"D'Antoni said he sees Amar'e in me," Hill said. "I'm a rookie, so it's going to take time to get like Amar'e, but I'm working hard to get like that. I'm just trying to play my game though and get better." Stoudemire didn't have a budding All-Star like Lee monopolizing playing time when he joined the Suns. Hill, on the other hand, is averaging only 9.5 minutes per game as a rookie. - HoopsWorld
"I wouldn't say the decision is difficult," Stoudemire told SI.com. "I think the decision really boils down to winning. That's the most important attribute as far as me with my decision this summer. My decision this summer is going to be based on whether we can win or not." And so how will he know if they can win? "I'll have to see how this season plays out," Stoudemire said. "See how the season goes and then have my agent and the front office here discuss what the future plans are and go from there." - Sports Illustrated
And to his credit, Lamar Odom was more than willing to describe the attitude of the Lakers. "We're cocky. We're cocky. We're cocky," Odom said. "So what? You know what I mean?" Is it because the Lakers are the NBA champions? Is it because the Lakers were the favorites to win the title when this season began? Is it because the pundits have said the Lakers have the best talent, the deepest team and perhaps the best player in the NBA in Kobe Bryant? Yes, Odom responded, it's all that. - Los Angeles Times
If anyone knew Goran Dragic would play like he did Saturday, maybe they would have pressed ahead with plans earlier. Dragic had his first career 20-point game three nights after his 2008 Suns draftmate Robin Lopez had his first 20-point game too. Dragic can be brilliant when he plays as confidently and as aggressively as he did in Saturday's fourth quarter, when he scored 18 points and made two incredible defensive plays to block a C.J. Watson breakaway layup and later steal a pass that looked like it had him beat on a backdoor cut. - Arizona Republic
There were times on the floor when he asked for the ball but didn't receive it. After missing 32 games with a broken left wrist, (Kevin) Martin returned to the starting lineup in Philadelphia when the trip began Jan. 15. The results thus far have been disappointing. The Kings aren't winning and Martin isn't doing what he believes he needs to do to change that. Martin struggled to find the words to express his dissatisfaction with how things are going. - Sacramento Bee
The starting point guard earlier in the season, Ford has been benched and hasn't played since Dec. 30 as Pacers coach Jim O'Brien has elected to go with Earl Watson as the starter and rookie A.J. Price as the backup. "The ball's in their court," Ford said when asked what he thought about a trade possibly coming before the end of the season. "Definitely, I want to play. If I'm not going to play here, if I can go somewhere else and play, then of course." - Indianapolis Star
No less a point-guard expert than Phoenix’ Steve Nash has become duly impressed by Celtics guard Rajon Rondo. “He’s pretty unique,” said Nash, the two-time NBA Most Valuable Player. “I can’t think of anyone who quite has the same skill set he has. I mean, I guess the closest thing would have been maybe Jason Kidd in his day, but they’re still different types of athletes.” - Boston Herald
Despite a devastating recession and the malaise of eight straight losing seasons, the Knicks are averaging 19,604 people per game, a 3 percent increase over last season and the fifth-best mark in the league. They sold out 15 of their first 22 home games and should easily surpass the 23 sellouts they had last season. The Garden has been filled to 99 percent of capacity, on average. “We are excited about the numbers,” said Scott O’Neil, the president of Madison Square Garden Sports. “There’s certainly a sense that the buzz is back.” - The New York Times
The Denver Nuggets are considering disciplining guard J.R. Smith for his behavior on the bench Saturday against New Orleans. A source said a suspension is an option. "I don't think we're going to have anything in the next couple of hours,'' Nuggets coach George Karl said to the media at midday Sunday. "I'll get on the phone in the next couple of hours. We're just trying to find a way to make J.R. play better.'' - FanHouse
The Grizzlies are looking for a swingman to bolster the bench and have three first-round picks and the expiring contact of Stephen Hunter to dangle. A team such as Miami, which is looking to reduce its luxury tax debt, would be a likely candidate. Dorell Wright, a player the Heat have been waiting on to flourish for years, could be dealt at the trade deadline. - Boston Globe
Leaving Dallas provided Antawn Jamison with the greatest escape of his career. He came to Washington, landed his first two all-star appearances and embraced his role as a leader of a playoff team. But with the Wizards in the midst of what could be a second consecutive lottery season, Jamison is holding out hope for a return to Dallas -- only this time, Jamison would like to be wearing a uniform representing the Eastern Conference all-star team. - Washington Post
Celtics coach Doc Rivers is all for Rajon Rondo making the All-Star team. But he made it clear on Sunday that he has no beef with the fans who voted Philadelphia’s Allen Iverson one of the starting guards along with Miami’s Dwayne Wade for the upcoming NBA All-Star Game in Irving, Texas. “The fans voted him,” Rivers said. “I have no problem with it. I disagree with the people who say that he should not play. I think he should play. I think the fans have said they want to see him play. It may be because of this year. It may be because of his career. He’s earned that through his career." - WEEI
Even the 1972-73 Sixers, who at 9-73 had the worst full-season record in league annals, were 4-39 after 43 games. And even worse, the Nets see no hope in sight. “Right now, no, I can’t, honestly,” Chris Douglas-Roberts said. “We’re just in a very bad situation, so it’s hard to see the light right now.“ “It’s bad,” said Brook Lopez (14 points). “Tough to see positives.” - New York Post
When Bryant was asked about DeRozan after the Lakers morning shootaround in Toronto he had kind words for the 20 year-old. “I think he has all the abilities in the world.” The four-time NBA champion praised. “He has the athleticism. He has the size. He can handle the ball. He can shoot the ball. With him, it’s just getting up every day ready to work.” “I think just the times that we live in, players at an early age get spoiled too much.” He continued. “Everything is given to them, or they wind up having them. I think DeMar, [O.J.] Mayo was another one that I knew for a while, those couple guys are some of the few that actually work and enjoy the game.” - The Score
It hits home even more when you hear how Nuggets coach George Karl is considering one day adopting a Haitian child. Karl has been affected by the tragedy, which could result in a death toll of 200,000. But Karl wants to do more than just send a check. Karl's daughter, Kelci, works in foster care in Seattle. Karl is contemplating joining forces with her to come up with a situation in which Haitian children are adopted and placed in American homes. - FanHouse
After filling his stat line again on Saturday (16 points, seven assists, three steals), Kentucky freshman John Wall said he had "no choice" but to enter this year's NBA Draft. That echoed UK Coach John Calipari insisting to radio host Dan Patrick earlier in the week that Wall would turn pro after this season. "I joke about coming back, and like you say, he tells me, no," Wall said after UK's 101-70 victory over Arkansas on Saturday. - Lexington Herald Leader
The fact is, the Raptors are playing better basketball lately and could nab the conference's fifth spot in the playoffs. Deal Bosh during the season and general manager Bryan Colangelo would always be known as the guy who traded away a possible Hall of Famer. But if Bosh leaves in the summer as a free agent, Bosh is the one who looks like he turned his back on a franchise (and, though not completely fair, a nation). - Denver Post
I recently ran into Aaron Goodwin, the mega-agent who brought LeBron into the league. He was at a Cavaliers game to visit with his former protégé. Goodwin’s current clients include Dwight Howard, Kevin Durant, Jamal Crawford and Nate Robinson. “Madison Square Garden was synonymous with Madison Avenue, but that time is gone,” he said ominously, as he waited to go inside the locker room. “If you’re LeBron James or Dwight Howard, the market will go to where you are. It doesn’t matter, it’s a global economy.” “For players like that, what matters is the opportunity to win. If you win, everything else will follow.” - SLAM
Jazz forward Carlos Boozer dodged a bit when asked if a team with a track record like Jersey's — the Nets went into Saturday's game with just three wins, but should have ample team payroll salary cap space for next season — would make him shy away from signing with them in the offseason. "It's one of those things you look at, you evaluate, this summer as a free agent," he said. "But, at the same time, my point is for us as a team is we can't worry about what they're going through. We've got to worry about what we're going through." - Deseret News
Some teams are bound to show interest in a cheaper Kirilenko, including perhaps New Jersey. The Nets' new owner will soon officially be Mikhail Prokhorov, the richest man in Russia and longtime financial backer of Kirilenko's former Russian League club, CSKA Moscow. "It's tough to say," Kirilenko said of potential Prokhorov pursuit. "I'm pretty sure if I was a Russian owner I would be interested to get a Russian player." - Deseret News
But the Jazz certainly seemed inclined Saturday to sign rookie point guard Sundiata Gaines for the rest of the season, a decision that must be made because his second 10-day contract expires after today. "He's carried himself well," general manager Kevin O'Connor said. "He's done a good job in practice trying to learn what we're trying to do," Coach Jerry Sloan added, "and we like what he's done so far." Teammates have taken a liking to him, too. "I think he's done a great job," starting point guard Deron Williams said. "He's coach's type of guy — he doesn't say much, he works hard." - Deseret News
But the point guard search began - and really ended - with Kidd. The future Hall of Famer visited the Knicks on July 1 and claims he seriously considered making the Garden his home for the next three years. "We made a heck of a run at him," D'Antoni said. "He would have been good without a doubt." But with the Knicks offering him $18 million over three years compared to the Mavs' three-year, $25 million offer, Kidd made the obvious choice. "We weren't in a good position financially to make it happen," said Knicks president Donnie Walsh. - New York Daily News
A day after Detroit Pistons coach John Kuester and forward Tayshaun Prince had a heated verbal exchange during a game, Kuester wrote it off as an emotional discussion between two people who share the same goal: winning. “This is a passionate game,” Kuester said about 90 minutes before the Pistons played the Portland Trail Blazers on Saturday night. “You’ve got to play this game with emotion. Emotions do carry over sometimes, but you’ve got to be poised also. You’ve got to understand how you need to express that emotion, whether it be in a game or practice. “Hey, listen, you’d rather have guys that want to win, and that’s what I know Tayshaun wants to do is win.” - Booth Newspapers
There are those who say Spurs forward Richard Jefferson has not been playing up to the potential that made him one of the NBA's most hyped acquisitions of the offseason. Among those who agree with this line of thinking — Richard Jefferson. “I particularly haven't been playing as well as I would like,” Jefferson said. “Everyone kind of has to look in the mirror and try to step it up.” Jefferson is averaging 12.8 points per game, tied with Manu Ginobili for third on the team, but isn't producing the bang for the 14.2 million bucks the Spurs are paying him this season. - San Antonio Express-News
There are a lot of things to talk about after this game, but Shaquille O'Neal compels us to start with this: The Cavs gave him the most touches he's had this season, partially because the Thunder doesn't have a center to match up with him and partially because he had to take some of the load with three players out. He responded by scoring 22 points (um, 6-of-15 at the foul line). And then he said this, in case anyone questions whether he still can get it done: "The only skeptics than can skepticize me are the skeptics that have been where I've been." - Cleveland Plain Dealer
Jordan, delivering nothing backhanded, said Brand has returned to pre-injury form. The Sixers' coach, standing outside his team's locker room, said Brand is now the player that Sixers general manager Ed Stefanski thought - no, knew - Brand was when he signed him to a five-year, $80 million contract in July 2008. "We know where he is now . . .," Jordan said of his power forward, who missed most of the previous two seasons with injuries. "He just had to get his feet under him. We've all been in the league long enough to know you milk a guy like that." - Philadelphia Inquirer
Truth be told, the Lakers coaching and medical staffs are hoping Gasol isn’t selected. That would mean that instead of going to Dallas for a busy weekend, Gasol can get some much-needed rest and additional treatment for all that ails him. The issue will be settled this coming Thursday when the All-Star reserves are announced. - HoopsHype
His game hasn't changed; his circumstances have. "Sometimes people only realize you are good when you are with (a team) like the Lakers," said Calderon. "He was good in Memphis. He had the same skills and he was doing the same thing, but he was in Memphis. "That's what people don't realize. There are some good players on other teams; it's like someone `discovered' Gasol with the Lakers. No, he was always like that." The difference, of course, was that when Gasol was in Memphis he was the focus of opponents. Now, he's the other guy. - Toronto Star
Bryant said after the game he forgot his finger “doesn’t bend” on that dunk attempt. He only briefly considered sitting out to rest the finger, because he said it will still heal while he plays on it and won’t break further. “I have a break in two places,” he said. “It’s not going to go anywhere if I sit out. If I hit it, it’s not going to break any more. It’s just going to be sore. But the healing is still the same as if I sat out.” - Orange County Register
"I wouldn't say the decision is difficult," Stoudemire told SI.com. "I think the decision really boils down to winning. That's the most important attribute as far as me with my decision this summer. My decision this summer is going to be based on whether we can win or not." And so how will he know if they can win? "I'll have to see how this season plays out," Stoudemire said. "See how the season goes and then have my agent and the front office here discuss what the future plans are and go from there." - Sports Illustrated
And to his credit, Lamar Odom was more than willing to describe the attitude of the Lakers. "We're cocky. We're cocky. We're cocky," Odom said. "So what? You know what I mean?" Is it because the Lakers are the NBA champions? Is it because the Lakers were the favorites to win the title when this season began? Is it because the pundits have said the Lakers have the best talent, the deepest team and perhaps the best player in the NBA in Kobe Bryant? Yes, Odom responded, it's all that. - Los Angeles Times
If anyone knew Goran Dragic would play like he did Saturday, maybe they would have pressed ahead with plans earlier. Dragic had his first career 20-point game three nights after his 2008 Suns draftmate Robin Lopez had his first 20-point game too. Dragic can be brilliant when he plays as confidently and as aggressively as he did in Saturday's fourth quarter, when he scored 18 points and made two incredible defensive plays to block a C.J. Watson breakaway layup and later steal a pass that looked like it had him beat on a backdoor cut. - Arizona Republic
There were times on the floor when he asked for the ball but didn't receive it. After missing 32 games with a broken left wrist, (Kevin) Martin returned to the starting lineup in Philadelphia when the trip began Jan. 15. The results thus far have been disappointing. The Kings aren't winning and Martin isn't doing what he believes he needs to do to change that. Martin struggled to find the words to express his dissatisfaction with how things are going. - Sacramento Bee
The starting point guard earlier in the season, Ford has been benched and hasn't played since Dec. 30 as Pacers coach Jim O'Brien has elected to go with Earl Watson as the starter and rookie A.J. Price as the backup. "The ball's in their court," Ford said when asked what he thought about a trade possibly coming before the end of the season. "Definitely, I want to play. If I'm not going to play here, if I can go somewhere else and play, then of course." - Indianapolis Star
No less a point-guard expert than Phoenix’ Steve Nash has become duly impressed by Celtics guard Rajon Rondo. “He’s pretty unique,” said Nash, the two-time NBA Most Valuable Player. “I can’t think of anyone who quite has the same skill set he has. I mean, I guess the closest thing would have been maybe Jason Kidd in his day, but they’re still different types of athletes.” - Boston Herald
Despite a devastating recession and the malaise of eight straight losing seasons, the Knicks are averaging 19,604 people per game, a 3 percent increase over last season and the fifth-best mark in the league. They sold out 15 of their first 22 home games and should easily surpass the 23 sellouts they had last season. The Garden has been filled to 99 percent of capacity, on average. “We are excited about the numbers,” said Scott O’Neil, the president of Madison Square Garden Sports. “There’s certainly a sense that the buzz is back.” - The New York Times
The Denver Nuggets are considering disciplining guard J.R. Smith for his behavior on the bench Saturday against New Orleans. A source said a suspension is an option. "I don't think we're going to have anything in the next couple of hours,'' Nuggets coach George Karl said to the media at midday Sunday. "I'll get on the phone in the next couple of hours. We're just trying to find a way to make J.R. play better.'' - FanHouse
The Grizzlies are looking for a swingman to bolster the bench and have three first-round picks and the expiring contact of Stephen Hunter to dangle. A team such as Miami, which is looking to reduce its luxury tax debt, would be a likely candidate. Dorell Wright, a player the Heat have been waiting on to flourish for years, could be dealt at the trade deadline. - Boston Globe
Leaving Dallas provided Antawn Jamison with the greatest escape of his career. He came to Washington, landed his first two all-star appearances and embraced his role as a leader of a playoff team. But with the Wizards in the midst of what could be a second consecutive lottery season, Jamison is holding out hope for a return to Dallas -- only this time, Jamison would like to be wearing a uniform representing the Eastern Conference all-star team. - Washington Post
Celtics coach Doc Rivers is all for Rajon Rondo making the All-Star team. But he made it clear on Sunday that he has no beef with the fans who voted Philadelphia’s Allen Iverson one of the starting guards along with Miami’s Dwayne Wade for the upcoming NBA All-Star Game in Irving, Texas. “The fans voted him,” Rivers said. “I have no problem with it. I disagree with the people who say that he should not play. I think he should play. I think the fans have said they want to see him play. It may be because of this year. It may be because of his career. He’s earned that through his career." - WEEI
Even the 1972-73 Sixers, who at 9-73 had the worst full-season record in league annals, were 4-39 after 43 games. And even worse, the Nets see no hope in sight. “Right now, no, I can’t, honestly,” Chris Douglas-Roberts said. “We’re just in a very bad situation, so it’s hard to see the light right now.“ “It’s bad,” said Brook Lopez (14 points). “Tough to see positives.” - New York Post
When Bryant was asked about DeRozan after the Lakers morning shootaround in Toronto he had kind words for the 20 year-old. “I think he has all the abilities in the world.” The four-time NBA champion praised. “He has the athleticism. He has the size. He can handle the ball. He can shoot the ball. With him, it’s just getting up every day ready to work.” “I think just the times that we live in, players at an early age get spoiled too much.” He continued. “Everything is given to them, or they wind up having them. I think DeMar, [O.J.] Mayo was another one that I knew for a while, those couple guys are some of the few that actually work and enjoy the game.” - The Score
It hits home even more when you hear how Nuggets coach George Karl is considering one day adopting a Haitian child. Karl has been affected by the tragedy, which could result in a death toll of 200,000. But Karl wants to do more than just send a check. Karl's daughter, Kelci, works in foster care in Seattle. Karl is contemplating joining forces with her to come up with a situation in which Haitian children are adopted and placed in American homes. - FanHouse
After filling his stat line again on Saturday (16 points, seven assists, three steals), Kentucky freshman John Wall said he had "no choice" but to enter this year's NBA Draft. That echoed UK Coach John Calipari insisting to radio host Dan Patrick earlier in the week that Wall would turn pro after this season. "I joke about coming back, and like you say, he tells me, no," Wall said after UK's 101-70 victory over Arkansas on Saturday. - Lexington Herald Leader
The fact is, the Raptors are playing better basketball lately and could nab the conference's fifth spot in the playoffs. Deal Bosh during the season and general manager Bryan Colangelo would always be known as the guy who traded away a possible Hall of Famer. But if Bosh leaves in the summer as a free agent, Bosh is the one who looks like he turned his back on a franchise (and, though not completely fair, a nation). - Denver Post
I recently ran into Aaron Goodwin, the mega-agent who brought LeBron into the league. He was at a Cavaliers game to visit with his former protégé. Goodwin’s current clients include Dwight Howard, Kevin Durant, Jamal Crawford and Nate Robinson. “Madison Square Garden was synonymous with Madison Avenue, but that time is gone,” he said ominously, as he waited to go inside the locker room. “If you’re LeBron James or Dwight Howard, the market will go to where you are. It doesn’t matter, it’s a global economy.” “For players like that, what matters is the opportunity to win. If you win, everything else will follow.” - SLAM
Jazz forward Carlos Boozer dodged a bit when asked if a team with a track record like Jersey's — the Nets went into Saturday's game with just three wins, but should have ample team payroll salary cap space for next season — would make him shy away from signing with them in the offseason. "It's one of those things you look at, you evaluate, this summer as a free agent," he said. "But, at the same time, my point is for us as a team is we can't worry about what they're going through. We've got to worry about what we're going through." - Deseret News
Some teams are bound to show interest in a cheaper Kirilenko, including perhaps New Jersey. The Nets' new owner will soon officially be Mikhail Prokhorov, the richest man in Russia and longtime financial backer of Kirilenko's former Russian League club, CSKA Moscow. "It's tough to say," Kirilenko said of potential Prokhorov pursuit. "I'm pretty sure if I was a Russian owner I would be interested to get a Russian player." - Deseret News
But the Jazz certainly seemed inclined Saturday to sign rookie point guard Sundiata Gaines for the rest of the season, a decision that must be made because his second 10-day contract expires after today. "He's carried himself well," general manager Kevin O'Connor said. "He's done a good job in practice trying to learn what we're trying to do," Coach Jerry Sloan added, "and we like what he's done so far." Teammates have taken a liking to him, too. "I think he's done a great job," starting point guard Deron Williams said. "He's coach's type of guy — he doesn't say much, he works hard." - Deseret News
But the point guard search began - and really ended - with Kidd. The future Hall of Famer visited the Knicks on July 1 and claims he seriously considered making the Garden his home for the next three years. "We made a heck of a run at him," D'Antoni said. "He would have been good without a doubt." But with the Knicks offering him $18 million over three years compared to the Mavs' three-year, $25 million offer, Kidd made the obvious choice. "We weren't in a good position financially to make it happen," said Knicks president Donnie Walsh. - New York Daily News
A day after Detroit Pistons coach John Kuester and forward Tayshaun Prince had a heated verbal exchange during a game, Kuester wrote it off as an emotional discussion between two people who share the same goal: winning. “This is a passionate game,” Kuester said about 90 minutes before the Pistons played the Portland Trail Blazers on Saturday night. “You’ve got to play this game with emotion. Emotions do carry over sometimes, but you’ve got to be poised also. You’ve got to understand how you need to express that emotion, whether it be in a game or practice. “Hey, listen, you’d rather have guys that want to win, and that’s what I know Tayshaun wants to do is win.” - Booth Newspapers
There are those who say Spurs forward Richard Jefferson has not been playing up to the potential that made him one of the NBA's most hyped acquisitions of the offseason. Among those who agree with this line of thinking — Richard Jefferson. “I particularly haven't been playing as well as I would like,” Jefferson said. “Everyone kind of has to look in the mirror and try to step it up.” Jefferson is averaging 12.8 points per game, tied with Manu Ginobili for third on the team, but isn't producing the bang for the 14.2 million bucks the Spurs are paying him this season. - San Antonio Express-News
There are a lot of things to talk about after this game, but Shaquille O'Neal compels us to start with this: The Cavs gave him the most touches he's had this season, partially because the Thunder doesn't have a center to match up with him and partially because he had to take some of the load with three players out. He responded by scoring 22 points (um, 6-of-15 at the foul line). And then he said this, in case anyone questions whether he still can get it done: "The only skeptics than can skepticize me are the skeptics that have been where I've been." - Cleveland Plain Dealer
Jordan, delivering nothing backhanded, said Brand has returned to pre-injury form. The Sixers' coach, standing outside his team's locker room, said Brand is now the player that Sixers general manager Ed Stefanski thought - no, knew - Brand was when he signed him to a five-year, $80 million contract in July 2008. "We know where he is now . . .," Jordan said of his power forward, who missed most of the previous two seasons with injuries. "He just had to get his feet under him. We've all been in the league long enough to know you milk a guy like that." - Philadelphia Inquirer
Truth be told, the Lakers coaching and medical staffs are hoping Gasol isn’t selected. That would mean that instead of going to Dallas for a busy weekend, Gasol can get some much-needed rest and additional treatment for all that ails him. The issue will be settled this coming Thursday when the All-Star reserves are announced. - HoopsHype
His game hasn't changed; his circumstances have. "Sometimes people only realize you are good when you are with (a team) like the Lakers," said Calderon. "He was good in Memphis. He had the same skills and he was doing the same thing, but he was in Memphis. "That's what people don't realize. There are some good players on other teams; it's like someone `discovered' Gasol with the Lakers. No, he was always like that." The difference, of course, was that when Gasol was in Memphis he was the focus of opponents. Now, he's the other guy. - Toronto Star
Bryant said after the game he forgot his finger “doesn’t bend” on that dunk attempt. He only briefly considered sitting out to rest the finger, because he said it will still heal while he plays on it and won’t break further. “I have a break in two places,” he said. “It’s not going to go anywhere if I sit out. If I hit it, it’s not going to break any more. It’s just going to be sore. But the healing is still the same as if I sat out.” - Orange County Register
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