Celtics point guard Rajon Rondo hinted after last week's loss to the Atlanta Hawks that some changes needed to be made in the Boston locker room, but are there issues also growing behind closed doors in Boston? "We gotta make a change and do something about it quick," Rondo said after the Hawks capped a four-game season sweep of the Celtics on Friday at Philips Arena. "Not a trade or anything, but just making some changes in the locker room, amongst ourselves. Every guy has to look in the mirror and hold themselves accountable." - ESPN Boston
New York Knicks legend and Basketball Hall-of-Famer Dick McGuire, who helped shape the franchise’s destiny for more than half a century, passed away today on Long Island at the age of 84. He died at Huntington Hospital of natural causes. McGuire, who had been part of the Knicks for 53 of the franchise’s 64 seasons, served the team as a player, head coach, assistant coach, chief scout, and in his most current position of senior basketball consultant. His jersey No. 15 was retired on Mar. 1, 1992 and hangs from the rafters of Madison Square Garden. In 1993, McGuire was enshrined in the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. - Realgm
While Walsh is talking to other teams about trades, he gave no indication anything is imminent. As for the rotation, Mike D'Antoni is not planning any major shakeups. "I don't love to do that, because you better know what you're shaking it up to," D'Antoni said. "You could shake it up for the worse. And that doesn't help anything." The change D'Antoni wants to see is on defense, with his team having allowed an average of 112points while losing five of its last six games. - New York Daily News
It’s been well documented that the Cavaliers’ infatuation with Antawn Jamison has been rekindled. What’s been underplayed is the reason behind it: LeBron James is the one driving the team’s pursuit of Jamison, according to a source, and Cavs GM Danny Ferry – as usual – is trying to appease the King. A couple of problems: The Wizards want a young asset in return, and Zydrunas Ilgauskas – while a fit salary-wise – doesn’t fit that description. The sensible piece to include in the deal would be J.J. Hickson, whom the Cavs are reluctant to give up. - CBS Sports
Denver Nuggets guard Chauncey Billups has been named by NBA Commissioner David Stern to replace injured West All-Star guard Chris Paul (meniscus injury, left knee) of the New Orleans Hornets in the 2010 NBA All-Star Game in Dallas. Billups will be making his fifth All-Star appearance. - NBA
"I can opt out this summer or I can opt in, which means I'll be back another year (for $17.69 million)," said Stoudemire, speaking after the morning shootaround in preparation for Wednesday night's game against Denver. "That's definitely an option. I'm leaning more toward that right now. Maybe opting in. ... (That would be to) buy time. See how we do. ... I think we got our game back on track. A three-game winning streak." - FanHouse
Pacers rookie forward Tyler Hansbrough was in New York on Tuesday to meet with a specialist about his inner ear infection. Hansbrough, the No. 13 pick last summer, has missed 16 of the past 20 games with the infection and it is unknown when he will return to the lineup. Hansbrough's biggest problem is constant dizziness. - Indianapolis Star
It was a New Year's resolution that sounded familiar: Craig Smith wanted to get more active. Only it didn't involve treadmills or weight loss, just being more assertive coming off the bench. January was a time of progress for the Clippers forward, although not for his team, which had a 6-9 record last month. Smith averaged 11.9 points and 4.9 rebounds last month after averaging 3.7 points and 1.6 rebounds in December. He was productive even on nights when the Clippers struggled, scoring 21 points in a blowout loss at Denver and 18 in a dispiriting setback last week against the New Jersey Nets. - Los Angeles Times
This wasn't exactly the Vince Carter of old, but it sure was better than the Vince Carter of late. The Orlando Magic feel a little better now about the chances of defending their Eastern Conference title and staying within sight of the Cleveland Cavaliers during the second half of this season. The worst slump of Carter's career has been pronounced over -- at least for now. - FanHouse
If Vince Carter was looking to get back to his old form, he only had to look to the bleachers during the Orlando Magic's shootaround today for a reminder of those times. Former Nets coach Lawrence Frank was in attendance and will be observing practices this week, offering advice to the Magic staff. The biggest assistance might come with Carter, mired in a monthlong shooting slump that ranks among the worst in the eight-time All-Star's career. - AP
Of all the many ugly moments that transpired on the Conseco Fieldhouse court here Tuesday night, the worst for Jarrett Jack came when he felt something on his foot, turned around and saw teammate Jose Calderon bent over in pain. Forget all the missed shots and blown defensive assignments and lethargy that marked a 130-115 loss the Raptors suffered at the hands of the Indiana Pacers. It was Calderon holding his ankle, limping first to the bench, then to the locker room and then to the X-ray machine that was the crucial moment of the night and no one felt worse about it than Jack. - Toronto Star
It's no secret that Charlotte Bobcats owner Robert Johnson has been trying to sell his franchise, and multiple league sources have told ESPN.com that he should get his wish by March. Former Houston Rockets president/CEO George Postolos -- whose first attempt to purchase the team, according to the Charlotte Observer, fell apart last summer -- has made a new offer that Bobcats president Michael Jordan has until the end of February to match, according to sources. - ESPN
Josh Smith of the Atlanta Hawks has become the youngest player to block 1,000 shots in the NBA. Smith recorded his 1,000th block with 8:29 left in the first quarter Tuesday night when he swatted away a shot by Oklahoma City's Nenad Krstic. Smith reached 1,000 blocks at the age of 24 years and 59 days, more than a year younger than the previous record-holder. Benoit Benjamin held the mark previously, reaching the milestone at 25 years and 128 days old while he was with the Los Angeles Clippers. - AP
Kerr said he believes Amare is playing better because he is on the road, and away from some of the constant trade questions surrounding him. He said the team knows he still has a lot to offer. "He's still a very productive player," Kerr said. "He's a starter on the All-Star team, he's 20 plus points every single night, and he's the perfect guy to play with Steve Nash for our offense in terms of just catching in the lane and finishing. He brings a lot of great things to the table for us. There's no question." - KTAR
The disconnect is vast enough that while the organization issues what it hopes are comforting denials of substantive trade talks, DallasBasketball.com has learned that the J-Ho camp believes he will be traded before the Feb. 18 deadline – some Josh confidantes even convinced they’ve pinned down Howard’s future team as either being the Raptors or the Heat. - DallasBasketball
Howard has become a fashionable whipping boy among fans and media in and around Dallas, despite once being among the area's more popular players. His production this season, injury woes over the last two years and the team's recent struggles get tied together, leaving Howard in knots. "I never said I don't want to be here," Howard told NBA.com. "It's as much a shock to me. I've only played [27] games. I haven't even got to two months [worth of games] yet. I don't know why everybody is ganging up on me. I don't pay attention to the media." - NBA
Given the rumors about the possibility of a deal involving Ray Allen, can you say whether you will or will not be trading him? Danny Ainge: I had a good conversation with Ray Allen yesterday and his wife. They know the business. They know where we are, and they know where we stand. … I was very upfront and honest. … I think it’s unlikely. I think it’s unlikely that we do a deal that benefits our team, to win a championship now and helps us in the future. Right now, our choice is that we’re trying to win a championship now. … We want Ray. We think Ray is a huge part of our winning a championship this year. … - WEEI
Stackhouse has a career scoring average of 18.4 points. He averaged a career-best 29.8 points during the 2000-01 season in Detroit, where he played in two All-Star Games. Originally the third pick in the '95 Draft, he has 15,809 points in his career. "I'll play as long as I feel I can compete. And I feel that way now,'' he said. "I've taken good care of myself. There is no reason why I can't keep playing. And this pays better than the car-pool line.'' - FanHouse
I’m told the Grizzlies could make a deal for Miami’s Dorell Wright at any time of their choosing -- such a swap would put Miami under the luxury tax and give the Grizzlies another wing player, which is what they’re targeting -- but Memphis is waiting to see if better options come available as the deadline approaches. The Grizzlies also could rent out their cap space to facilitate another deal, as they’ve done on several occasions over the past two years. - ESPN
Now, here’s a gig few saw coming. Not only will Chris Bosh play in the NBA all-star game a week from Sunday in Dallas, he’ll make his professional coaching debut that weekend, too. Yep, Coach Chris will be on the bench leading the sophomore team against the rookies on the Friday night of the big weekend. Kevin Durant will be on the coaching staff of the rookies, the league just told us.- Toronto Star
The irony is that Beasley is applying the brakes just at the time when many young people are getting ready to officially cut loose. Beasley turned 21 on Jan. 9. "Yeah, I definitely stopped and thought about it at the time," he said. "I think 21 is a significant age in everybody's life. My life is a little different. I'd already been through a lot before I was 18. So 21 is real important to me. Growing up, I had a lot of friends that didn't make it to 21." - NBA
One of the first questions Marbury asked upon arrival was whether Taiyuan had a McDonald's. "Of course," a reporter told him. "And a Starbucks, too." (That last statement is false.) "I don't drink coffee," Marbury said. "McDonald's is enough." Soon afterward, he asked to be transferred from the five-star Grand Hotel because the food wasn't to his liking. He is now at the five-star World Trade Hotel down the street. DeadSpin
“At least people know now that I’m too young to retire!’’ Del Harris tells DallasBasketball.com in his first one-on-one interview since the surprising Tuesday night announcement that he’s leaving his assistant-coach position with the Nets after just two months. “On Monday I had stress tests with the doctor and I passed with flying colors! How about that?’’ - DallasBasketball
Deron Williams, however, said he'd already seen designs of the new jerseys the Jazz could wear next season. He wouldn't reveal details, but they are expected to be a return to the music note in updated colors. "As long as we don't go back to the ones with the mountains, I'm cool, the one that Jeff Hornacek has up in the rafters," Williams said, adding of the new uniforms: "They're really nice. I think people are going to like them. I like them." - Salt Lake Tribune
One of Allen’s teammates also is generating some interest: Kendrick Perkins, who’d be a perfect fit for a team like the Pistons, who are desperate for a post presence. But Perkins only makes $4.3 million, and it’s difficult to imagine the Celtics parting with him given the way Kevin Garnett is gimping around. - CBS Sports
The player teams are most interested in is Andre Iguodala, according to an NBA source. Even though the 26-year-old Iguodala is earning $12.2 million this season and owed $56 million over the next four years, the source said numerous teams are willing to take on the versatile Iguodala's salary. - phillyburbs
Despite all the turmoil Isiah Thomas faced with the Knicks, the former head coach and team president would recommend that LeBron James join the team. Thomas, in a wide-ranging interview on WFAN this morning, says he's like any other New York fan when it come to LeBron. "I think, like all of us, we hope that he is in a Knicks uniform," Thomas said on the "Boomer & Carton Show." - New York Post
J.J. Redick laughed when asked if he felt he has finally come full circle as a player. He's gone from someone who two years ago couldn't get off the bench to someone whose name is being floated in at least one trade rumor. "Yeah, that's pretty funny," Redick said Tuesday. "I want to stay here. I don't want to go anywhere. … But I can remember when my name wasn't out there at all." - Orlando Sentinel
As the All-Star reserves were being chosen last week, Dwight did some last minute campaigning for his friend. He talked Josh up and was excited at the thought of playing with his former teammate once again. While Smith was left off of the All-Star team, he didn't rule out the possibility of reuniting with Howard later in their careers. "It would be nice [to reunite with Howard at some point]. I'd definitely play with him again. It's good to talk about but it's probably a hard task to accomplish," he said. - HoopsWorld
New York Knicks legend and Basketball Hall-of-Famer Dick McGuire, who helped shape the franchise’s destiny for more than half a century, passed away today on Long Island at the age of 84. He died at Huntington Hospital of natural causes. McGuire, who had been part of the Knicks for 53 of the franchise’s 64 seasons, served the team as a player, head coach, assistant coach, chief scout, and in his most current position of senior basketball consultant. His jersey No. 15 was retired on Mar. 1, 1992 and hangs from the rafters of Madison Square Garden. In 1993, McGuire was enshrined in the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. - Realgm
While Walsh is talking to other teams about trades, he gave no indication anything is imminent. As for the rotation, Mike D'Antoni is not planning any major shakeups. "I don't love to do that, because you better know what you're shaking it up to," D'Antoni said. "You could shake it up for the worse. And that doesn't help anything." The change D'Antoni wants to see is on defense, with his team having allowed an average of 112points while losing five of its last six games. - New York Daily News
It’s been well documented that the Cavaliers’ infatuation with Antawn Jamison has been rekindled. What’s been underplayed is the reason behind it: LeBron James is the one driving the team’s pursuit of Jamison, according to a source, and Cavs GM Danny Ferry – as usual – is trying to appease the King. A couple of problems: The Wizards want a young asset in return, and Zydrunas Ilgauskas – while a fit salary-wise – doesn’t fit that description. The sensible piece to include in the deal would be J.J. Hickson, whom the Cavs are reluctant to give up. - CBS Sports
Denver Nuggets guard Chauncey Billups has been named by NBA Commissioner David Stern to replace injured West All-Star guard Chris Paul (meniscus injury, left knee) of the New Orleans Hornets in the 2010 NBA All-Star Game in Dallas. Billups will be making his fifth All-Star appearance. - NBA
"I can opt out this summer or I can opt in, which means I'll be back another year (for $17.69 million)," said Stoudemire, speaking after the morning shootaround in preparation for Wednesday night's game against Denver. "That's definitely an option. I'm leaning more toward that right now. Maybe opting in. ... (That would be to) buy time. See how we do. ... I think we got our game back on track. A three-game winning streak." - FanHouse
Pacers rookie forward Tyler Hansbrough was in New York on Tuesday to meet with a specialist about his inner ear infection. Hansbrough, the No. 13 pick last summer, has missed 16 of the past 20 games with the infection and it is unknown when he will return to the lineup. Hansbrough's biggest problem is constant dizziness. - Indianapolis Star
It was a New Year's resolution that sounded familiar: Craig Smith wanted to get more active. Only it didn't involve treadmills or weight loss, just being more assertive coming off the bench. January was a time of progress for the Clippers forward, although not for his team, which had a 6-9 record last month. Smith averaged 11.9 points and 4.9 rebounds last month after averaging 3.7 points and 1.6 rebounds in December. He was productive even on nights when the Clippers struggled, scoring 21 points in a blowout loss at Denver and 18 in a dispiriting setback last week against the New Jersey Nets. - Los Angeles Times
This wasn't exactly the Vince Carter of old, but it sure was better than the Vince Carter of late. The Orlando Magic feel a little better now about the chances of defending their Eastern Conference title and staying within sight of the Cleveland Cavaliers during the second half of this season. The worst slump of Carter's career has been pronounced over -- at least for now. - FanHouse
If Vince Carter was looking to get back to his old form, he only had to look to the bleachers during the Orlando Magic's shootaround today for a reminder of those times. Former Nets coach Lawrence Frank was in attendance and will be observing practices this week, offering advice to the Magic staff. The biggest assistance might come with Carter, mired in a monthlong shooting slump that ranks among the worst in the eight-time All-Star's career. - AP
Of all the many ugly moments that transpired on the Conseco Fieldhouse court here Tuesday night, the worst for Jarrett Jack came when he felt something on his foot, turned around and saw teammate Jose Calderon bent over in pain. Forget all the missed shots and blown defensive assignments and lethargy that marked a 130-115 loss the Raptors suffered at the hands of the Indiana Pacers. It was Calderon holding his ankle, limping first to the bench, then to the locker room and then to the X-ray machine that was the crucial moment of the night and no one felt worse about it than Jack. - Toronto Star
It's no secret that Charlotte Bobcats owner Robert Johnson has been trying to sell his franchise, and multiple league sources have told ESPN.com that he should get his wish by March. Former Houston Rockets president/CEO George Postolos -- whose first attempt to purchase the team, according to the Charlotte Observer, fell apart last summer -- has made a new offer that Bobcats president Michael Jordan has until the end of February to match, according to sources. - ESPN
Josh Smith of the Atlanta Hawks has become the youngest player to block 1,000 shots in the NBA. Smith recorded his 1,000th block with 8:29 left in the first quarter Tuesday night when he swatted away a shot by Oklahoma City's Nenad Krstic. Smith reached 1,000 blocks at the age of 24 years and 59 days, more than a year younger than the previous record-holder. Benoit Benjamin held the mark previously, reaching the milestone at 25 years and 128 days old while he was with the Los Angeles Clippers. - AP
Kerr said he believes Amare is playing better because he is on the road, and away from some of the constant trade questions surrounding him. He said the team knows he still has a lot to offer. "He's still a very productive player," Kerr said. "He's a starter on the All-Star team, he's 20 plus points every single night, and he's the perfect guy to play with Steve Nash for our offense in terms of just catching in the lane and finishing. He brings a lot of great things to the table for us. There's no question." - KTAR
The disconnect is vast enough that while the organization issues what it hopes are comforting denials of substantive trade talks, DallasBasketball.com has learned that the J-Ho camp believes he will be traded before the Feb. 18 deadline – some Josh confidantes even convinced they’ve pinned down Howard’s future team as either being the Raptors or the Heat. - DallasBasketball
Howard has become a fashionable whipping boy among fans and media in and around Dallas, despite once being among the area's more popular players. His production this season, injury woes over the last two years and the team's recent struggles get tied together, leaving Howard in knots. "I never said I don't want to be here," Howard told NBA.com. "It's as much a shock to me. I've only played [27] games. I haven't even got to two months [worth of games] yet. I don't know why everybody is ganging up on me. I don't pay attention to the media." - NBA
Given the rumors about the possibility of a deal involving Ray Allen, can you say whether you will or will not be trading him? Danny Ainge: I had a good conversation with Ray Allen yesterday and his wife. They know the business. They know where we are, and they know where we stand. … I was very upfront and honest. … I think it’s unlikely. I think it’s unlikely that we do a deal that benefits our team, to win a championship now and helps us in the future. Right now, our choice is that we’re trying to win a championship now. … We want Ray. We think Ray is a huge part of our winning a championship this year. … - WEEI
Stackhouse has a career scoring average of 18.4 points. He averaged a career-best 29.8 points during the 2000-01 season in Detroit, where he played in two All-Star Games. Originally the third pick in the '95 Draft, he has 15,809 points in his career. "I'll play as long as I feel I can compete. And I feel that way now,'' he said. "I've taken good care of myself. There is no reason why I can't keep playing. And this pays better than the car-pool line.'' - FanHouse
I’m told the Grizzlies could make a deal for Miami’s Dorell Wright at any time of their choosing -- such a swap would put Miami under the luxury tax and give the Grizzlies another wing player, which is what they’re targeting -- but Memphis is waiting to see if better options come available as the deadline approaches. The Grizzlies also could rent out their cap space to facilitate another deal, as they’ve done on several occasions over the past two years. - ESPN
Now, here’s a gig few saw coming. Not only will Chris Bosh play in the NBA all-star game a week from Sunday in Dallas, he’ll make his professional coaching debut that weekend, too. Yep, Coach Chris will be on the bench leading the sophomore team against the rookies on the Friday night of the big weekend. Kevin Durant will be on the coaching staff of the rookies, the league just told us.- Toronto Star
The irony is that Beasley is applying the brakes just at the time when many young people are getting ready to officially cut loose. Beasley turned 21 on Jan. 9. "Yeah, I definitely stopped and thought about it at the time," he said. "I think 21 is a significant age in everybody's life. My life is a little different. I'd already been through a lot before I was 18. So 21 is real important to me. Growing up, I had a lot of friends that didn't make it to 21." - NBA
One of the first questions Marbury asked upon arrival was whether Taiyuan had a McDonald's. "Of course," a reporter told him. "And a Starbucks, too." (That last statement is false.) "I don't drink coffee," Marbury said. "McDonald's is enough." Soon afterward, he asked to be transferred from the five-star Grand Hotel because the food wasn't to his liking. He is now at the five-star World Trade Hotel down the street. DeadSpin
“At least people know now that I’m too young to retire!’’ Del Harris tells DallasBasketball.com in his first one-on-one interview since the surprising Tuesday night announcement that he’s leaving his assistant-coach position with the Nets after just two months. “On Monday I had stress tests with the doctor and I passed with flying colors! How about that?’’ - DallasBasketball
Deron Williams, however, said he'd already seen designs of the new jerseys the Jazz could wear next season. He wouldn't reveal details, but they are expected to be a return to the music note in updated colors. "As long as we don't go back to the ones with the mountains, I'm cool, the one that Jeff Hornacek has up in the rafters," Williams said, adding of the new uniforms: "They're really nice. I think people are going to like them. I like them." - Salt Lake Tribune
One of Allen’s teammates also is generating some interest: Kendrick Perkins, who’d be a perfect fit for a team like the Pistons, who are desperate for a post presence. But Perkins only makes $4.3 million, and it’s difficult to imagine the Celtics parting with him given the way Kevin Garnett is gimping around. - CBS Sports
The player teams are most interested in is Andre Iguodala, according to an NBA source. Even though the 26-year-old Iguodala is earning $12.2 million this season and owed $56 million over the next four years, the source said numerous teams are willing to take on the versatile Iguodala's salary. - phillyburbs
Despite all the turmoil Isiah Thomas faced with the Knicks, the former head coach and team president would recommend that LeBron James join the team. Thomas, in a wide-ranging interview on WFAN this morning, says he's like any other New York fan when it come to LeBron. "I think, like all of us, we hope that he is in a Knicks uniform," Thomas said on the "Boomer & Carton Show." - New York Post
J.J. Redick laughed when asked if he felt he has finally come full circle as a player. He's gone from someone who two years ago couldn't get off the bench to someone whose name is being floated in at least one trade rumor. "Yeah, that's pretty funny," Redick said Tuesday. "I want to stay here. I don't want to go anywhere. … But I can remember when my name wasn't out there at all." - Orlando Sentinel
As the All-Star reserves were being chosen last week, Dwight did some last minute campaigning for his friend. He talked Josh up and was excited at the thought of playing with his former teammate once again. While Smith was left off of the All-Star team, he didn't rule out the possibility of reuniting with Howard later in their careers. "It would be nice [to reunite with Howard at some point]. I'd definitely play with him again. It's good to talk about but it's probably a hard task to accomplish," he said. - HoopsWorld
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