back from the trip. "I've been in there for a few drills already," said Powe, who had ACL replacement surgery in May. "But my doctors won't let me play until after the All-Star break."

Orlando Magic officials say Vince Carter is “day-to-day” with a sprained shoulder

WASHINGTON — Orlando Magic General Manager Otis Smith said shooting guard Vince Carter is “day-to-day” after Carter sprained his left shoulder in Orlando’s 104-97 loss to the Washington Wizards on Friday night.

Carter walked out of the Magic locker room before it opened to reporters. I chased Carter down a hallway and tried to ask him about his injury.

“I’ll talk to you guys tomorrow,” Carter said politely.

So that leaves us guessing whether Carter will play Saturday night when the reeling Magic host the Atlanta Hawks.

Stan Van Gundy said he didn’t know about the severity of Carter’s injury.

Carter sprained his left shoulder in the second quarter against Washington when he ran into a pick set by the Wizards’ Andray Blatche.

Carter lay face down on the ground for a few moments, wincing in pain, and had to be helped to his feet by athletic trainers Tom Smith and Keon Weise. Carter and Weise then walked to the Magic’s locker room.

The Magic were leading 50-41 when Carter left the game. He didn’t return.

Eric Maynor’s emergence fills a big hole for Thunder

Eric Maynor goes into every game with a four-item checklist, a short, simple summation of what coaches expect of him when his number is called.

"Get guys shots. Take care of the basketball. Score when you need to. And defend,” said Maynor, the rookie point guard who the Thunder acquired in a trade with Utah on Dec. 22.

So far, Maynor has made it all look easy. In eight games with Oklahoma City, Maynor has recorded 24 assists against six turnovers.

Check and check.

As the backup to starter Russell Westbrook, Maynor has averaged 5.5 points and one steal in 14.8 minutes.

Add two more checks.

More importantly, though, Maynor has provided the Thunder with stability and long-term security at the position, two components that have eluded the franchise since current management took over in 2007.

Over the past 2

seasons, the Thunder franchise has run through eight backup point guards, first alternating Delonte West, Luke Ridnour, Earl Watson and Mike Wilks in Seattle, then trotting out Westbrook, Watson, Wilks, Chucky Atkins, Kevin Ollie and Shaun Livingston throughout the past two years.

But in Maynor, the Thunder now seems ready to stop the song in its game of musical chairs.

"It’s amazing that he’s come into the games controlling the games as well as he has,” said Thunder coach Scott Brooks. "You can tell the guys that follow the league and are gym rats, because he came in and knew exactly what our guys liked and where they like it. That’s a great thing to have.”

Maynor, the 20th overall pick out of Virginia Commonwealth, ranks ninth in assists-to-turnover ratio with a 3.09 rate. His 10.5 assists per 48 minutes rank seventh in the league. And since arriving in Oklahoma City, Maynor has improved his shooting percentage to 46.2 percent from the field and 62.5 percent from beyond the 3-point line.

"Offensively, he’s pretty much flawless in leading our team,” Brooks said.

Already, Maynor has shown an ability to push the ball on the break and finish in traffic on one possession and whip a pass to a cutting teammate in a halfcourt set on the next. But the trait that stands out most has been Maynor’s leadership despite being only 34 games into his professional career. Maynor barks instructions when needed while on the court and demands the ball or insists a teammate keeps it moving rather than forcing an unnecessary one-on-one attack.

Maynor credits Brooks and his teammates for allowing him to play to his strengths instead of altering his style to cater to the current core. But Maynor also admits that it is the Thunder’s core that has helped him excel.

"It’s not easy,” Maynor said. "But I like the system. I think the system fits me a lot. You’ve got guys around you that can really play. I think that’s why it’s looking easy.”

With Maynor in the mix, the Thunder has become even more versatile. Listed at 6-foot-3, Maynor’s size and athleticism gives Oklahoma City a dimension it’s never had in the backcourt, where the league’s newest trend is playing two point guards together. Brooks already has utilized Maynor and Westbrook several times together, allowing the Thunder to apply more pressure defensively while putting an additional playmaker on the court offensively.

Brooks said Maynor is developing as a man defender but needs to continue to focus on improving his team defensive concepts.

"He just has to get on the same page with what we’re doing,” Brooks said. "That’s going to be the hardest thing because he hasn’t had a training camp with us. But he wants to get better.”

NBA source: Dallas Mavericks discussing trade to acquire Eduardo Najera

The Dallas Mavericks are in deep discussions about a trade that would bring Eduardo Najera back to Dallas, an NBA source said.

The source added that any deal could not be completed until Monday and that New Jersey's ownership change also could have an impact on discussions about the deal.

The proposed trade would bring the 6-7 Najera and a trade exception that New Jersey owns to the Mavericks in exchange for Shawne Williams and Kris Humphries. The deal could be worth up to $4.7 million in salary and luxury-tax savings for owner Mark Cuban.

The Mavericks had said there was no deal imminent as recently as Tuesday, but said all along that any trade that happened would only involve players who were not in coach Rick Carlisle's regular rotation.

That would mean this deal makes sense. The Mavericks also would be bringing back a fan favorite in Najera, who last played for the Mavericks in 2003-04 before he was traded to Golden State in the sign-and-trade that brought Erick Dampier to the Mavs.

Najera averaged just under five points in his four seasons with the Mavericks but was beloved by fans for his relentless hustle and his ability to help the team without having to score a lot of points.

Sixers Notes: 76ers president sidesteps questions on Jordan's future

Ed Stefanski, the 76ers' president and general manager, would not guarantee last night that Eddie Jordan will remain the team's coach for the entire season.

Stefanski hired Jordan on May 29, giving him a three-year contract. When asked last night whether Jordan's job is safe this season, the GM sidestepped the question.

"We're all accountable in this whole situation," Stefanski said. "It's not just the head coach; it's the coaches, the players, and myself - no one is happy."

Before last night's 108-106 loss to the Toronto Raptors, Stefanski answered questions regarding his team, which entered the game with a 10-24 record - second-worst in the Eastern Conference.

"I'm not happy at all," he said. "[I'm] frustrated. I'm not the only one. Obviously, the coaches and players are frustrated and not happy. And the fans aren't, and they shouldn't be. I'm an emotional and passionate person, especially when it comes to my job and the Sixers, and we're not getting the job done. And my emotions are that I'm not happy."

Last week, Jordan described himself as "not disappointed."

"I'm a positive, encouragement coach - I told the team that the other day," Jordan said on Dec. 30. "I'm not here to beat you guys up; I'm here to coach you, encourage you, and show you the benefits of playing the right way. And I knew it was going to be a progression, a gradual progression . . . you have to go through a little struggle to make sure your roots are planted in the ground to be sure you're stronger when the season comes at the end."

Last season, the Sixers finished 41-41, losing a first-round playoff series to the Orlando Magic. A month later, Stefanski hired Jordan.

At what point this season would Stefanski consider a coaching change?

"One thing is, I said, I'm very unhappy," Stefanski replied. "Everyone - coaches, players, and myself - and I'm going to pinpoint myself - we're all accountable on this whole thing. We review daily. I don't think there's a certain time you say, 'Change.' Everyone in the organization is accountable, and I'm accountable to upstairs."

He was referring to team owners.

How would Stefanski review Jordan's performance?

"I'm not happy with anything," Stefanski said.

How would Stefanski review his own performance?

"I don't review my job, it's upstairs . . .," the GM said. "Obviously, if you're looking at the record, I haven't done a real good job so far. Again, I look at myself every day and know who I am and how hard I work, but I don't review myself; it's upstairs that reviews me."

Reggie's back. Last night's game was the first of four this season between the Sixers and the Raptors. Toronto's roster includes power forward Reggie Evans, whom the Sixers traded on June 9, 2009 for current forward Jason Kapono. Evans did not play last night because of a left mid-foot sprain and has yet to play this season. Kapono is averaging 5.1 points in 14.3 minutes a game.

Evans said he has been following his old squad.

"I don't want to go into too much depth about what they're missing," Evans said. "I don't want to bash them. As far as what I brought to the table, I guess it wasn't really needed anymore. I guess they needed a three-point shooter and they got their three-point shooter."

Stomach issues. Reserve power forward Elton Brand did not play last night because of a stomach virus.

Yi’s return putting squeeze on Lopez’s game

NEW ORLEANS – Brook Lopez hasn’t figured out entirely how to play with Yi Jianlian, but the Nets’ center has mastered the art of diplomacy.

Lopez said his recent struggles and obvious frustration have more to do with him than Yi becoming more of a focal point of the offense and chuckled when that was mentioned.

“It’s been tough just because of what I’ve come to expect of myself and the way I’ve been playing the past few games,” Lopez said before Friday’s game against the Hornets.Lopez’s production has dipped mightily in the seven games since Yi returned from knee and mouth injuries. Lopez’s overall demeanor in-game and postgame have been different, too.

He left the locker room twice without commenting in the prior seven games and chose not to comment when the Nets lost by 30 in Atlanta on Wednesday, saying he had nothing good to say.

“I was just frustrated with myself,” Lopez said.

He said he’s trying not to let the frustration affect his play, but hasn’t been entirely successful.

“I’d say it has,” he said.

There is plenty of frustration to go around as players continue to talk about things changing. There’s little doubt that the Nets are trying to utilize the 7-foot Yi more and it’s an adjustment for everyone.

Yi has been more aggressive than at any point in his NBA career - which is good for him and the Nets. But often times the ball sticks when it goes to him. Also, coach/general manager Kiki Vandeweghe has to find a way for him to coexist with Lopez and the other three starters, Devin Harris, Courtney Lee and Chris Douglas-Roberts.

Lopez admits he and Yi still are working out the kinks. Although Yi is known more for his jump shooting ability, the Nets are trying to post him more and there’s been some confusion.

“There’s still time,” Lopez said. “In Atlanta, I remember we ended up posting up on the same block at least two or three times. It’s going to take some time to do away with that.”

Everyone’s shots were expected to go down once Yi replaced Josh Boone as a starter. Boone only takes about 4.7 per game. But the drop is striking and most noticeable with Lopez.

The Nets’ franchise center averaged 19.5 points on 14.6 shots over the first 28 games. The past seven he’s scoring 14.3 points on just 10.6 shots per. Yi has averaged 20.3 points on 14.7 shots in those seven games.

“It’s tough to spread that ball around,” Lopez said. “When you got a lot of talented players on the floor — Yi, Lee, [Douglas-Roberts], Devin, myself — we’re all great offensive players. Having five of us on the floor at the same time it’s going to be more balanced.

“Regardless of how often I get the ball I think I can still crash the boards — I think that’s slipped a bit — and play good team defense and be a factor on the floor without scoring the ball.”

Vandeweghe, who traded for Yi and has emphasized his development, said they’re trying to work on an effective “high-low” game to utilize both players’ talents.

“Brook has lots of touches,” Vandeweghe said. “What we talked about was getting us in a better position. So do I think that everybody is a little frustrated? Yeah, you could go right down the list with everybody. Everybody’s production is down a little bit. And I think that’s more a matter of we’re not executing than anything else.”

Despite his struggles, Lopez is happy about one thing.

“Even though the ball is being spread out more, I’m glad that I’m trying to share it instead of jack it up every time I get it,” he said. “I’m still trying to focus on being a team player.”

Trail Blazers' Andre Miller speaks for first time about confrontation with Nate McMillan

Andre Miller talked to reporters for more than eight minutes Friday morning after the Trail Blazers' shootaround, offering his take on yesterday's dust up with coach Nate McMillan and other issues.

Miller, who smiled, laughed and sometimes joked with the media throughout his interview, downplayed yesterday's confrontation with McMillan, saying it was "normal dialogue between a player and a coach."

McMillan, who said Friday he apologized to the team for his handling of the's incident, also addressed the issue, which you can read about here.

Here's a transcript of Miller's interview:

What happened yesterday?
“Just things that happen on every team. Eighty-two games, ups and downs, disagreements, good times, bad times, you know, you learn from it and move on.”

How are you feeling now?
“I feel fine. You know, coach feels fine. I mean, players and coaches go through this stuff all the time, you know, disagreements, agreements, that’s just a part of the business. You’re around each other like a family and we want to keep it that way.”

Nate said he apologized to the team today.
“That was just something we cleared up as a team, man to man. It was definitely nothing to be made a big deal out of. This happens on every team and it wasn’t a big deal to me, you know, we just want to move past it. We learn from our experiences and move on.”

He said he talked to you one on one, did you have a good conversation?
“Yeah, I mean, you want to have an open dialogue. That’s what we talked about, you know, point guard, coach. And as players, we still gonna stick together. What matters most is representing the organization in the right way and, you know, he’s worried about the organization and I’m worried about the organization and how we carry ourselves as individuals. That’s all that matters.”

Can you say in a definitive way how things are better today than they were yesterday?
“Well nothing really big happened. You know, normal dialogue between a player and a coach, you know. I mean, nobody was around to hear it but it came out, you know, for some reason.”

After that dialogue, are things better?
“Yeah, I mean, with all the stuff that’s been going on with the injuries, the 82-games, ups and downs, we’re trying to maintain and trying to get the other guys back and healthy and everything’s going to work out. It’s not like we’re, you know, 5-30 or something like that. We’re playing good basketball and we’re trying to maintain and do things the right way.”

Is there any relief for you, perhaps because yesterday cleared the air?
“I mean, it was something that we tried to control, but you guys gotta do your job, so some things might not come out the right way and it’s perceived differently to the fans and the media and other people. But I think, as far as players and the coaching staff, we’re sticking together as a family and that’s why I came here, because I respect that. And I respect the organization.”

Do you wish you had handled the situation differently? Or did you handle it appropriately?
“We handled it as men. So, you know, you’re always going to have disagreements like a relationship. And one thing, you know, being made and everybody else is (talking about) is communication. That’s the main thing. It’s communicating a little more. So I have to do a little bit better job as a point guard, as a team player. The main thing is representing the organization the right way. And I think we’ve done that so far.

From your perspective, what made you so upset yesterday?
“You guys don’t know what happened, so we gonna keep it that way. So I’m not gonna tell y’all what happened, I’m gonna just let y’all assume. But, you know, just a minor disagreement and, you know, we learn from it. We’re trying to get better as a team, we’re trying to maintain, we’re trying to represent ourselves and be professionals and, like I said, it’s 82 games and I can tell you every team has issues and problems that they have to deal with. It just doesn’t come out and this is something that came out. Whether the right or wrong way, we deal with it as professionals and we represent the organization.”

When you and Nate had your one-on-one talk, what was the message?
“We’ve been communicating since the, you know, before training camp. So, you know, I came here because I respect the coaching staff and the organization and we just talked about communication. And, you know, for me I’m gonna communicate but I’m gonna communicate in different ways. I’m not a vocal player, you know, I kind of isolate myself. But we just talked about just being a little bit more open. That’s pretty much it. You need that for 82 games cause you can easily slip off the side and come off a little bit different.”

In your NBA career, has this been the most difficult transition?
“Um, not really, because I pride myself to adjusting to any situation. I feel this situation is new, you know, I just treat is as basketball. You just go out and play basketball. I try not to get caught up in all the extra curricular stuff. But, you know, sometimes you get pulled into that. So, you know, I enjoy basketball, I enjoy this team, I respect the organization and I try to carry myself as a professional. So any personal agenda that I have is all thrown out the window.”

Can you shed some light on Tuesday night against Memphis and telling Jerryd Bayless to make the second free throw?
“It was just a disagreement I guess, you know. I mean, we talked about that. It wasn’t really a big issue. We lost the game and you move on and, you know, it’s just something that we want to put in the past. You know, it was my fault and I apologize if I came off the wrong way or said anything wrong.”

So did you know that the coaches wanted him to miss?
“Well, I was just put in the game. So I figured; I was just sitting over there, you know, for the entire fourth quarter, and then, you know, I went in there and I just went to the free throw line. But, you know, he missed the first one. I told him to make it; make the second one, you know. And that’s my fault for not looking over and communicating with the coach. And that’s what the conversation was, just more communication and trying to figure out how we could have pulled out that game.”

There’s a chance you could get traded. Would you like to finish out the year here?
“Anything’s possible. I understand that it’s a business, but, you know, I came here for a reason. And the reason was to win and that’s what the team is doing, regardless of the injuries. And I’m the type of player that doesn’t bail out when things aren’t going my way. I want to contribute to the team. I don’t have any personal agendas but winning. And that’s all that matters. I think I’m a professional, a good character guy, and I feel that’s what this organization is and that’s why I want to be here.”

You say that stuff like this happens all the time. In your career, have you ever raised your voice like that to a coach?
“Um, probably so. You know, not; it’s a different situation and I’m a little bit older and I think we both have to be responsible for what we did. And, like I said, it wasn’t a big deal. But it happens. If any point guard can tell you he never had a problem, a big spat with a coach, or a minor disagreement, he’s probably lying. It’s just kept indoors. You know, it’s something that happens between the team, stays between the team. The main thing, it’s not about me or the coach. It’s about the organization and being professionals and representing the team the right way.”

Warriors notebook: Anthony Randolph suffers possible broken ankle against Sacramento Kings

Warriors forward Anthony Randolph might miss a significant amount of time after injuring his left ankle on the final play of the first quarter in Friday's 108-101 win over Sacramento.

After the game, the team announced that X-rays showed Randolph suffered a sprain and a possible fracture. Team sources said the preliminary diagnosis is a fracture and he'd be out four to six weeks. Randolph will have a CT scan today to confirm the initial diagnosis.

Randolph was trying to contest a shot by Sacramento forward Jason Thompson when he landed awkwardly on his ankle. He was down for a couple minutes before being helped off the court and into the locker room.

The Warriors announced after the game that the league had granted them another injury exception, and they plan to use it to sign Cartier Martin of the NBA Development League to a 10-day contract.

Martin, who is averaging 14.4 points and 4.3 rebounds in 12 games with the Iowa Energy, is expected to come in this weekend. He was on the Warriors' summer league team in July and played well enough to earn a training camp invite. But Martin chose to go overseas instead.

The Warriors can sign Martin for no more than two 10-day contracts. If they want to keep him after that, they'd have to guarantee his contract for the remainder of the season. Since the Warriors have 15 players under contract already, they would have to clear a spot on the roster to keep Martin longer than 20 days.

Warriors coach Don Nelson said he thinks teams shouldn't allow gambling and suggested the league look into such prohibitions.

"We don't have poker games on our flights, but we did when (Stephen) Jackson was here," Nelson said. "I don't think I have to have a rule, because we don't have a game right now, but maybe the league ought to think about doing something."

Gambling is prevalent among NBA players, where charter flights can be like flying casinos. The Gilbert Arenas gun drama, which reportedly stemmed from a debt he owed to teammate Javaris Crittenton, has made gambling an issue in NBA circles.

Warriors forward Corey Maggette entered Friday's game averaging 20.6 points on 55.1 percent shooting in 31.1 minutes since the start of December.

His high level of play lately is good news for the Warriors both on and off the court. With the Feb. 18 trade deadline just over a month away, Maggette is providing general manager Larry Riley exactly what he needs — a reason for a team to take on Maggette and his contract, which has three years and more than $30 million left on it.

A couple of league executives and a Warriors source confirmed Maggette's value is on the rise. Teams in need of a boost from a proven veteran scorer might be more willing to take on his contract.

In addition to Maggette, the Warriors have more than $10 million worth of expiring contracts to use in a trade, and some excess at a couple positions.