Despite the snowstorm that belted North Texas on Thursday, NBA officials said events surrounding All-Star Weekend are still on schedule. The National Weather Service said a winter storm warning is in effect for the Dallas/Fort Worth area until midnight Thursday with an estimated snowfall accumulation of 4-6 inches by Thursday night. Injuries to All-Stars like Los Angeles Lakers forward Kobe Bryant (sore left ankle) and Chicago Bulls guard Derrick Rose (bruised right hip) have been topics of discussion, but now weather -- and how it might affect travel plans, especially those coming from the East Coast -- might be the story. - ESPNDallas
Louisville coach Rick Pitino is denying a report that he's interested in a return to the NBA with the New Jersey Nets. "There's not an ounce of truth to it," Pitino told ESPN.com's Pat Forde. "I have no interest, period," Pitino said Thursday. "I'm done with coaching professional basketball. I've put the professional ranks behind me." - ESPN
Chicago Bulls guard Derrick Rose left last night's game versus the Orlando Magic with a bruised right hip at the 9:36 mark of the first quarter. Rose hit the floor following a foul by Orlando center Dwight Howard. Rose underwent an MRI on his low back and right hip last night at the Rush University Medical Center. The results were consistent with the fall and showed no significant injury to the hip or low back. He will be re-examined in Dallas, Texas on Saturday by Bulls team physician Dr. Brian Cole of Midwest Orthopaedics at Rush. - NBA
Look, this is confusing stuff. The Suns can't afford to keep Stoudemire, and they can't win a playoff series in 2010 without him. With the team surging again, another give-away trade would be lethal, inciting fan mutiny and permanently staining the reputations of Kerr and owner Robert Sarver. Kerr is in the final year of his contract and there has been little movement on new negotiations. - Arizona Republic
Even after Andrew Bynum gets healthy again, Lamar Odom might supplant him in the Lakers’ starting lineup going forward. That, however, would be one risky shakeup for a team already on track to win it all. Phil Jackson acknowledged late Wednesday night that his trusted assistants are already lobbying him to make the change to start Odom over Bynum – and he’s going to contemplate it when the Lakers reconvene after the All-Star break. - Orange County Register
Behind the Blazers locker room door, before the coaching staff entered, Howard went on a tirade in front of his teammates. He cursed. He yelled. And he demolished a huge tub that players soak their feet in after games. “It was shocking,’’ rookie Dante Cunningham said. “It was, ‘WHOA! HO!’ I mean, there was water and ice flying everywhere. It was like, ‘OK, maybe we really did something wrong.’ We all sat back and thought about it. I think it got everybody’s attention.’’ - The Oregonian
Everyone understood Chicago executives are now determined to move Thomas, and a clear price has been established for suitors: Expiring contracts and a 2010 or future first-round draft pick, league sources told Yahoo! Sports. The Bulls are also exploring ways to package Thomas with guard Kirk Hinrich(notes) to free themselves of his contract. - Yahoo! Sports
(LeBron) James and (Dwight) Howard are cordial, but not close, away from the court. James left the court following Orlando's series-clinching win last season without congratulating Howard or any of his teammates. James said it wasn't hard getting along with Howard during the filming of the fast-food commercial even though the two are rivals on the best two teams in the East. - Toronto Star Wire Services
The Mavericks are playing terrible, emotions are frayed for players, fans and the owner, and everybody expects action before the NBA trading deadline a week from today. Mark Cuban, however, said Wednesday that the Mavericks will not "shuffle the deck chairs," and certainly won't compromise their chances of making a big, free-agent splash in the off-season – unless one thing happens. They can make that big splash now. - Dallas Morning News
Would-be starters Kobe Bryant and Allen Iverson are out of the NBA All-Star Game. Jason Kidd of the hometown Dallas Mavericks has been chosen to replace Bryant. New York's David Lee is replacing Iverson. - ESPN
However, the question remains of who will start in AI's place. The options are Derrick Rose, Rajon Rondo, and Joe Johnson. With Dwyane Wade at one guard, you could either direction -- either with a distributor like Rondo or Rose, or a scorer like Johnson. Then again, Johnson's more than capable of handling the ball himself. But Rose ended up with the most votes of the three, and pairing him with Wade will provide just the kind of fireworks this event encourages. - FanHouse
But the real winner in this unfortunate development could be Mavericks star Dirk Nowitzki. The hometown star could go from reserve to starter and help warm things up here in Dallas, where the snow is still falling. Dirk's presence in the starting lineup should certainly help stir up some local buzz for an event that's going to need plenty of it with the weather wreaking havoc on the travel plans of everyone trying to attend. - NBA
The All-Star Game might be affected by this surprise weather across the country. It was so bad in New York, Knicks guard Nate Robinson said he might not make it to the dunk contest. Robinson was already considering pulling out of Saturday's featured event at All-Star Weekend in Dallas due to a strained left groin. The snow in New York and Dallas didn't help his chances. Robinson tweeted: "This snow is 4 the birds! I might not make it out for the dunk contest that would be so weak." - Dallas Morning News
As of my last trade blog post, I hadn't been told that the notion of Indiana-forward-Troy Murphy-to-the-Kings was legit. That has changed, however, as sources close to the Pacers say there is significant Kings interest in the 29-year-old forward. And while I had alluded to a possible three-team deal sending Kevin Martin to Dallas, Josh Howard and his $10.8 million expiring contract to Indiana and Murphy to Sacramento, I've been told that the Kings are pursuing a straight up deal centered around the expiring contract of Kenny Thomas ($8.5 million). - Sacramento Bee
The source said the Blazers' are intrigued by Thomas' youth and his shot-blocking abilities. In addition, Thomas would fit in well with Portland's timeline and current roster needs. Yahoo! Sports originally reported that the Blazers offered either Steve Blake or Travis Outlaw — both of whom have expiring contracts — and two future second-round draft picks for Thomas. The Bulls reportedly declined the deal, though, because they want more value in return. - Columbian
A league source who has spoken recently to Grunfeld said that Grunfeld is aware that the team he assembled didn't work and that the organization has to do something - and soon. Grunfeld committed to his core group of three all-stars - Arenas, Butler and Jamison - with the hope that they could lead the team back into the postseason, but the trio is just 8-14 together this season. - Washington Post
Steve Nash on whether or not he wants the Suns to keep Amare Stoudemire: “Of course. He’s been a huge part of our team and our franchise. We want to see how good this team can be especially after playing so well lately. I’ve always been of the opinion that this trade situation is predicated on the math. On his wanting an extension, to have the maximum contract and our ownership group not feeling comfortable in giving out a max deal. I’m not really sure where it stands now and I’m not really sure where we’re gonna go but as far as if we’re talking about pure do we want Amar’e to stay and be a part of this basketball team? Of course we do.” - Sports Radio Interviews
Danny Ainge asked if he is more likely to make a trade that changes the team chemistry or for team need: “Fill a need. It’s all about winning. Our chemistry is fine. It’s more of a playing need. I think it might be to change our approach, change our rotation, change the way we go about it. The chemistry on the court is what I’m more concerned about then I am any sort of personalities. We don’t have any bad personalities in the locker room. So I’m interested in helping our team get better and sometimes a small change can make a difference. A big change would only happen if I felt like it gave us a better chance to win this year.” - Sports Radio Interviews
Brandon Roy says he thinks the Trail Blazers do not need to make a move at the trading deadline to make the playoffs. “Unless it’s like a great deal for us, then I think I understand the approach of not making a move and letting us fight it out,’’ Roy said. “We are still a good team.’’ - Oregonian
Yet Bird says the rebuilding phase that began when the Pacers traded Ron Artest in 2006 is on target, and will move into high gear after next season when the team gets salary cap space. "We knew that we had to clean it out and rebuild it, and we knew we were going to go through some tough times," Bird told The Associated Press this week. "Nobody likes to lose, and everybody wants to be a part of a winner. We think we're on the right track to get there." Bird also took the pressure off coach Jim O'Brien, who is in his third year after back-to-back 36-46 seasons. - AP
Louisville coach Rick Pitino is denying a report that he's interested in a return to the NBA with the New Jersey Nets. "There's not an ounce of truth to it," Pitino told ESPN.com's Pat Forde. "I have no interest, period," Pitino said Thursday. "I'm done with coaching professional basketball. I've put the professional ranks behind me." - ESPN
Chicago Bulls guard Derrick Rose left last night's game versus the Orlando Magic with a bruised right hip at the 9:36 mark of the first quarter. Rose hit the floor following a foul by Orlando center Dwight Howard. Rose underwent an MRI on his low back and right hip last night at the Rush University Medical Center. The results were consistent with the fall and showed no significant injury to the hip or low back. He will be re-examined in Dallas, Texas on Saturday by Bulls team physician Dr. Brian Cole of Midwest Orthopaedics at Rush. - NBA
Look, this is confusing stuff. The Suns can't afford to keep Stoudemire, and they can't win a playoff series in 2010 without him. With the team surging again, another give-away trade would be lethal, inciting fan mutiny and permanently staining the reputations of Kerr and owner Robert Sarver. Kerr is in the final year of his contract and there has been little movement on new negotiations. - Arizona Republic
Even after Andrew Bynum gets healthy again, Lamar Odom might supplant him in the Lakers’ starting lineup going forward. That, however, would be one risky shakeup for a team already on track to win it all. Phil Jackson acknowledged late Wednesday night that his trusted assistants are already lobbying him to make the change to start Odom over Bynum – and he’s going to contemplate it when the Lakers reconvene after the All-Star break. - Orange County Register
Behind the Blazers locker room door, before the coaching staff entered, Howard went on a tirade in front of his teammates. He cursed. He yelled. And he demolished a huge tub that players soak their feet in after games. “It was shocking,’’ rookie Dante Cunningham said. “It was, ‘WHOA! HO!’ I mean, there was water and ice flying everywhere. It was like, ‘OK, maybe we really did something wrong.’ We all sat back and thought about it. I think it got everybody’s attention.’’ - The Oregonian
Everyone understood Chicago executives are now determined to move Thomas, and a clear price has been established for suitors: Expiring contracts and a 2010 or future first-round draft pick, league sources told Yahoo! Sports. The Bulls are also exploring ways to package Thomas with guard Kirk Hinrich(notes) to free themselves of his contract. - Yahoo! Sports
(LeBron) James and (Dwight) Howard are cordial, but not close, away from the court. James left the court following Orlando's series-clinching win last season without congratulating Howard or any of his teammates. James said it wasn't hard getting along with Howard during the filming of the fast-food commercial even though the two are rivals on the best two teams in the East. - Toronto Star Wire Services
The Mavericks are playing terrible, emotions are frayed for players, fans and the owner, and everybody expects action before the NBA trading deadline a week from today. Mark Cuban, however, said Wednesday that the Mavericks will not "shuffle the deck chairs," and certainly won't compromise their chances of making a big, free-agent splash in the off-season – unless one thing happens. They can make that big splash now. - Dallas Morning News
Would-be starters Kobe Bryant and Allen Iverson are out of the NBA All-Star Game. Jason Kidd of the hometown Dallas Mavericks has been chosen to replace Bryant. New York's David Lee is replacing Iverson. - ESPN
However, the question remains of who will start in AI's place. The options are Derrick Rose, Rajon Rondo, and Joe Johnson. With Dwyane Wade at one guard, you could either direction -- either with a distributor like Rondo or Rose, or a scorer like Johnson. Then again, Johnson's more than capable of handling the ball himself. But Rose ended up with the most votes of the three, and pairing him with Wade will provide just the kind of fireworks this event encourages. - FanHouse
But the real winner in this unfortunate development could be Mavericks star Dirk Nowitzki. The hometown star could go from reserve to starter and help warm things up here in Dallas, where the snow is still falling. Dirk's presence in the starting lineup should certainly help stir up some local buzz for an event that's going to need plenty of it with the weather wreaking havoc on the travel plans of everyone trying to attend. - NBA
The All-Star Game might be affected by this surprise weather across the country. It was so bad in New York, Knicks guard Nate Robinson said he might not make it to the dunk contest. Robinson was already considering pulling out of Saturday's featured event at All-Star Weekend in Dallas due to a strained left groin. The snow in New York and Dallas didn't help his chances. Robinson tweeted: "This snow is 4 the birds! I might not make it out for the dunk contest that would be so weak." - Dallas Morning News
As of my last trade blog post, I hadn't been told that the notion of Indiana-forward-Troy Murphy-to-the-Kings was legit. That has changed, however, as sources close to the Pacers say there is significant Kings interest in the 29-year-old forward. And while I had alluded to a possible three-team deal sending Kevin Martin to Dallas, Josh Howard and his $10.8 million expiring contract to Indiana and Murphy to Sacramento, I've been told that the Kings are pursuing a straight up deal centered around the expiring contract of Kenny Thomas ($8.5 million). - Sacramento Bee
The source said the Blazers' are intrigued by Thomas' youth and his shot-blocking abilities. In addition, Thomas would fit in well with Portland's timeline and current roster needs. Yahoo! Sports originally reported that the Blazers offered either Steve Blake or Travis Outlaw — both of whom have expiring contracts — and two future second-round draft picks for Thomas. The Bulls reportedly declined the deal, though, because they want more value in return. - Columbian
A league source who has spoken recently to Grunfeld said that Grunfeld is aware that the team he assembled didn't work and that the organization has to do something - and soon. Grunfeld committed to his core group of three all-stars - Arenas, Butler and Jamison - with the hope that they could lead the team back into the postseason, but the trio is just 8-14 together this season. - Washington Post
Steve Nash on whether or not he wants the Suns to keep Amare Stoudemire: “Of course. He’s been a huge part of our team and our franchise. We want to see how good this team can be especially after playing so well lately. I’ve always been of the opinion that this trade situation is predicated on the math. On his wanting an extension, to have the maximum contract and our ownership group not feeling comfortable in giving out a max deal. I’m not really sure where it stands now and I’m not really sure where we’re gonna go but as far as if we’re talking about pure do we want Amar’e to stay and be a part of this basketball team? Of course we do.” - Sports Radio Interviews
Danny Ainge asked if he is more likely to make a trade that changes the team chemistry or for team need: “Fill a need. It’s all about winning. Our chemistry is fine. It’s more of a playing need. I think it might be to change our approach, change our rotation, change the way we go about it. The chemistry on the court is what I’m more concerned about then I am any sort of personalities. We don’t have any bad personalities in the locker room. So I’m interested in helping our team get better and sometimes a small change can make a difference. A big change would only happen if I felt like it gave us a better chance to win this year.” - Sports Radio Interviews
Brandon Roy says he thinks the Trail Blazers do not need to make a move at the trading deadline to make the playoffs. “Unless it’s like a great deal for us, then I think I understand the approach of not making a move and letting us fight it out,’’ Roy said. “We are still a good team.’’ - Oregonian
Yet Bird says the rebuilding phase that began when the Pacers traded Ron Artest in 2006 is on target, and will move into high gear after next season when the team gets salary cap space. "We knew that we had to clean it out and rebuild it, and we knew we were going to go through some tough times," Bird told The Associated Press this week. "Nobody likes to lose, and everybody wants to be a part of a winner. We think we're on the right track to get there." Bird also took the pressure off coach Jim O'Brien, who is in his third year after back-to-back 36-46 seasons. - AP
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