Jazz To Sign Boozer This Summer?

Bosh is a four-time All-Star and member of the gold medal-winning 2008 U.S. Olympic team. Bosh and the Blazers don't sound optimistic that Portland could be a potential destination for him. "I think they're already set. Especially with the acquisition of (Marcus) Camby, and they have LaMarcus (Aldridge)," Bosh said. "They're pretty much locked up at the four position." - Oregonian

But sometime before their starting power forward becomes an unrestricted free agent this offseason, the Jazz do plan on talking with the Carlos Boozer camp about the possibility of his remaining in Utah, general manager Kevin O'Connor said Monday night. "We've had conversations with everyone's agents throughout the year," O'Connor said, "and I don't think we ever said we'd rule out anything." He didn't say precisely when, but O'Connor did say "sure' when asked if he'll talk with Boozer's agent again before July. "Will we have conversations? Absolutely," he said. - Deseret News

But for a clue as to how Granger views the big picture, take note of his responses in a recent HoopsHype interview. Asked whether he thought LeBron James would re-sign with Cleveland this summer or leave, Granger said, "If I was LeBron, I'd go to New York." And why? "New York is the media mecca as far as endorsements and being able to expand your personal net worth," Granger said. "The exposure you can get there isn't only nationally but globally. New York does all that for you." - CBSSports

Sources close to the situation have confirmed that Sioux Falls Skyforce forward Alexander Johnson and former Portland Trail Blazers bigman Shavlik Randolph competed in a tryout Monday with the Milwaukee Bucks for a potential roster spot. - Ridiculous Upside

Despite playing with only eight players again Monday night against the Los Angeles Clippers, New Orleans Hornets Coach/General Manager Jeff Bower said they have not explored the possibility of signing a player from the NBA Development League or offering a 10-day contract to a veteran free agent. - New Orleans Times-Picayune

Wally Szczerbiak said his wife, Shannon, was "shocked" when he announced he was interested in doing television work in his first winter as a retired player. She might have been the only person who felt that way. For years, it was assumed her husband would be a natural, given his looks and polish. Sure enough, Steve Herbst, executive vice president for CBS College Sports, said it took him seconds to figure out Szczerbiak would fit right in. - Boston Herald

Magic C Dwight Howard hopes the league rescinds the technical foul — his 14th of the season — he received on Sunday in a loss to the Charlotte Bobcats. Howard rolled the ball after being called for his fourth foul with eight minutes, 27 seconds left in the game, and Orlando trailing 80- 73. "Hopefully, it'll be rescinded," he said. "I just threw the ball like it was a bowling ball. That's it. I rolled it pretty fast." - Orlando Sentinel

Taj Gibson has been dealing with his own case of plantar fasciitis throughout most of the season and it's becoming a common scene to see him soaking his feet in a big vat of ice after the game. At this point, the Bulls simply can't afford to lose anyone else; especially Gibson, who has provided the team with consistent defense and rebounding throughout most of the season. "On to the next one, that's what I'm feeling," he told me after the loss to the Magic last Thursday night. "We got to steal one. We got to get one coming up. Once we get that one, that will get guys going. Get guys motivation up. Get guys spirits up. In this league it's tough. When you go down the road and you've had a couple losses it's kind of tough to get that one win. We just need to [come] together and get that one win." - ESPN

In his first three seasons with the Rockets and his first 62 games this season, Shane Battier started all but three of the games in which he played. With the Rockets back at full strength (excluding Yao Ming), he was switched to coming off the bench, an experiment he told coach Rick Adelman he was willing to try. “Shane, No. 1, has no problem with it,” Adelman said. “He's told me forever he'll come off the bench, and I told him I'll try it, but I don't know if that's the best thing for our team. What that means is it changes Trevor (Ariza's) role somewhat because now he's got to guard the toughest guy out there who starts the game. The other thing with Shane is he gives me a lot of flexibility. It's something we're going to keep looking at.” - Houston Chronicle

Sometime over the last few weeks, he made up his mind that he’s going to get everyone’s attention by following three easy steps: Straighten up, fly right, and bend the rim every chance you get. This didn’t require a very lengthy talk with himself, Terrence Williams explained. The Nets’ introspective rookie merely looked back at the first four months of his season and immediately recognized what was missing. “I learned you have to keep your mouth shut,” he said. “Honestly, that’s it. Because you get further with silence than you do speaking out or acting out. The lesson taught to me was to pay attention to other guys, and learn from them. I really wasn’t ready for that.” - Newark Star-Ledger

After a timeout, Curry — who at the time was 10-for-18 from the field, 5-for-8 from 3-point range — got an open look at a 3-pointer from the right wing. But he missed it. "I wouldn't change a thing about that shot," said Curry, who also had nine assists, five rebounds and zero turnovers. Ellis got the rebound and had Curry open on his left and guard Anthony Morrow open on his right. Ellis said all he saw was the clock, which had three seconds left. So he raced to the top of the circle, turned and hoisted his attempt at tying the game, momentarily taking away the breath of the entire arena. - Contra Costa Times

It looks like the Hawks’ good fortune with injuries finally has ended. Joe Johnson (sore Achilles’) is not on the Hawks’ team flight. He’s been ruled out for New Jersey tomorrow and probably is out for Thursday Wednesday at Toronto, too. Mike Bibby (back) made the flight but is questionable for New Jersey. J.J. will miss his first game of the season and just his fourth since 2007-08. He wasn’t available for comment because he was getting treatment (and napping, as is his custom). - Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Nuggets coach George Karl remained in Denver during the Nuggets' four-game road trip that concluded Monday at Toyota Center to undergo treatments for throat cancer. Assistant coach Adrian Dantley coached the team. “It's a tough situation, obviously,” Rick Adelman said. “It's really tough. It's the second time he's had it. We wish him the best. It's got to be really hard on their team and on him, being away from them. Hopefully, what's happening right now is going to be what's best for him in the long run.” - Houston Chronicle