Caleb Cattivera
12/30/05, 03:26 PM
NBA Insider...Dec 30: West & East conf early grades; Artest watch; Sheridan chat
Mavs and Suns pass with flying colors
By Chris Sheridan
Nearly two months have passed since the opening of the 2005-06 season, and two teams have dictated the main story lines: Detroit in chasing the best record in NBA history, and Indiana in trying to pawn off the unwanted Ron Artest.
One Van Gundy has been deposed in Miami to make room for one of the best coaches in NBA history, while another Van Gundy is surprised to find himself languishing near the bottom of the Western Conference standings.
We have seen a 62-point game from Kobe Bryant, a 52-point outburst from LeBron James and 20 30-point games from Allen Iverson. The leading MVP candidates are Dirk Nowitzki, Elton Brand and Chauncey Billups, and the Rookie of the Year race is not really a race at all, thanks to the Hornets' Chris Paul.
But what we haven't seen yet is a single trade by any of the 30 general managers and team presidents who are ultimately responsible for their teams' successes and failures. That would seem to suggest some degree of widespread satisfaction with the way the season has unfolded.
Insider decided to test that theory by reaching out to top executives from all 30 teams for a self-assessment of how things are going.
With their comments in mind, Insider awards the following grades for each team's performance so far this season (Eastern Conference grades will run Friday):
SAN ANTONIO SPURS (22-7)
Inside the record: The defending champs' mark of 22-7 is good enough for first place in the conference, but not quite in line with the level of greatness we all expected from them. Of their seven losses, only one of the games (a Dec. 20 overtime loss at Milwaukee) has been close.
Most telling stats: Tony Parker is shooting an astounding 53.7 percent from the field, more than two points higher than Tim Duncan, but the team's free-throw percentage (68.6) is among the NBA's worst.
Changes ahead? In the final year of his contract, center Nazr Mohammed has more fouls (65) than field goals (5http://www.ezboard.com/images/emoticons/glasses.gif .
The boss says: "I'm concerned, but I'm not frantic," coach Gregg Popovich told the San Antonio Express-News. "We don't have that edge defensively that we've had the last few years. I'd be scared to death if the playoffs were next week."
Trade asset: Mohammed's $5.5 million contract that runs out after this season.
Grade: B+
DALLAS MAVERICKS (21-7)
Inside the record: They'd be No. 1 in the West if not for their continued inability to defeat the Lakers (0-2 this season, 7-50 since 1990).
Most telling stat: Mavs are 20-2 when Dirk Nowitzki scores at least 20 points, 1-5 when he's held below 20.
Changes ahead? "All roads lead through San Antonio," president of basketball operations Don Nelson told ESPN.com, "and I don't know if there's a player out there who can stop No. 21 [Tim Duncan]." The Mavs took a pass on Ron Artest after Indiana wanted Josh Howard, Marquis Daniels or Devin Harris.
The boss says: "I don't think we have any gaping holes," Nelson said. "By design, we have youth and experience at every position."
Trade asset: Keith Van Horn is in the final season of his contract, and teams seeking financial flexibility will place high value on a $15.7 million salary that comes off the cap in July.
Grade: A-
MEMPHIS GRIZZLIES (17-10)
Inside the record: Only 7-5 this month, including two overtime losses. Have scored the 26th most points but have allowed the fewest.
Most telling stat: Opponents are shooting just .423 from the field. Only the Clippers are holding teams to a lower percentage (.421).
Changes ahead? Lorenzen Wright lost his starting job Wednesday night as Pau Gasol moved to center. "When you can't rebound the ball, it tells you people up front are not doing the job they're supposed to do," team president Jerry West said, noting he has five 3-point shooters who have drawn interest from other teams.
The boss says: "Frankly, we've lost some games that are just gut-wrenching, and that takes some sort of a toll on everyone. But we do have a better team with the veteran players we've added," West told ESPN.com.
Trade asset: Mike Miller is expendable, but it's a question whether suitors judge him affordable (his $48.4 million contract runs through 2009-10).
Grade: B
PHOENIX SUNS (17-10)
Inside the record: 0-3 in games decided by 3 or fewer points. Only Minnesota (0-4) is worse.
Most telling stat: Despite Phoenix's being without Amare Stoudemire, Steve Nash is averaging only one fewer assist (10.5) than he did last season. He also leads the NBA in FT percentage at .953. (The record is .958, by Calvin Murphy in 1980-81.)
Changes ahead? "It's below 50 percent in terms of us doing anything significant, but we do have a $3.6 million trade exception that is attractive for teams looking to save tax money," general manager Bryan Colangelo told ESPN.com.
The boss says: "To be sitting here at 16-10 without Amare, we're progressing pretty well. Some forecasters thought we'd be a .500 team -- even with Amare -- after losing Quentin Richardson and Joe Johnson, but we made the statement that we felt we were a better team because we had addressed our depth. And it's our depth that has kept us in this," Colangelo said.
Trade asset: Own the rights to Atlanta's top pick, which is protected for spots 1-10 in 2006, for spots 1-3 in 2007 and unprotected in 2008.
Grade: A-
LOS ANGELES CLIPPERS (16-11)
Inside the record: Only 6-8 on the road, and just 2-6 in their last eight games -- with all six losses by decisive margins.
Most telling stat: Rank last in the NBA in turnovers forced per game with 11.7. (Charlotte leads the NBA at 18.6.)
Changes ahead? Mike Dunleavy was willing to take a chance on coaching Ron Artest, but Elgin Baylor was unwilling to part with Corey Maggette. Maggette's injury could change the equation.
The boss says: "We're always looking at what's available to see if we can get a player that fits chemistrywise and characterwise," Baylor, the vice president of basketball operations, told ESPN.com.
Trade asset: Chris Wilcox, in the final year of his contract, has drawn considerable interest from teams seeking size.
Grade: B
MINNESOTA TIMBERWOLVES (14-12)
Inside the record: Only 2-6 in their last eight games, fueling their desire to acquire Ron Artest.
Most telling stat: 0-3 in overtime games, tied with Denver for the league's worst. 0-4 in games decided by 3 or fewer points.
Changes ahead? Making a hard push to acquire Artest from Indiana. A combo of Michael Olowokandi and Rashad McCants might get it done, though McCants hasn't been offered.
The boss says: "We have a team capable of competing for a playoff spot, but we want to be competing for a championship," general manager Jim Stack told ESPN.com. Stack was the personnel man who drafted Artest for the Bulls in 1999. Stack also was instrumental in bringing Dennis Rodman to the Bulls in 1995.
Trade asset: Still have the rights to Latrell Sprewell, who could be dealt in a sign-and-trade deal. Indiana has interest.
Grade: B-
LOS ANGELES LAKERS (15-14)
Inside the record: At this point a year ago, they were 16-13 under Rudy Tomjanovich, which makes the C+ look generous.
Most telling stat: 6-7 at the Staples Center, where they still outdraw the Clippers by an average of 2,000 fans per night.
Changes ahead? Phil Jackson would love to take a chance on Artest, but, other than Lamar Odom, there's no one on the roster who interests Indiana.
The boss says: "When you look at our average age, we're the second-youngest team behind Atlanta. You have to keep that in mind when you evaluate our performance," general manager Mitch Kupchak told ESPN.com. "We're still a work in progress, but based on our recent play, we're very happy with where we're going. For some reason, we struggle at home."
Trade asset: Miami's No. 1 pick in 2006.
Grade: C+
GOLDEN STATE WARRIORS (15-14)
Inside the record: 10-7 against the East, 5-7 against the West.
Most telling stat: Allowing opponents to score 99.6 points per game, second-worst in the West ahead of only Seattle (105.0).
Changes ahead? Ike Diogu has replaced Adonal Foyle as the starting center, though Foyle responded to the demotion with his best game of the season (seven points, six rebounds, five blocks) in Wednesday night's win over Boston.
The boss says: "We've got to get off to better starts than we've been getting off to," coach Mike Montgomery said after the Warriors gave up 44 first-quarter points to Denver on Monday night. "I don't want to point the finger at one person, because it's not any one person's fault, but we can't keep falling behind by 10 points in the first quarter and then try to consistently make it up."
Trade asset: Three first-round picks in 2007, although picks originally owned by Dallas and Philadelphia have lottery protection. Warriors also have New Jersey's and Minnesota's second-round picks in 2007.
Grade: B-
DENVER NUGGETS (14-15)
Inside the record: 5-10 on the road. Only the Trail Blazers, Bobcats and Hawks are worse. 0-3 in overtime games.
Most telling stat: The league's worst 3-point shooting team (30.1 percent).
Changes ahead? George Karl wants Ron Artest as badly as the Timberwolves do, but general manager Kiki Vandeweghe hasn't come up with a three-way proposal that would satisfy the Hawks and send Al Harrington back to Indiana.
The boss says: "When we're healthy, we can play well, but we haven't been healthy much this year. Our record doesn't reflect well on us, but we're still a contender in our division with a .500 record. So it's a mixture of not being happy with the record but understanding why we're there," Vandeweghe told ESPN.com.
Trade asset: Have made it known they're willing to part with both Nene and Earl Watson, and there's plenty of interest in both players -- just not from the Hawks when it comes to Watson.
Grade: C
UTAH JAZZ (13-16)
Inside the record: The Jazz have played only one game decided by three or fewer points (defeating Memphis in overtime Monday night), tied with Cleveland for fewest in the league.
Most telling stats: Lead the league in personal fouls, sending their opponents to the line for an average of almost three more free throws per game than they take themselves. Next to last in 3-point shooting (30.2 percent) and third worst on offense (88.2 points per game).
Changes ahead? The Jazz and their fans are frustrated by the slow pace of Carlos Boozer's recovery from a hamstring injury, and his trade value will remain devalued until he returns. "He came into camp with his body fat down, and you don't do that by accident. I don't think he's dogging it," owner Larry Miller told The Salt Lake Tribune.
The boss says: "We need to address some areas, specifically our shooting, and we'd like to be a little more athletic," general manager Kevin O'Connor told ESPN.com.
Trade asset: New York's No. 1 pick in 2010.
Grade: C
SEATTLE SUPERSONICS (12-15)
Inside the record: Their grade would be even worse if they weren't 8-4 against the East. Of their 15 games against teams from the West, they've won only four.
Most telling stat: Allowing 105.0 points per game, by far the most in the league. Toronto is 29th at 102.6.
Changes ahead? Reggie Evans is being shopped, while Vladimir Radmanovic and Flip Murray have trade vetoes and the right to become unrestricted free agents next summer. Radmanovic will accept a trade only to a team that will have at least $6 million in cap space next summer.
The boss says: "We're probably the team that's the most all over the board, and I'm disappointed that we haven't played as well as last season. We miss the role that Jerome [James] played; we miss Antonio [Daniels]" general manager Rick Sund told ESPN.com.
Trade asset: There is a market for the toughness Danny Fortson brings, but not if his feud with the referees keeps spinning out of control.
Grade: D
NEW ORLEANS HORNETS (12-15)
Inside the record: Already within six victories of matching their total from all of last season.
Most telling stats: Scoring an average of 2.5 more points per game and allowing 1.7 fewer points per game than they did last season.
Changes ahead? General manager Jeff Bower told ESPN.com he will not trade P.J. Brown because it would be impossible to replace the intangibles and leadership he provides to a rebuilding team.
The boss says: "The thing we point to is the cohesion and chemistry that's developed between him and the young guys, and that would be a heck of a thing to lose. You've seen what happens to teams with too many very young players," Bower told ESPN.com. "On the outside looking in, I understand the trade speculation. But on the inside looking out, he brings something we can't replace."
Trade assets: Milwaukee's No. 1 pick in 2006, Speedy Claxton's expiring contract ($3.6 million)
Grade: B
SACRAMENTO KINGS (11-17)
Inside the record: The Kings are only 7-9 at Arco Arena, which used to be the toughest building in the league for opponents.
Most telling stats: Peja Stojakovic's scoring average is down four points, and only Minnesota is a worse offensive rebounding team.
Changes ahead? Stojakovic will be an unrestricted free agent at the end of the season, and Mike Bibby can opt out after 2006-07. One opposing Western Conference general manager said he believes Brad Miller will be available on the trade market.
The boss says: "Who are you going to bring in who's going to be better for you than Kenny [Thomas] and Corliss [Williamson]?" coach Rick Adelman told The Sacramento Bee after Shareef Abdur-Rahim had his jaw broken by Portland's Zach Randolph on Monday night. "We might bring in a player for practices' sake, but I don't think you're going to find somebody that's going to help you."
Trade asset: If Sacramento ever makes Stojakovic available, plenty of teams out there still believe in him. General manager Geoff Petrie usually gets an All-Star in return when he trades an All-Star, though he broke that trend with the Chris Webber deal.
Grade: F
HOUSTON ROCKETS (10-17)
Inside the record: They went 0-8 without Tracy McGrady when his back flared up at the start of the season and are 1-4 since Yao Ming went down with a toe infection.
Most telling stat: Rank 29th in scoring, averaging just one-tenth of a point more than the 30th-place Portland Trail Blazers.
Changes ahead? When asked which team might be lurking quietly in the Ron Artest sweepstakes, one opposing general manager named the Rockets: "Look at how old their roster is. They're trying to win now, and they're desperate."
The boss says: "In all my years, I've never seen this many injuries hit one team. We've been without six of our top eight rotation players. I'd love our grade to be 'incomplete,'" general manager Carroll Dawson told ESPN.com.
Trade asset: New York's 2006 second-round pick.
Grade: D
PORTLAND TRAIL BLAZERS (10-1http://www.ezboard.com/images/emoticons/glasses.gif
Inside the record: It could be worse, but the Blazers have won three straight and are 4-1 in games decided by 3 or fewer points.
Most telling stats: Rank dead last in the NBA in points per game (87.5) and free-throw percentage (67.7).
Changes ahead? Ruben Patterson and Theo Ratliff are on the trading block. Patterson ($6.3 million) has one year remaining on his contract; Ratliff ($11.6 million) has two more years.
The boss says: "We're probably right on course. Our goal was to show improvement on a monthly basis. We knew with all our young players that we wouldn't contend for a playoff spot. There's lots of interest in our younger guys, but we don't want to trade them," general manager John Nash told ESPN.com.
Trade asset: Detroit's first-round draft pick in 2006.
Grade: C-
Pistons are head of the class, Knicks getting left back
By Chris Sheridan
After generously handing out more B's than C's in the Western Conference yesterday, we turn our focus today to the East, home of the only team getting an A+.
We also have another F to award, putting some unfortunate souls in the same sorry company with the Sacramento Kings. So without further ado, the grades are ...
DETROIT PISTONS (24-3)
Inside the record: The three losses were to Dallas, Washington and Utah, with the loss to the Wizards coming at home after Ben Wallace missed a free throw late in regulation that would have won it for the Pistons. The Mavericks loss came on the second night of a back-to-back road set, and the debacle against the Jazz came as Detroit played its third road game in four nights.
Most telling stat: The Pistons are averaging 6.6 more points per game under Flip Saunders than they did last season under Larry Brown, while the defense is yielding only 1.9 more points than it did a year ago. Detroit is 4-0 is games decided by three points or fewer, though Milwaukee (6-0) is even better.
Changes ahead? You'd think Joe Dumars would be satisfied, but he'd make a tweak. "Maybe adding one more guy off the bench, adding one more piece to the bench that would have impact," he told ESPN.com.
The boss says: "Obviously we're happy with the record, but we're pushing our guys as hard as ever because you want to fight any complacency whatsoever. For us, it's not so much about the record. It's about playing for the playoffs."
Trade asset: Somewhere out there might be a team willing to give some serious playing time to Darko Milicic, who will remain a bust at least until he gets some burn.
Grade: A+
CLEVELAND CAVALIERS (17-10)
Inside the record: Have already had winning streaks of eight and six, but their record against above-.500 teams is only 9-7.
Most telling stat: The team with the league's third-best offense can get it done with defense -- Cavs are 11-1 when holding opponents below 50 points in the second half.
Changes ahead? After making major changes over the summer, the most likely tweak would be a minor deal of guards Luke Jackson and/or Sasha Pavlovic. Never got seriously involved in Artest talks.
The boss says: "Coming into the season we knew it would be a work in progress, and things have overall moved in a positive direction," general manager Danny Ferry told ESPN.com.
Trade asset: Knicks coach Larry Brown would love to acquire Eric Snow, who is owed $21 million over the next three seasons, but Cavs like what Snow brings defensively and leadership-wise.
Grade: B
NEW JERSEY NETS (16-12)
Inside the record: The Nets entered the weekend with a seven-game winning streak, tied for fourth-longest in team history.
Most telling stat: Led by Vince Carter and Richard Jefferson, the Nets' scoring is up nearly 10 points per game during the streak.
Changes ahead? The search for a new starting power forward goes on every day, but what really interests the Nets is the remote chance that they can make a run at Kevin Garnett next summer if he asks the Timberwolves to trade him.
The boss says: "Over the last couple weeks we've played much better. Vince has played brilliantly during this stretch, and the bench has settled in after being erratic and inconsistent in our first 8-10 games," team president Rod Thorn told ESPN.com. "You're never satisfied unless you win 90 percent of your games. If you're Detroit, you're satisfied."
Trade asset: Own the right to the Clippers' No. 1 pick in 2006, and have made it known they'd include the pick to get the right deal done.
Grade: B
MIAMI HEAT (17-13)
Inside the record: 6-3 since Pat Riley took over for Stan Van Gundy.
Most telling stats: Shooting only 36 percent from 3-point range after making nearly 38 percent a year ago. Went 9-9 while O'Neal was out with a sprained ankle.
Changes ahead? The last time Pat Riley made a significant in-season trade was 1998, when he dealt Ike Austin and a No. 1 pick for Brent Barry, although he did do the Steve Smith-Malik Allen deal last February.
The boss says: "I do believe at the end of the summer, we got very fortunate to get Gary [Payton], because I think Gary will have the moxie to play against [Chauncey] Billups and maybe Rip [Hamilton], and the experience. And I think maybe in a big-game situation defensively, he can shut people down. When we get to that time when we're going to need that kind of defense, then I think we have enough. And if we don't, then I'm going to keep looking for it," Riley told the Heat's beat writers.
Trade asset: Plenty of teams have interest in Michael Doleac, who is expendable if Alonzo Mourning remains healthy.
Grade: B-
MILWAUKEE BUCKS (15-11)
Inside the record: They'd be a .500 team if not for the late-game heroics of Mo Williams, whose buzzer-beating 3-pointers defeated Indiana and Washington.
Most telling stats: One of only three Eastern teams with a winning road record (7-6). Have lost five times at home, where they have drawn three sellout crowds after having only one all last season.
Changes ahead? General manager Larry Harris told ESPN.com he is almost certainly finished making trades. "Giving up an unprotected first-round pick, which I thought would land somewhere around No. 20, for (Jamaal) Magloire was, to me, a no-brainer. There aren't many 7-footers available out there who can help you get into the second round of the playoffs."
The boss says: "One of the biggest things to me is our seven road wins, which matches or total from last season," Harris said. "We'd still like to try to win 30 home games."
Trade asset: A package of Reece Gaines, Jiri Welsch and Ervin Johnson, all with expiring contracts, could get them a serviceable player on a mid-level exception contract.
Grade: B
INDIANA PACERS (15-11)
Inside the record: Lack of closure to the Artest situation has led to three straight lopsided losses. The patience of the players in the locker room is being tested.
Most telling stat: In the 23 games he played last season and this season, Artest averaged 20.9 points. When the Raptors traded Vince Carter last season, he was averaging 15.9.
Changes ahead? The question is when they'll trade Artest. Denver, Lakers, Minnesota, Golden State, Seattle are all possibilities. Their best option may be to include Austin Croshere in a deal, which would allow them to take on a player or players making anywhere from $11.75 million to $18.5 million.
The boss says: "I'm spending this week in the office, trying to see what's real and what's not real," Walsh told ESPN.com. "I know there are some players we'd like to do deals for, but there always seems to be a problem. I'd say there are 10 teams that would like him, five with strong interest, maybe three that seem to want him to the point where they'd go the extra mile, whether with a player or a draft pick."
Trade asset: Could also include Jonathan Bender, who plans to retire, in an Artest trade. Bender is on the cap for $7.175 million, while Croshere makes $7.9 million.
Grade: C
PHILADELPHIA 76ERS (15-14)
Inside the record: 10-5 at home, where they're drawing only 15,021 fans per game -- third-worst in the league, ahead of only Orlando (14,527) and Portland (13,831).
Most telling stat: Iverson's scoring average of 34.1 is well above his career-high of 31.4 in 2001-02.
Changes ahead? Not willing to take a risk on Artest if it would cost them Andre Iguodala. If the price was merely John Salmons, Steven Hunter and Kevin Ollie, they'd do it.
The boss says: "Last December I didn't think I'd get Chris Webber, so you never know. There are guys who become available in February who aren't available now," general manager Billy King told ESPN.com.
Trade asset: Sixers have a $4.55 million trade exception that doesn't expire until August.
Grade: C+
WASHINGTON WIZARDS (12-15)
Inside the record: Wizards are 0-7 when Gilbert Arenas has been held under 20 points.
Most telling stat: Wizards average exactly 100 points per game, which is also the exact number they allow, making them one of only three teams (Philadelphia, Seattle) averaging triple-digits on offense and defense.
Changes ahead? Chucky Atkins, in the final season of a contract paying him $4.5 million, has requested a trade. He's 7-for-13 on 3-pointers in his last three games.
The boss says: "We've got a lot of new players still getting used to each other, and we've had some good wins and some close losses. We won at Phoenix, at Detroit and beat San Antonio, so those have been nice wins along the way," general manager Ernie Grunfeld told ESPN.com.
Trade asset: Grunfeld's annual willingness to make a deal near the trade deadline. If Atkins isn't dealt first, Michael Ruffin is the next leading contender.
Grade: C-
CHICAGO BULLS (12-16)
Inside the record: A five-game losing streak has undone much of what they accomplished in the first six weeks of the season, and their 0-4 record against division opponents has left them at the bottom of the Central.
Most telling stat: Ranked in the bottom half of the league in every key offensive statistic except 3-point shooting (2nd, .409) and assists (6th, 22.3).
Changes ahead? Not having any luck finding a taker for Tim Thomas, who is sitting at home earning $13.9 million because Bulls coach Scott Skiles doesn't want him around. Lots of teams have interest in Luol Deng, Kirk Hinrich and Ben Gordon.
The boss says: "We're in transition in a lot of ways. We don't have any size, but we have a lot of money ($20 million in cap room) to spend, which also gives us great trade flexibility. I understand our limitations, but we still have a great young core that's interesting," general manager John Paxson told ESPN.com. "We're keeping our options open. A lot will depend on how other teams go forward."
Trade assets: New York's No. 1 pick in 2006, which is unprotected, the option to switch picks with New York in 2007, and New York's second-round picks in 2007 and 2009.
Grade: C-
ORLANDO MAGIC (11-15)
Inside the record: Have already had losing streaks of three, four and five games, and have played an NBA-low 10 road games. That'll change in January, when they have 10 on the road and just five at home.
Most telling stat: Last in the NBA in assists with fewer than 17 per game.
Changes ahead? Kelvin Cato ($8.6 million) and Tony Battie ($5.2 million) are both in the final year of their contracts.
The boss says: "Cato and Battie are also in demand by us. We like what they're giving us," assistant general manager Otis Smith told ESPN.com. "We're starting to find our groove, and we still have a chance of sneaking into the playoffs."
Trade assets: Owns two spare second-round picks, Milwaukee's in 2006 and Cleveland's in 2007.
Grade: C-
BOSTON CELTICS (11-16)
Inside the record: Their 2-10 road record is the league's second-worst, trailing only Atlanta's 2-13.
Most telling stat: Have allowed only 91.7 points in their 11 wins; 105.6 points in their 16 losses.
Changes ahead? Director of basketball operations Danny Ainge said teams have stopped calling to ask about the availability of Paul Pierce.
The boss says: "We haven't been as consistent as I'd have liked. Individually I'm happy with a lot, collectively I'm not. Doc (Rivers) is still trying to establish an identity for the team," Ainge told ESPN.com.
Trade asset: Cleveland's first-round draft pick in 2007, protected for spots 1-10.
Grade: C-
CHARLOTTE BOBCATS (10-19)
Inside the record: 9-9 against the East, 1-10 against the West.
Most telling stat: Emeka Okafor's scoring average has dropped from 15.1 to 12.9, his FG pct has gone from .447 to .407, and he's also down nearly one rebound per game.
Changes ahead? Have offered to broker an Artest trade with their $4 million in salary cap space, but want a first-round pick in return.
The boss says: "We could be facilitators, but ($4 million in cap room) is not a lot when we're talking about the caliber of players being talked about," coach and general manager Bernie Bickerstaff told ESPN.com.
Trade asset: The Bobcats' cap goes up significantly next season after they finish two years of being limited to 75 percent of the cap as part of their expansion agreement. They also own a future first-round pick from Toronto which loses its lottery protection beginning with the 2009 draft.
Grade: C+
ATLANTA HAWKS (7-20)
Inside the record: 5-4 mark in their last nine, including wins over Spurs, Nuggets and Sixers, improved their grade from an F.
Most telling stat: Marvin Williams, the second overall pickoff the 2005 draft, is averaging only 5.8 points and 4.4 rebounds in 22.4 minutes per game. He's stuck behind Al Harrington, who could be moved in a trade.
Changes ahead? Atlanta seems resigned to the inevitability of losing Al Harrington as an unrestricted free agent, and the Hawks need to replace the draft choices they included in the Joe Johnson trade. One of them is a first-rounder that loses its protection beginning with the 2008 draft. In 2007, it's protected only if it's among the first three picks.
The boss says: General manager Billy Knight declined to be interviewed. He has not spoken with reporters since giving a strong vote of confidence to coach Mike Woodson nearly three weeks ago, ending speculation that Woodson would become the first coach fired this season.
Trade asset: Had the rights to the better of the Celtics or Lakers' first-round pick in 2006, but shipped that to Phoenix, too, in the Johnson deal.
Grade: D+
NEW YORK KNICKS (7-20)
Inside the record: Only 2-12 against the East, but 5-8 vs. the West. Their home record (4-http://www.ezboard.com/images/emoticons/glasses.gif is the third-worst in the league, trailing only Toronto's and Houston's.
Most telling stat: Stephon Marbury's scoring average has dipped to 17.7 after he had gone eight straight years averaging at least 20. His assists have gone from 8.1 to 6.1.
Changes ahead? Marbury is being booed regularly at Madison Square Garden, the World's Most Famous Misery Den. His contract makes him virtually untradeable, although a case could be made that Atlanta or Toronto might become interested.
The boss says: "He's 0-for-7 shooting with three assists in 41 minutes," Brown said of Marbury after the Knicks loss in Orlando. "He got the ball all the time. I ran as much stuff for him as I have all season. He maybe didn't feel like he had it. He got three assists and no steals. By accident you can get a steal."
Trade assets: The expiring contracts of Antonio Davis ($13.8 million) and Penny Hardaway ($15.7 million), which can be used to bring aboard a whole new collection of overpaid castoffs with several seasons remaining on their deals. Team president Isiah Thomas said rookie Channing Frye is untouchable.
Grade: F
TORONTO RAPTORS (7-22)
Inside the record: One of only four teams with a better road record than home record. Their 0-9 start killed whatever smidgen of confidence that might have existed coming out of training camp.
Most telling stat: Of the 46 centers listed in ESPN.com's Player Efficiency Ratings, No. 46 is Toronto big man Rafael Araujo.
Changes ahead? Before they can do anything long-term, they need to find a way to get rid of Jalen Rose, who is owed $16.9 million next season.
The boss says: "Obviously I'm not pleased with the record, but I'm pleased with the progress we seem to be making every 2-3 weeks. We've got a plan, rebuilding with young guys, and it's what we're following," general manager Rob Babcock told ESPN.com.
Trade asset: Own the rights to Denver's first-round pick in 2006.
Grade: D-
Artest Watch: Odom staying home?
Chris Sheridan blog
Lamar Odom got caught up in the Ron Artest rumor mill Thursday, and the Lakers acted quickly to put it to rest internally.
A source close to the Lakers told ESPN.com that Odom had received reassurance from the team, which told him he had not been included in any trade offers made to the Indiana Pacers. The Lakers were apparently responding to rumors floating around the league that Los Angeles had become open to the idea of trading Odom in an Artest deal.
"They still want Artest, but they haven't offered Odom," the source said.
The main contenders in the Artest sweepstakes remain the Timberwolves, Nuggets, Lakers and Warriors, and there were indications that Seattle and Philadelphia were reexamining the risk vs. reward equation of trading for Artest.
Minnesota was rumored to have offered anyone on its roster other than Kevin Garnett, but the Timberwolves were not confident that they were one of the leading suitors.
Golden State has an abundance of first-round draft picks, which is one commodity the Pacers are after, but the Warriors would have to offer a third player along with Mickael Pietrus and Calbert Cheaney to make the salaries match, and Indiana doesn't want to do a 3-for-1.
Pacers president Donnie Walsh said he had gotten to the point where had taken out a pen and a piece of paper to make a list of the teams genuinely interested in Artest.
"I'm spending this week in the office, trying to see what's real and what's not real," Walsh told ESPN.com. "I know there are some players we'd like to do deals for, but there always seems to be a problem. I'd say there are 10 teams that would like him, five with strong interest, maybe three that seem to want him to the point where they'd go the extra mile, whether with a player or a draft pick."
Indiana's best option may be to include Austin Croshere in a deal, which would allow the Pacers to take on a player or players making anywhere from $11.75 million to $18.5 million. Another option would be to include Jonathan Bender, who plans to retire. Bender is on the cap for $7.175 million, while Croshere makes $7.9 million
Artest's agent, Mark Stevens, said he expected a trade to happen by the end of the week. But Stevens also said the same thing more than a week ago, and the Pacers have continued to insist they will be patient in trying to find the best possible deal.
NBA Rumor Central: Allen And Lewis Endorse Watson
WHO INTERESTED THE SKINNY
Earl Watson
Nuggets
SuperSonics?
Allen And Lewis Endorse Watson
Dec 30 - Both Ray Allen and Rashard Lewis acknowledged that Earl Watson would be a better fit than Flip Murray at reserve point guard, reports the Tacoma News Tribune. Allen cited the 14 assists the team had in its loss to Minnesota on Wednesday, a game Murray started in place of the injured Luke Ridnour. Lewis told the newspaper Watson may be a better fit as the backup point guard. "I like Flip as a player and as a person. He is a great scorer... Earl is probably a better defender, more of a point guard."
Sources close to the situation told the Denver Post no such deal is imminent. To make the deal work, Murray must first OK it, since his $895,000 contract allows him to veto trades. Murray would not say Thursday if he would exercise that veto, though he did tell the newspaper, "It's a nice organization. I have a lot of respect for George Karl, him being my first coach in the NBA (at Milwaukee)."
Murray told the Seattle Times he wants to remain in Seattle. But that doesn't mean he's going to veto every trade offer; he said he would deal with any situation individually.
In related news ...
The Rocky Mountain News reports with 10-day contracts eligible to be handed out next Thursday, Kiki Vandeweghe said a possible settlement with Bryon Russell is "something we maybe discuss next week." But Vandeweghe said the injury-depleted Nuggets aren't thinking of doing something now.
WHO INTERESTED THE SKINNY
Chicago
Paxson Won't Sacrifice Future
Dec 30 - Anyone who expects the Bulls to make a trade to solve the team's glaring inadequacies is in for a long wait, reports the Chicago Tribune. GM John Paxson told the newspaper Thursday he doesn't believe the answers rest with a trade. Paxson said he has talked to a few teams about potential trades but hasn't found an attractive deal. "To react short-term and give up something that can benefit us in the future would just be foolish to me."
According to the Arlington Heights Daily Herald, trade talks for Tim Thomas have gone nowhere and probably never will. "The free-agent market this year is not what it has been in the last few years," Paxson told the newspaper. "But it gives us flexibility. I'm going to keep our options open."
Chat with Chris Sheridan
Welcome to The Show! On Friday, ESPN.com's NBA reporter Chris Sheridan will log on to chat with you about all the action on the hardcourt ... and all the news and notes off of it. Chris came to ESPN from the Associated Press where he spent the last 10 years as the lead NBA writer.
Sheridan's chat tips off at noon ET on Friday so send in your questions now and join him right here for the answers.
Sheridan archives: Columns | Chats
Chris Sheridan: (12:09 PM ET ) Good afternoon folks. Sorry for the delay getting started. The chat software was treating me like an Outsider, not an Insider, and demanded to know one of my 527 ESPN software passwords. What shall we chat about today? The Kobe-Odom feud? The Odom-Payton feud? The Odom-Artest rumors? The LB-Stephon feud? The overall lack o' trades? Robert Swift? Bring it on.
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jj baldwin ny: hey chris happy holidays .........i would like 2 know are there any trade rumors out there for the knicks i know they wanted earl watson and rashard lewis are those 2 deals likely to happen anytime soon
Chris Sheridan: (12:12 PM ET ) Uh, not likely anytime soon, jj. The Knicks only hope regarding Watson would be for Camby's finger injury to keep him sidelined for 3 months. Then the Nuggets might get desperate and take Jerome James for Earl. Otherwise, they don't want Malik Rose, Maurice Taylor, though there's a possibility they could take a shot at Quentin Richardson if they're unable to get Artest. As for Rashard Lewis, the only hope is for the Sonics to suddenly become interested in Stephon. Don't count on that, though.
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Robert Rancho Cucamonga, CA: Who do you think will land Artest?
Chris Sheridan: (12:14 PM ET ) I got some grief for answering Golden State in last week's chat without adding any explanation, but I just had a gut feeling at the time. One thing the Warriors have, which the Pacers might have to settle for, is extra No. 1 draft picks. There are details in my Western Conference report cards, which ran yesterday. East report cards are up today.
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Mario (Toledo, OH): No one does drama like the only true Hollywood team! What's everything boil down to? Is it going to take dealing Odom for LA to get Artest or will Phil have his hands full with those two and Kobe? He'll soon be wishing for the days when it was just Kobe vs Shaq, if he's not already.
Chris Sheridan: (12:18 PM ET ) There was a lot of Odom stuff floating around the rumor mill yesterday, and Peter Vecsey has a story in today's NYPost detailing some of the viciousness that was floating around the Lakers in the past few days. It's been quite a while since Kobe caused any grief, and he was probably overdue. He can behave like a diva sometimes, and when superstars begin acting like divas things can get ugly.
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Widmer (Portland, OR): What's going to happen to the Hornets after this season? Seems like OK City is really supporting the team. Any chance they'll stay in Oklahoma?
Chris Sheridan: (12:22 PM ET ) It'll be interesting to see how David Stern might have to wiggle out of his repeated pronouncements that the Hornets are going back to New Orleans. Period. I have friends in New Orleans who just visited New York and described the current surreal state of things in their city, with 80 percent of the population simply gone and a large portion of them never coming back. Why on earth the NBA would force the Hornets back there is beyond me, since it clearly wasn't working for them there. Maybe it's all a plot to force George Shinn to sell the team. I wonder what will happen if Oklahoma City actually does lose the Hornets, and another team _ perhaps the Magic _ decides to move in. Would the people there switch their allegiance to the 'new' home team? It'll be interesting to see how it all plays out over the next year and a half. For now, you can bet on Shinn picking up his one-year option to remain in Oklahoma City for the 2006-07 season.
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Jason (Peru, IN): Will the Pacers get enough in return in for Artest to become contenders in the East this year? Or are they already looking toward next season?
Chris Sheridan: (12:26 PM ET ) That's part of their dilemma. If there was an offer on ther table that would help them get to the Eastern Conference finals this season, they'd have taken it already. They knew going into this that they'd never match Artest's talent in a trade, but I don't think they expected to get lowballed by so many teams. I think Bird made a mistake by saying publicly that they were trying to trade him to a team in the West. That might have prevented them from receiving a better offer from someone in the East. If I'm Miami, for instance, and I think the Pacers are going to turn me down, I don't give them by best offer because it's useless. But if I think I have a realistic chance, I give the Pacers something to think about _ Antoine Walker, perhaps. Donnie Walsh has always liked 'Toine.
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Don (Greenville, NC): Hey Chris. I know the Pistons are playing great right now, and I expect them to continue. Family members and I were discussing whether or not we thought Joe might try to add another player. We don't really see a need for anything except possibly a pure shooter. Your thoughts?
Chris Sheridan: (12:28 PM ET ) I asked Joe that very question a couple days ago when I had him on the phone to discuss the Pistons' report card (note second shameless plug for my latest project). He said he'd like to add another piece to the bench, which is curious because he's about to get Lindsey Hunter back and he hasn't even dusted off Dale Davis yet. Another shooter is never a bad idea, but will he be able to hit the type of big shots like the one Sheed drained from 26 feet last night to bury the Heat?
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Adam (Chicago): What can the Cavs do to gain consistency? Any trades on the horizon for them? They seem to be right on the brink of the East's elite 3.
Chris Sheridan: (12:32 PM ET ) I saw them against the Nets the other night when they lost, and it was really kind of striking the way they gave little effort on defense and were hapless against pretty much any play New Jersey ran. I still see them as a question mark team, with a little too much immaturity and not enough of a body of work to get me drinking the wine and gold Kool-Aid.
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Matt, Toronto ON: Is there any chance of the Raptors getting Artest? They have young talent and two draft picks. It seems the Pacers haven't been too interested in the current offers.
Chris Sheridan: (12:34 PM ET ) If the Raptors trade for Artest, they run the risk that he'll pull an Alonzo Mourning and refuse to show up. Believe me, there are several teams who won't go near the guy because that's exactly what they fear will happen to them. So let's say Babcock gives up Mo Peterson and a No. 1, then Artest doesn't show up. Now you don't have MoP, you don't have your No. 1 pick and you don't have Artest. That would be bad, no?
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Francis (IL): Are the Pistons going to stick with Darko?
Chris Sheridan: (12:37 PM ET ) I have to think they're going to give up on him in the not-too-distant future. Let's face it, the pistons are going to be contending for championships for the next three yars, at least (provided they re-sign Ben Wallace). When exactly is Darko going to get any playing time? At some point they'll be presented with an offer for Darko that makes a lot of sense.
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Eric (Indy): Chris what's worse: Takind Sam Bowie over MJ or DMilicic over DWade?
Chris Sheridan: (12:40 PM ET ) The Bowie pick will never be matched. Ever. The thing about the Darko pick was the caliber of players that went immediately after him _ Carmelo Anthony, then Chris Bosh, then Dwyane Wade, then Chris Kaman, then Kirk Hinrich, then T.J. Ford. That was a heck of a draft.
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Mike (New Jersey): Whats going on with the bulls, are they looking to make any trades for an inside presence?
Chris Sheridan: (12:43 PM ET ) John Paxson said the moves the Bulls will make will be ditated in large part by the moves other teams make between now and the trade deadline. If Al Harrington or Peja Stojakovic get traded elsewhere and the Bulls believe neither will be available on the free agent market, they'll have to adjust accordingly. Whether that means they'll make their big changes in late February or mid-July remains to be seen.
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Jamison (Atlanta): Now that it look like a fluke run by the Hawks. Will they finally trade Al? I am getting tired of seeing Marvin sit on the bench doing nothing while every other rookie is showing growth and promise.
Chris Sheridan: (12:45 PM ET ) Billy Knight wants to see Marvin on the floor, too, which is why he's listening to trade offers for Al Harrington. The Hawks want a No. 1 pick and a good player back, and they're low on No. 1s after giving two of 'em to the Suns in the Joe Johnson-Boris Diaw trade. One of those picks is the Hawks' own, and it's unprotected after two years.
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Nate(Atlanta): Whats going on with Orlando? Any trades you happening before the deadline? You really think they'll leave Orlando one day?
Chris Sheridan: (12:48 PM ET ) Their payroll is up around $73 million, and I'm told they're basically bleeding red ink. No one goes to their games anymore, and ownership wants a new arena that the taxpayers don't want to give them. So, yeah, I think they're leaving. As for trades, they'd like to get something decent for Cato if they decide to trade someone some size. He comes off the cap at the end of the season, and trust me when I tell you the Magic won't trade him for a player with a long contract.
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Andy (LA).: J. Bender's retiring?
Chris Sheridan: (12:49 PM ET ) J. Bender's knees are shot, which is forcing him to retire. The Antonio Davis-Bender trade will forever go down as one of the worst in Pacers history _ at least until we see what the Artest trade turns out to be.
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James Scarrella (San Antonio,Tx): Do you see the spurs making any attempt to move Rasho, Nazr, or Brent Berry before the trade deadline?
Chris Sheridan: (12:53 PM ET ) Maybe Nazr, since he's a free agent after this season and doesn't play much anymore. They have Oberto to back up Rasho, and Sean Marks is there, too. I think they like having the luxury of bringing Barry and Van Exel off the bench, both of whom could replace Beno Udrih at the backup point guard spot if he runs across another postseason encounter like the one he had against the Pistons in the finals when he could barely get the ball past midcourt against Lindsey Hunter and Chauncey Billups.
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Dan (NY, NY): We know Isiah messed up by trading away so many draft picks when drafting is what he does best, but do you think he'll be able to redeem himself by getting the Raptor's pick in a Jalen Rose trade?
Chris Sheridan: (12:55 PM ET ) I don't see a Jalen Rose-Penny Hardaway trade making any sense at all for the Knicks, even if they get a No. 1 back. Rose makes nearly $17 million next season, and if the Knicks had him they'd have to pay a $17 million luxury tax, too. So that would be $34 million the Knicks would be spending to get a No. 1 pick. Even for them, that's a lot.
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Shawn (Dallas): Give some love to the Mavs! Are they even considering trading any of their young talent (Howard, Daniels or Harris)? Also, any takers for Van Horn?
Chris Sheridan: (12:58 PM ET ) They wouldn't consider trading any of those three young players for Artest, which should tell you somethin about their commitment level to those guys. Then again, if there was a player out there that the Mavs thought could defend Duncan and help them get past the Spurs, they might take a chance and move one of the kids for him. But how many players are there out there who can defend Duncan?
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Jeremy (CHI): Please tell me what the deal is with the Bulls' #1 pick from NY from Eddy. Is it protected in any way? Will they get it outright regardless?
Chris Sheridan: (1:05 PM ET ) It's complicated, but it goes like this: The Knicks still owe the Suns a No. 1 pick from the Marbury trade, but they have protection on that pick through 2009 (top 25 in 2006, top 24 in 2007, top 23 in 2008, top 22 in 2009. In 2010, it's unprotected. (The Suns have since traded that pick to Utah). Since the Knicks aren't going to finish with the fourth-best record in the league this season, that pick will remain protected and the Jazz won't get it. As part of their trade with the Bulls, the Knicks agreed to give Chicago their No. 1 pick if the Jazz didn't get it. And since the Jazz aren't getting it, the Bulls are. But wait, there's more. The Knicks also gave the Bulls the right to swap first-round picks in 2007. So if the Knicks win the lottery, the Bulls get the No. 1 pick. The Knicks also gave up their second-round picks in 2007 and 2009.
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Jamie (CHC): Is there something you wanted to talk about regarding Robert Swift?? Has he made it off the bench yet?? Is he even any good??
Chris Sheridan: (1:08 PM ET ) How this guy is not in the D-League is beyond me. He's played in three games and scored one point. One. He's one of the few guys in the league having a worse season than the other Swift, Stromile.
Chris Sheridan: (1:09 PM ET ) That's all the time I have for this afternoon, folks. Hopefully by this time next week we can talk about the fallout from the Artest trade _ if it ever happens.
ESPN.com's Intelligence Report: Dec. 30
EASTERN CONFERENCE
Boston Celtics
Delonte's Brilliance Impresses Pierce
"No one is making any specific and grand pronouncements about the future of the Celtics point guard position, but it is growing impossible to downplay the brilliance of Delonte West's play over the last two weeks. In that six-game span (seven if you count the one he missed with aftereffects from a concussion), West has made 27-of-41 shots from the floor (65.8 percent), with 27 assists and five turnovers. 'He has the ability,' Paul Pierce said. 'He has a great feel for the game. I just think it was a matter of him getting the experience.'" -- Boston Herald
Charlotte Bobcats
Refs Show Respect For Bobcats
"Remember how Charlotte Bobcats coach Bernie Bickerstaff would complain that referees didn't respect his team enough? You don't hear that anymore, and with good reason: The officials give the Bobcats a lot of love these days. Over the past seven games, the Bobcats averaged 10 more free-throw attempts than their opponents. Not coincidentally, the Bobcats are 5-2 in that span. 'We need to appreciate that -- that the officials are giving us our due,' Bickerstaff said." -- Charlotte Observer
Chicago Bulls
Skiles Puts Onus On Gordon
"Bulls coach Scott Skiles responded Thursday to Ben Gordon's displeasure over his role this season, putting the responsibility on Gordon. 'Anybody that's involved in the league in depth and watches us play knows that we have more things in our offense for Ben probably than any other team in the league has for any other player,' Skiles said." -- Chicago Tribune
Hinrich Not Easy To Judge
"While the struggles of Ben Gordon and Tyson Chandler have received more attention, Kirk Hinrich also isn't playing up to his expected level. Sure, he has the burden of facing bigger and stronger guards almost every night, but that also was the case last season. His scoring average (13.2) is down 2-1/2 points from last season, while his shooting percentage (.402 to .397) and assists (6.5 to 6.4) are roughly the same. Still, it takes more than statistics to evaluate Hinrich's play." -- Chicago Sun-Times
Struggles Don't Shock Paxson
"In many ways, though, the Bulls are right where they're supposed to be this season. Management suspected the Bulls would take a step back after the Eddy Curry trade left them with the league's smallest lineup. But the deal has a chance to pay off in the long run because the Bulls will get New York's top draft pick next year and should have at least $15 million to spend on free agents. 'I will never backtrack,' general manager John Paxson said Thursday." -- Arlington Heights Daily Herald
Cleveland Cavaliers
At 21, LeBron's Ahead Of Everyone
"LeBron James turns 21 years old today. Pause for a moment to think about it. Pause, because no one in the 59-year history of the NBA has done more at 21 than he has. No one. At 21, James is playing in his third season. He has logged more minutes (7,629), scored more points (4,649), picked off more rebounds (1,187), handed out more assists (1,191) and gotten more fans out of seats with jaw-dropping dunks at 21 than anyone who's ever played before him. That includes Jordan, Bird and Magic a couple of decades ago. It includes Mikan, Wilt, Kareem and West eons ago." -- Cleveland Plain Dealer
Special Gift For Lebron's Special Day
"LeBron James, who turns 21 today, is not an easy one to shop for. The Cavaliers' star doesn't need my All-Star Game vote. He doesn't want my '97 Honda Accord with 164,000 miles. And, he doesn't like my fashion sense on loan from Michael Moore. I was thinking of giving James something small, but Denver Nuggets coach George Karl would not agree to trade Earl Boykins." -- Akron Beacon-Journal
Detroit Pistons
Pistons Might Be On To Something Truly Special
"But envisioning 70 victories isn't about the players. It's about the sports fans of this city, who just might shake their obsession over the Lions' foibles for a brief second and fantasize about the heights of greatness. It's fun wondering 'what if,' even if the calendar isn't working in your favor. 'All we're focusing on is taking care of our business and taking things one game at a time,' Rip Hamilton said." -- Detroit Free Press
Harper Rooting For Pistons To Reach 72
"Ron Harper is rooting for the Pistons to challenge his 1995-1996 Chicago Bulls record of 72 victories. No, really, he is. 'I tell these guys to take it one game at a time and anything can happen,' said Harper, who was a starting guard opposite Michael Jordan on that legendary Bulls team. 'And if it happens, I will be happy. Because that would mean that I did it twice -- once as a player and once as a coach.' But Harper, and the Pistons, know it's a long shot." -- Detroit News
Hunter's Return Is Close
"Pistons backup guard Lindsey Hunter is nearly ready to come back form his early season ankle surgery. His tentative date of return is set for sometime in the middle of January. Hunter has participated in three-on-three drills during practice for more than a week, and soon should join the five-on-five work." -- Detroit Free Press
Bench Plays Pivotal Role In Victory
"As the media clustered around Detroit starters Chauncey Billups, Richard Hamilton and Tayshaun Prince following the Pistons' 106-101 win over Miami, it was as if Antonio McDyess, who was seated in the middle of the crowd, was non-existent. Being overlooked has become a common trend for McDyess and the rest of the Detroit Pistons bench, a unit that played a pivotal part in the Pistons extending their winning streak to a season-high nine in a row on Thursday." -- Booth Newspapers
Miami Heat
Posey Has Rough Start
"James Posey was supposed to be the defensive stopper to replace Eddie Jones and provide enough offense to take some pressure off the Heat's regular scorers. But through 29 games, Posey was averaging career lows in scoring (7.6), committing a career-high 3.5 fouls a game and allowing Carmelo Anthony and LeBron James to have big nights. Defensively, Pat Riley said Posey, who is averaging a career-low 0.63 steals, is still adjusting to playing within the Heat system." -- Miami Herald
Haslem's Finger Injuries Affecting His Production
"Udonis Haslem's fingers are a mess of twisted digits, and if you take a look at the Heat forward's most recent malady, you might turn away in disgust. His right little finger, the one he broke Nov. 28 against New York, is bent and might never straighten out. He had a huge blister on the second knuckle and there was a danger of infection. .... Haslem, one of the Heat's tough guys, has never been one to complain. So when he says his finger has affected his game a little bit, you can bet it has affected his game a lot." -- Palm Beach Post
Cautious Anderson Returns
"Forward Shandon Anderson was on the active roster again Thursday, a sign he might finally be over the back troubles that have plagued him. Anderson, who will be 32 on Saturday, hasn't played since Dec. 17 and his back has bothered him since training camp, requiring periodic trips to the inactive list. 'I definitely hope to get past it,' Anderson said." -- South Florida Sun-Sentinel
Milwaukee Bucks
Ford Trying To Stay Upbeat
"T.J. Ford is not at all happy that he is going to be sidelined for two or three weeks with a left foot injury, but he knows better than anyone that it could be a whole lot worse. ... Ford, who missed last season with a spinal injury, tried to take an upbeat approach to his current situation after practice Thursday. 'You know, it's feeling good,' said Ford. 'I'm just glad it's something minor and not something really serious.' Of course after what he's been through, minor to Ford might not be minor to another player." -- Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
New Jersey Nets
Nets Not Yet In High Gear
"In just over two weeks the Nets have gone from a team headed for the apocalypse to one going in the right direction. But hold the noisemakers and don't expect them to party like it's 1999 or even 2002, when they reached their first Finals. Despite their stellar end to 2005, the Nets think their growth will be complete sometime in 2006. 'We've beaten some quality teams, but we still have a long ways to go,' Jason Kidd." -- Bergen Record
New York Knicks
Brown vs. Marbury Tried In The Press
"Larry Brown and Stephon Marbury spent another day in a rhetorical standoff, using reporters as their debate forum while curiously declining to confront each other directly. If they have reached an impasse in their young relationship, neither would say so Thursday. But they made no attempt to put a positive spin on it, either. Instead, they each stuck to their respective positions about Wednesday's loss in Orlando, which ended with Brown questioning Marbury's reluctance to shoot and Marbury insisting he was doing what the coach wanted." -- New York Times
Marbury: Don't Trade Me
"Stephon Marbury, in a rare effusive mood, said he's not looking for a divorce. In fact, he gave a panicked plea to Knicks brass and owner James Dolan not to trade him, though he acknowledged the possibility. Trading Marbury will be extremely difficult, as after this season he still has three years and $60.3 million left on his pact. Isiah Thomas said two weeks ago if Larry Brown and Marbury don't click, he will trade him." -- New York Post
Brown Has To Be Held Accountable, Too
"The scapegoats have already been shoved to the front of this clutter. Isiah Thomas is easy, because he assembled this calamity, because his trades have been an endless string of Brock-for-Broglio disasters. Stephon Marbury is even easier, because as much as everyone wants the happy New York ending, he's never looked more unhappy or played more impassively. So far, Larry Brown has been allowed to breeze. That stops now. Because lately Brown has gone about his business with the urgency of man trying to see how quickly he can be offered a buyout, the quicker to make one more end run out of town." -- New York Post
Marbury Gets Right To Point
"Of course, blaming Stephon Marbury alone isn't fair. Isiah Thomas and Larry Brown have to be held accountable as well. Thomas constructed the roster and Brown hasn't done a good job of maximizing it. Thomas, the Knicks' president, is caught in the middle of the Marbury-Brown feud and no doubt advised Marbury to yield to Brown's demands that he be more of a distributor. Thomas probably never thought Marbury would take it to such an extreme. Marbury, who turns 29 in February, appears to be playing like he wants out, and in fact, if not for his bloated contract, he would have been traded already." -- New York Daily News
Orlando Magic
NBA Fashion Police Monitor Magic
"The superstitious Orlando Magic believe that wearing throwback uniforms has brought them luck in the form of three home victories. The practice also could bring them a fine from the NBA. League rules say that selected teams can wear throwbacks a maximum of 10 times this season. If the Magic keep winning and wearing them at home, they will be over the limit soon and subject to disciplinary action from the fashion police." -- Orlando Sentinel
In Magical Game, Skiles Served Hot Dishes
"It was 15 years ago today Scott Skiles of the Orlando Magic took advantage of Paul Westhead's wackiness to hand out a record 30 assists. In a 155-116 road loss, the Nuggets moved wildly up and down court, firing shots, then watched the Magic take the ball the other way. 'They literally just pushed it up, made one pass and shot it,' said Skiles, now the coach of the Chicago Bulls. 'They shot with 18 (seconds) on the shot clock and they missed that night. So there were a lot of long rebounds, a lot of fast breaks.' And a lot of assists." -- Rocky Mountain News
Philadelphia 76ers
Cheeks Surprised By Energized Webber
"Though the statistics show that his production does slip a little bit from the first night to the second night of back-to-back games, Chris Webber, 32 and in his 13th NBA season, has shown Maurice Cheeks that he can sustain his energy and output. 'I'm surprised, just based on what people had said to me about his ability to play back-to-backs and his ability to be strong in back-to-backs,' Cheeks said yesterday." -- Philadelphia Inquirer
Hunter Getting Back In The Flow
"Steven Hunter contributed four rebounds and three blocks in 17 minutes Tuesday night in Denver and came back with eight points and six rebounds in 20 minutes in Wednesday night's 95-91 loss to the Blazers. The rebound total was his highest since Nov. 23, when he took 10 in Milwaukee. 'I told him I thought his effort, the way he approached [the last two games] has been different,' Cheeks said. 'I think he was ready for that change.' No argument from Hunter, 24, who never found his niche with Orlando, where he played three seasons, or with the Suns, with whom he played in a limited role. 'I felt I had a lot of energy, like summer legs or something,' he said." -- Philadelphia Daily News
Toronto Raptors
James Enjoying Starting Point Guard Role
"Mike James has been in full control over the past couple of weeks while the Raptors have enjoyed a modest resurgence that has helped ease some of the sting of what has in general been a draining season. & James said it has been a bit easier on his psyche this season knowing that he was going to receive a lot of playing time on a young Toronto squad and not get yanked to the bench after a bad decision." -- Toronto Globe & Mail
Career Year Has James, Raptors At Crossroads
"Mike James has an option to become a free agent after this season and since he's been enjoying a breakout year there's little doubt he'll make himself available to the highest bidder this summer. But whether the Raptors bid is the question. And if they don't bid, and are going to lose him as a free agent in August, do they put him on the trade market in February since he's one of the most marketable commodities, financially and athletically? ... Complicating matters in Toronto is that the Raptors have Roko Ukic, by all accounts the team's point guard of the future and a guy who can play both backcourt positions, stashed in Europe for this year and probably at least one more." -- Toronto Star
James: I'm Looking For A Home
"Mike James has a player option on his contract for next season. In all likelihood, considering his statistics, he'll opt out and test the market. 'I'm looking for a home,' said James, who started his career in Europe and then spent a season in the CBA. 'I'm looking for a team, an organization, a city that's going to love my game the way I love it. ... I want to just be appreciated.' James feels he has a longer leash this season after many seasons of not being able to play through mistakes." -- Toronto Sun
Washington Wizards
Hayes Out At Least Six More Weeks
"Jarvis Hayes said he will be out at least six more weeks with a fractured right kneecap. After that, Hayes will have the knee re-examined and his status for the remainder of the season could be determined. ... Hayes sought a second opinion after his knee was originally examined by team doctors and has, for the time being, elected not to undergo surgery. ... Last season's injury, according to Hayes, was worse than this one. 'Right now, I can walk around and it doesn't hurt as much,' Hayes said." -- Washington Post
Blatche To Return To Wizards
"This has been quite an eventful year for 19-year-old Andray Blatche. In June, he was drafted by the Washington Wizards. In September, he was shot. And this weekend, he will leave the Roanoke Dazzle and return to the NBA. 'That's what me being here was about, to get in game shape,' Blatche said after the Dazzle beat Florida 111-103. 'This is really helping me out for my conditioning. Everything down here's been great for me.'"
-- Roanoke Times
WESTERN CONFERENCE
Dallas Mavericks
Mavs Cop Defensive Attitude
"It's a constant battle for the Mavericks coaches to get their players thinking defense before offense. So any hard evidence backing them up is like gold. That makes the following statistic a 24-carat nugget: Since the 2001-02 season, the Mavericks are 196-12 (94.2 percent) when holding their opponent to the same or worse shooting percentage. They are 52-96 when out-shot& It's hard to argue with the results. They are 19-0 this year when it's happened." -- Dallas Morning News
Mavs Send Marshall To Fort Worth
"The Mavericks will reassign Rawle Marshall to Fort Worth of the NBA Development League. The 6-7 forward saw action in four games, and the move was expected because of the improved health of Marquis Daniels and Jerry Stackhouse." -- Dallas Morning News
Denver Nuggets
Coach Leaning On Martin
"With Marcus Camby out, the onus falls on Kenyon Martin to give Denver some semblance of presence down low while he continues to recover. Coach George Karl said if the power forward can play at a high enough level, he can expect plenty of game time in the near future. 'Playing him longer minutes, physiologically, he's got to get in shape,' Karl said. 'We're in a Catch-22, where probably he's not in the best of shape.'" -- Denver Post
Golden State Warriors
Opinions Vary On What's Wrong With 'D'
"Perhaps the biggest thing wrong with the Warriors' defense is the fact that everyone has a different opinion as to what's wrong with the Warriors' defense. Guard Jason Richardson sees a breakdown of teamwork as the root cause. Assistant coach Keith Smart feels it's a question of alertness. And center Adonal Foyle, resident egghead that he is, fingers the concept of delayed gratification. There is one thing they all agree on: The Warriors' recent trend of hemorrhaging points like an extra in a horror flick needs to be reversed." -- Oakland Tribune
Housen's More Than An Equipment Manager
"There's no question who holds the title as the hardest working member of the Warriors organization& The crown goes to, in a landslide, equipment manager Eric Housen. 'By far,' forward Troy Murphy said. Housen's duties are far more all-encompassing than his title might suggest. A couple years ago, he took over some of head athletic trainer Tom Abdenour's duties, allowing Abdenour to focus on injuries and recovery. Now Housen, 32, is the Warriors' version of the ultimate utility man." -- Contra Costa Times
Houston Rockets
Younger Lucas Joins Rockets
"The Rockets, overloaded with injury problems, signed John Lucas III on Thursday to play for the team with which his father starred, in the town in which he grew up. 'The news is great,' Lucas said. 'I had the biggest smile on my face of my entire life.' The Rockets presumably did not sign Lucas for that reason alone. With five players including four guards injured, they had been looking for backcourt help." -- Houston Chronicle
Los Angeles Clippers
Front-Court Help Could Be On The Way
"There should be league-wide movement next week as teams waive players before contracts become guaranteed Jan. 10, and the Clippers could find help in veteran players willing to take 10-day contracts. The Clippers would have to waive a player to open roster space. Because of their depth at point guard, the Clippers might waive Howard Eisley, third on the depth chart, to pursue frontcourt help. 'We've talked about a few names,' Mike Dunleavy said." -- Los Angeles Times
Talk Of Snub Circles Brand
"The news about the stellar play of Clippers forward Elton Brand is either going out by Pony Express or there are hardware glitches in scores of home computers. Brand is the only player in the league ranked among the top 10 in scoring, rebounding, field-goal percentage and blocked shots per game. Yet when the second All-Star balloting results were released Thursday, Brand was seventh among Western Conference forwards." -- Orange County Register
Los Angeles Lakers
Bryant's Retaliation Doesn't Help
"Kobe Bryant found himself in a similar situation early in the third quarter Wednesday, taking an elbow to the face from Grizzlies guard Mike Miller that opened an inch-long gash over his left eye. Maybe this time, though, Bryant was a little too intent on payback. He scored 29 of his 45 points after the Miller elbow but went just 13 of 37 from the field for the game& The NBA also said Thursday it is investigating an elbow Bryant delivered to Miller's chin in retaliation with 8:24 left in the fourth quarter. Bryant was called for a flagrant foul and did not hide his intentions afterward. 'I hit first, ask questions later,' Bryant said." -- Los Angeles Daily News
Kobe Showing Nasty Side
"As the pair got closer to the Lakers' dressing room, Kobe Bryant became more uncouth and Lamar Odom, who squared off with the Heat's Gary Payton after Miami's Christmas Day win, answered in kind. That's when Kobe went after Odom. In doing so, he kicked over the lights and a chair holding the TV monitor. Kobe's security force of two quickly intervened and separated the pair. In the locker room they again exchanged heated words and challenges." -- New York Post
Bryant's Cohorts Cite Steep Learning Curve
"Former Lakers guard Derek Fisher offered an explanation late last season for why the Lakers with Kobe Bryant and the Miami Heat with Shaquille O'Neal were having such disparate results. Fisher said it is more difficult to learn how to play with Bryant, who does so many things from so many places on the floor, than with O'Neal. And even with Coach Phil Jackson back this season to space the pieces around Bryant better, many Lakers -- including Lamar Odom -- are struggling to figure out what to do when Bryant is at his most willful." -- Orange County Register
Memphis Grizzlies
Teammates Endorse Stoudamire's Experience
As someone who converted a number of big shots for the Grizzlies last season, guard Mike Miller appreciates Stoudamire's unflappable demeanor. 'He stays in the moment,' Miller said. 'He's a guy who always plays in the moment. Anytime you do that, you've got a chance to make big plays.' Swingman Shane Battier summed up Stoudamire in a word: Experienced. 'There's no one we'd rather have the ball in the hands of down the stretch,' Battier said." -- Memphis Commercial-Appeal
Minnesota Timberwolves
Szczerbiak Rises To New Role
"But this year, given an expanded role by coach Dwane Casey and a point guard (Marko Jaric) who thinks pass first, Wally Szczerbiak's numbers have, after a relatively slow start, taken off. He is scoring 19.9 points per game, which would be a career high. He is shooting 50.7 percent, 42.4 from three. And he has had a December for the ages. He enters tonight's game in Orlando needing only 11 points to become the third player in franchise history to average 24 points per game for a calendar month." -- Minneapolis Star Tribune
Finding Griffin A Spot Not Easy
"After practice Thursday, Eddie Griffin acknowledged he would love to be a starter. He said he can help the Wolves as the starting center, but he's not campaigning for the job held by Michael Olowokandi. Griffin started in place of Olowokandi, who is nursing a sore right elbow, and Mark Madsen, who has been hampered by a back bruise. If anything, Griffin is accepting his role as a reserve and not causing any controversy. 'Like I've always said, I'm not a center, and Kandi, he's a perfect center for us,' said Griffin" -- St. Paul Pioneer Press
New Orleans Hornets
Claxton Isn't Looking To Leave
"Speedy Claxton, who is in the final year of his contract, said he would like to re-sign with the team in the offseason. 'I would like to come back,' Claxton said. 'I love it here. I got some great teammates that I would really call friends not only on the court but off the court. If I did leave, I think I would really miss that. I've had so much fun with those guys.' Claxton did say that he would test the free-agent market, as money would play a big factor into his decision. 'I just want to get a nice contract at the end of this year and just be on a team where I feel comfortable,' said Claxton." -- The Oklahoman
Portland Trail Blazers
They Came, They Played And They Talked
"Tis the season to be entertained by the quotable players of the NBA. And 2005 was a very good year, judging by this collection of nuggets. I like a lot of quote-makers throughout the league, but the MVL (most valuable lip) is right here in Rip City in the form of Ruben Patterson. The veteran small forward is at once born-again and cantankerous, feeling blessed and pissed off, conciliatory and argumentative. Those with notepads and recorders, rejoice." -- Portland Tribune
Sacramento Kings
Peja Prefers His Ailments
Even Peja Stojakovic, who is on his third ailment this season, felt Abdur-Rahim's pain. Stojakovic has recovered from a sprained right little finger and missed a game with a protruding disc in his back. He now is battling a groin strain that might keep him out of tonight's game against Boston. Still, Stojakovic said he'd take his pains over Abdur-Rahim's injury. 'When I heard what kind of options he had, I thought, none of those options are good,' Stojakovic said." -- Sacramento Bee
Seattle SuperSonics
Fortson's Prediction Comes True
"Danny Fortson predicted the NBA would bite back after he was ejected in the fourth period of Wednesday's loss to Minnesota, and it did. The league suspended Fortson two games for failure to leave the court in a timely manner and verbally abusing official Sean Corbin. It's Fortson's second suspension of the season and he has been ejected three times. Sonics coach Bob Weiss said he has called the league to discuss the 'swinging elbows' call that spurred Fortson's disdain with Corbin." -- Seattle Post-Intelligencer
Draft Talk
Hoosiers Bird, Mount Admire Morrison's Game
"Both Larry Bird and Rick Mount admire Adam Morrison's ability to move without the ball, dribble with purpose to get a shot, shoot off the dribble, find creative ways to score against double teams and draw fouls. 'It's fun to watch,' said Bird, who considers him a lottery pick in next year's NBA draft. 'He just moves so well without the ball.' Adds Mount: 'I really like him. It kind of gets my blood pumping a little.' Bird and Mount believe the emphasis of AAU competition hampers individual skills such as Morrison's." -- Indianapolis Star
Mavs and Suns pass with flying colors
By Chris Sheridan
Nearly two months have passed since the opening of the 2005-06 season, and two teams have dictated the main story lines: Detroit in chasing the best record in NBA history, and Indiana in trying to pawn off the unwanted Ron Artest.
One Van Gundy has been deposed in Miami to make room for one of the best coaches in NBA history, while another Van Gundy is surprised to find himself languishing near the bottom of the Western Conference standings.
We have seen a 62-point game from Kobe Bryant, a 52-point outburst from LeBron James and 20 30-point games from Allen Iverson. The leading MVP candidates are Dirk Nowitzki, Elton Brand and Chauncey Billups, and the Rookie of the Year race is not really a race at all, thanks to the Hornets' Chris Paul.
But what we haven't seen yet is a single trade by any of the 30 general managers and team presidents who are ultimately responsible for their teams' successes and failures. That would seem to suggest some degree of widespread satisfaction with the way the season has unfolded.
Insider decided to test that theory by reaching out to top executives from all 30 teams for a self-assessment of how things are going.
With their comments in mind, Insider awards the following grades for each team's performance so far this season (Eastern Conference grades will run Friday):
SAN ANTONIO SPURS (22-7)
Inside the record: The defending champs' mark of 22-7 is good enough for first place in the conference, but not quite in line with the level of greatness we all expected from them. Of their seven losses, only one of the games (a Dec. 20 overtime loss at Milwaukee) has been close.
Most telling stats: Tony Parker is shooting an astounding 53.7 percent from the field, more than two points higher than Tim Duncan, but the team's free-throw percentage (68.6) is among the NBA's worst.
Changes ahead? In the final year of his contract, center Nazr Mohammed has more fouls (65) than field goals (5http://www.ezboard.com/images/emoticons/glasses.gif .
The boss says: "I'm concerned, but I'm not frantic," coach Gregg Popovich told the San Antonio Express-News. "We don't have that edge defensively that we've had the last few years. I'd be scared to death if the playoffs were next week."
Trade asset: Mohammed's $5.5 million contract that runs out after this season.
Grade: B+
DALLAS MAVERICKS (21-7)
Inside the record: They'd be No. 1 in the West if not for their continued inability to defeat the Lakers (0-2 this season, 7-50 since 1990).
Most telling stat: Mavs are 20-2 when Dirk Nowitzki scores at least 20 points, 1-5 when he's held below 20.
Changes ahead? "All roads lead through San Antonio," president of basketball operations Don Nelson told ESPN.com, "and I don't know if there's a player out there who can stop No. 21 [Tim Duncan]." The Mavs took a pass on Ron Artest after Indiana wanted Josh Howard, Marquis Daniels or Devin Harris.
The boss says: "I don't think we have any gaping holes," Nelson said. "By design, we have youth and experience at every position."
Trade asset: Keith Van Horn is in the final season of his contract, and teams seeking financial flexibility will place high value on a $15.7 million salary that comes off the cap in July.
Grade: A-
MEMPHIS GRIZZLIES (17-10)
Inside the record: Only 7-5 this month, including two overtime losses. Have scored the 26th most points but have allowed the fewest.
Most telling stat: Opponents are shooting just .423 from the field. Only the Clippers are holding teams to a lower percentage (.421).
Changes ahead? Lorenzen Wright lost his starting job Wednesday night as Pau Gasol moved to center. "When you can't rebound the ball, it tells you people up front are not doing the job they're supposed to do," team president Jerry West said, noting he has five 3-point shooters who have drawn interest from other teams.
The boss says: "Frankly, we've lost some games that are just gut-wrenching, and that takes some sort of a toll on everyone. But we do have a better team with the veteran players we've added," West told ESPN.com.
Trade asset: Mike Miller is expendable, but it's a question whether suitors judge him affordable (his $48.4 million contract runs through 2009-10).
Grade: B
PHOENIX SUNS (17-10)
Inside the record: 0-3 in games decided by 3 or fewer points. Only Minnesota (0-4) is worse.
Most telling stat: Despite Phoenix's being without Amare Stoudemire, Steve Nash is averaging only one fewer assist (10.5) than he did last season. He also leads the NBA in FT percentage at .953. (The record is .958, by Calvin Murphy in 1980-81.)
Changes ahead? "It's below 50 percent in terms of us doing anything significant, but we do have a $3.6 million trade exception that is attractive for teams looking to save tax money," general manager Bryan Colangelo told ESPN.com.
The boss says: "To be sitting here at 16-10 without Amare, we're progressing pretty well. Some forecasters thought we'd be a .500 team -- even with Amare -- after losing Quentin Richardson and Joe Johnson, but we made the statement that we felt we were a better team because we had addressed our depth. And it's our depth that has kept us in this," Colangelo said.
Trade asset: Own the rights to Atlanta's top pick, which is protected for spots 1-10 in 2006, for spots 1-3 in 2007 and unprotected in 2008.
Grade: A-
LOS ANGELES CLIPPERS (16-11)
Inside the record: Only 6-8 on the road, and just 2-6 in their last eight games -- with all six losses by decisive margins.
Most telling stat: Rank last in the NBA in turnovers forced per game with 11.7. (Charlotte leads the NBA at 18.6.)
Changes ahead? Mike Dunleavy was willing to take a chance on coaching Ron Artest, but Elgin Baylor was unwilling to part with Corey Maggette. Maggette's injury could change the equation.
The boss says: "We're always looking at what's available to see if we can get a player that fits chemistrywise and characterwise," Baylor, the vice president of basketball operations, told ESPN.com.
Trade asset: Chris Wilcox, in the final year of his contract, has drawn considerable interest from teams seeking size.
Grade: B
MINNESOTA TIMBERWOLVES (14-12)
Inside the record: Only 2-6 in their last eight games, fueling their desire to acquire Ron Artest.
Most telling stat: 0-3 in overtime games, tied with Denver for the league's worst. 0-4 in games decided by 3 or fewer points.
Changes ahead? Making a hard push to acquire Artest from Indiana. A combo of Michael Olowokandi and Rashad McCants might get it done, though McCants hasn't been offered.
The boss says: "We have a team capable of competing for a playoff spot, but we want to be competing for a championship," general manager Jim Stack told ESPN.com. Stack was the personnel man who drafted Artest for the Bulls in 1999. Stack also was instrumental in bringing Dennis Rodman to the Bulls in 1995.
Trade asset: Still have the rights to Latrell Sprewell, who could be dealt in a sign-and-trade deal. Indiana has interest.
Grade: B-
LOS ANGELES LAKERS (15-14)
Inside the record: At this point a year ago, they were 16-13 under Rudy Tomjanovich, which makes the C+ look generous.
Most telling stat: 6-7 at the Staples Center, where they still outdraw the Clippers by an average of 2,000 fans per night.
Changes ahead? Phil Jackson would love to take a chance on Artest, but, other than Lamar Odom, there's no one on the roster who interests Indiana.
The boss says: "When you look at our average age, we're the second-youngest team behind Atlanta. You have to keep that in mind when you evaluate our performance," general manager Mitch Kupchak told ESPN.com. "We're still a work in progress, but based on our recent play, we're very happy with where we're going. For some reason, we struggle at home."
Trade asset: Miami's No. 1 pick in 2006.
Grade: C+
GOLDEN STATE WARRIORS (15-14)
Inside the record: 10-7 against the East, 5-7 against the West.
Most telling stat: Allowing opponents to score 99.6 points per game, second-worst in the West ahead of only Seattle (105.0).
Changes ahead? Ike Diogu has replaced Adonal Foyle as the starting center, though Foyle responded to the demotion with his best game of the season (seven points, six rebounds, five blocks) in Wednesday night's win over Boston.
The boss says: "We've got to get off to better starts than we've been getting off to," coach Mike Montgomery said after the Warriors gave up 44 first-quarter points to Denver on Monday night. "I don't want to point the finger at one person, because it's not any one person's fault, but we can't keep falling behind by 10 points in the first quarter and then try to consistently make it up."
Trade asset: Three first-round picks in 2007, although picks originally owned by Dallas and Philadelphia have lottery protection. Warriors also have New Jersey's and Minnesota's second-round picks in 2007.
Grade: B-
DENVER NUGGETS (14-15)
Inside the record: 5-10 on the road. Only the Trail Blazers, Bobcats and Hawks are worse. 0-3 in overtime games.
Most telling stat: The league's worst 3-point shooting team (30.1 percent).
Changes ahead? George Karl wants Ron Artest as badly as the Timberwolves do, but general manager Kiki Vandeweghe hasn't come up with a three-way proposal that would satisfy the Hawks and send Al Harrington back to Indiana.
The boss says: "When we're healthy, we can play well, but we haven't been healthy much this year. Our record doesn't reflect well on us, but we're still a contender in our division with a .500 record. So it's a mixture of not being happy with the record but understanding why we're there," Vandeweghe told ESPN.com.
Trade asset: Have made it known they're willing to part with both Nene and Earl Watson, and there's plenty of interest in both players -- just not from the Hawks when it comes to Watson.
Grade: C
UTAH JAZZ (13-16)
Inside the record: The Jazz have played only one game decided by three or fewer points (defeating Memphis in overtime Monday night), tied with Cleveland for fewest in the league.
Most telling stats: Lead the league in personal fouls, sending their opponents to the line for an average of almost three more free throws per game than they take themselves. Next to last in 3-point shooting (30.2 percent) and third worst on offense (88.2 points per game).
Changes ahead? The Jazz and their fans are frustrated by the slow pace of Carlos Boozer's recovery from a hamstring injury, and his trade value will remain devalued until he returns. "He came into camp with his body fat down, and you don't do that by accident. I don't think he's dogging it," owner Larry Miller told The Salt Lake Tribune.
The boss says: "We need to address some areas, specifically our shooting, and we'd like to be a little more athletic," general manager Kevin O'Connor told ESPN.com.
Trade asset: New York's No. 1 pick in 2010.
Grade: C
SEATTLE SUPERSONICS (12-15)
Inside the record: Their grade would be even worse if they weren't 8-4 against the East. Of their 15 games against teams from the West, they've won only four.
Most telling stat: Allowing 105.0 points per game, by far the most in the league. Toronto is 29th at 102.6.
Changes ahead? Reggie Evans is being shopped, while Vladimir Radmanovic and Flip Murray have trade vetoes and the right to become unrestricted free agents next summer. Radmanovic will accept a trade only to a team that will have at least $6 million in cap space next summer.
The boss says: "We're probably the team that's the most all over the board, and I'm disappointed that we haven't played as well as last season. We miss the role that Jerome [James] played; we miss Antonio [Daniels]" general manager Rick Sund told ESPN.com.
Trade asset: There is a market for the toughness Danny Fortson brings, but not if his feud with the referees keeps spinning out of control.
Grade: D
NEW ORLEANS HORNETS (12-15)
Inside the record: Already within six victories of matching their total from all of last season.
Most telling stats: Scoring an average of 2.5 more points per game and allowing 1.7 fewer points per game than they did last season.
Changes ahead? General manager Jeff Bower told ESPN.com he will not trade P.J. Brown because it would be impossible to replace the intangibles and leadership he provides to a rebuilding team.
The boss says: "The thing we point to is the cohesion and chemistry that's developed between him and the young guys, and that would be a heck of a thing to lose. You've seen what happens to teams with too many very young players," Bower told ESPN.com. "On the outside looking in, I understand the trade speculation. But on the inside looking out, he brings something we can't replace."
Trade assets: Milwaukee's No. 1 pick in 2006, Speedy Claxton's expiring contract ($3.6 million)
Grade: B
SACRAMENTO KINGS (11-17)
Inside the record: The Kings are only 7-9 at Arco Arena, which used to be the toughest building in the league for opponents.
Most telling stats: Peja Stojakovic's scoring average is down four points, and only Minnesota is a worse offensive rebounding team.
Changes ahead? Stojakovic will be an unrestricted free agent at the end of the season, and Mike Bibby can opt out after 2006-07. One opposing Western Conference general manager said he believes Brad Miller will be available on the trade market.
The boss says: "Who are you going to bring in who's going to be better for you than Kenny [Thomas] and Corliss [Williamson]?" coach Rick Adelman told The Sacramento Bee after Shareef Abdur-Rahim had his jaw broken by Portland's Zach Randolph on Monday night. "We might bring in a player for practices' sake, but I don't think you're going to find somebody that's going to help you."
Trade asset: If Sacramento ever makes Stojakovic available, plenty of teams out there still believe in him. General manager Geoff Petrie usually gets an All-Star in return when he trades an All-Star, though he broke that trend with the Chris Webber deal.
Grade: F
HOUSTON ROCKETS (10-17)
Inside the record: They went 0-8 without Tracy McGrady when his back flared up at the start of the season and are 1-4 since Yao Ming went down with a toe infection.
Most telling stat: Rank 29th in scoring, averaging just one-tenth of a point more than the 30th-place Portland Trail Blazers.
Changes ahead? When asked which team might be lurking quietly in the Ron Artest sweepstakes, one opposing general manager named the Rockets: "Look at how old their roster is. They're trying to win now, and they're desperate."
The boss says: "In all my years, I've never seen this many injuries hit one team. We've been without six of our top eight rotation players. I'd love our grade to be 'incomplete,'" general manager Carroll Dawson told ESPN.com.
Trade asset: New York's 2006 second-round pick.
Grade: D
PORTLAND TRAIL BLAZERS (10-1http://www.ezboard.com/images/emoticons/glasses.gif
Inside the record: It could be worse, but the Blazers have won three straight and are 4-1 in games decided by 3 or fewer points.
Most telling stats: Rank dead last in the NBA in points per game (87.5) and free-throw percentage (67.7).
Changes ahead? Ruben Patterson and Theo Ratliff are on the trading block. Patterson ($6.3 million) has one year remaining on his contract; Ratliff ($11.6 million) has two more years.
The boss says: "We're probably right on course. Our goal was to show improvement on a monthly basis. We knew with all our young players that we wouldn't contend for a playoff spot. There's lots of interest in our younger guys, but we don't want to trade them," general manager John Nash told ESPN.com.
Trade asset: Detroit's first-round draft pick in 2006.
Grade: C-
Pistons are head of the class, Knicks getting left back
By Chris Sheridan
After generously handing out more B's than C's in the Western Conference yesterday, we turn our focus today to the East, home of the only team getting an A+.
We also have another F to award, putting some unfortunate souls in the same sorry company with the Sacramento Kings. So without further ado, the grades are ...
DETROIT PISTONS (24-3)
Inside the record: The three losses were to Dallas, Washington and Utah, with the loss to the Wizards coming at home after Ben Wallace missed a free throw late in regulation that would have won it for the Pistons. The Mavericks loss came on the second night of a back-to-back road set, and the debacle against the Jazz came as Detroit played its third road game in four nights.
Most telling stat: The Pistons are averaging 6.6 more points per game under Flip Saunders than they did last season under Larry Brown, while the defense is yielding only 1.9 more points than it did a year ago. Detroit is 4-0 is games decided by three points or fewer, though Milwaukee (6-0) is even better.
Changes ahead? You'd think Joe Dumars would be satisfied, but he'd make a tweak. "Maybe adding one more guy off the bench, adding one more piece to the bench that would have impact," he told ESPN.com.
The boss says: "Obviously we're happy with the record, but we're pushing our guys as hard as ever because you want to fight any complacency whatsoever. For us, it's not so much about the record. It's about playing for the playoffs."
Trade asset: Somewhere out there might be a team willing to give some serious playing time to Darko Milicic, who will remain a bust at least until he gets some burn.
Grade: A+
CLEVELAND CAVALIERS (17-10)
Inside the record: Have already had winning streaks of eight and six, but their record against above-.500 teams is only 9-7.
Most telling stat: The team with the league's third-best offense can get it done with defense -- Cavs are 11-1 when holding opponents below 50 points in the second half.
Changes ahead? After making major changes over the summer, the most likely tweak would be a minor deal of guards Luke Jackson and/or Sasha Pavlovic. Never got seriously involved in Artest talks.
The boss says: "Coming into the season we knew it would be a work in progress, and things have overall moved in a positive direction," general manager Danny Ferry told ESPN.com.
Trade asset: Knicks coach Larry Brown would love to acquire Eric Snow, who is owed $21 million over the next three seasons, but Cavs like what Snow brings defensively and leadership-wise.
Grade: B
NEW JERSEY NETS (16-12)
Inside the record: The Nets entered the weekend with a seven-game winning streak, tied for fourth-longest in team history.
Most telling stat: Led by Vince Carter and Richard Jefferson, the Nets' scoring is up nearly 10 points per game during the streak.
Changes ahead? The search for a new starting power forward goes on every day, but what really interests the Nets is the remote chance that they can make a run at Kevin Garnett next summer if he asks the Timberwolves to trade him.
The boss says: "Over the last couple weeks we've played much better. Vince has played brilliantly during this stretch, and the bench has settled in after being erratic and inconsistent in our first 8-10 games," team president Rod Thorn told ESPN.com. "You're never satisfied unless you win 90 percent of your games. If you're Detroit, you're satisfied."
Trade asset: Own the right to the Clippers' No. 1 pick in 2006, and have made it known they'd include the pick to get the right deal done.
Grade: B
MIAMI HEAT (17-13)
Inside the record: 6-3 since Pat Riley took over for Stan Van Gundy.
Most telling stats: Shooting only 36 percent from 3-point range after making nearly 38 percent a year ago. Went 9-9 while O'Neal was out with a sprained ankle.
Changes ahead? The last time Pat Riley made a significant in-season trade was 1998, when he dealt Ike Austin and a No. 1 pick for Brent Barry, although he did do the Steve Smith-Malik Allen deal last February.
The boss says: "I do believe at the end of the summer, we got very fortunate to get Gary [Payton], because I think Gary will have the moxie to play against [Chauncey] Billups and maybe Rip [Hamilton], and the experience. And I think maybe in a big-game situation defensively, he can shut people down. When we get to that time when we're going to need that kind of defense, then I think we have enough. And if we don't, then I'm going to keep looking for it," Riley told the Heat's beat writers.
Trade asset: Plenty of teams have interest in Michael Doleac, who is expendable if Alonzo Mourning remains healthy.
Grade: B-
MILWAUKEE BUCKS (15-11)
Inside the record: They'd be a .500 team if not for the late-game heroics of Mo Williams, whose buzzer-beating 3-pointers defeated Indiana and Washington.
Most telling stats: One of only three Eastern teams with a winning road record (7-6). Have lost five times at home, where they have drawn three sellout crowds after having only one all last season.
Changes ahead? General manager Larry Harris told ESPN.com he is almost certainly finished making trades. "Giving up an unprotected first-round pick, which I thought would land somewhere around No. 20, for (Jamaal) Magloire was, to me, a no-brainer. There aren't many 7-footers available out there who can help you get into the second round of the playoffs."
The boss says: "One of the biggest things to me is our seven road wins, which matches or total from last season," Harris said. "We'd still like to try to win 30 home games."
Trade asset: A package of Reece Gaines, Jiri Welsch and Ervin Johnson, all with expiring contracts, could get them a serviceable player on a mid-level exception contract.
Grade: B
INDIANA PACERS (15-11)
Inside the record: Lack of closure to the Artest situation has led to three straight lopsided losses. The patience of the players in the locker room is being tested.
Most telling stat: In the 23 games he played last season and this season, Artest averaged 20.9 points. When the Raptors traded Vince Carter last season, he was averaging 15.9.
Changes ahead? The question is when they'll trade Artest. Denver, Lakers, Minnesota, Golden State, Seattle are all possibilities. Their best option may be to include Austin Croshere in a deal, which would allow them to take on a player or players making anywhere from $11.75 million to $18.5 million.
The boss says: "I'm spending this week in the office, trying to see what's real and what's not real," Walsh told ESPN.com. "I know there are some players we'd like to do deals for, but there always seems to be a problem. I'd say there are 10 teams that would like him, five with strong interest, maybe three that seem to want him to the point where they'd go the extra mile, whether with a player or a draft pick."
Trade asset: Could also include Jonathan Bender, who plans to retire, in an Artest trade. Bender is on the cap for $7.175 million, while Croshere makes $7.9 million.
Grade: C
PHILADELPHIA 76ERS (15-14)
Inside the record: 10-5 at home, where they're drawing only 15,021 fans per game -- third-worst in the league, ahead of only Orlando (14,527) and Portland (13,831).
Most telling stat: Iverson's scoring average of 34.1 is well above his career-high of 31.4 in 2001-02.
Changes ahead? Not willing to take a risk on Artest if it would cost them Andre Iguodala. If the price was merely John Salmons, Steven Hunter and Kevin Ollie, they'd do it.
The boss says: "Last December I didn't think I'd get Chris Webber, so you never know. There are guys who become available in February who aren't available now," general manager Billy King told ESPN.com.
Trade asset: Sixers have a $4.55 million trade exception that doesn't expire until August.
Grade: C+
WASHINGTON WIZARDS (12-15)
Inside the record: Wizards are 0-7 when Gilbert Arenas has been held under 20 points.
Most telling stat: Wizards average exactly 100 points per game, which is also the exact number they allow, making them one of only three teams (Philadelphia, Seattle) averaging triple-digits on offense and defense.
Changes ahead? Chucky Atkins, in the final season of a contract paying him $4.5 million, has requested a trade. He's 7-for-13 on 3-pointers in his last three games.
The boss says: "We've got a lot of new players still getting used to each other, and we've had some good wins and some close losses. We won at Phoenix, at Detroit and beat San Antonio, so those have been nice wins along the way," general manager Ernie Grunfeld told ESPN.com.
Trade asset: Grunfeld's annual willingness to make a deal near the trade deadline. If Atkins isn't dealt first, Michael Ruffin is the next leading contender.
Grade: C-
CHICAGO BULLS (12-16)
Inside the record: A five-game losing streak has undone much of what they accomplished in the first six weeks of the season, and their 0-4 record against division opponents has left them at the bottom of the Central.
Most telling stat: Ranked in the bottom half of the league in every key offensive statistic except 3-point shooting (2nd, .409) and assists (6th, 22.3).
Changes ahead? Not having any luck finding a taker for Tim Thomas, who is sitting at home earning $13.9 million because Bulls coach Scott Skiles doesn't want him around. Lots of teams have interest in Luol Deng, Kirk Hinrich and Ben Gordon.
The boss says: "We're in transition in a lot of ways. We don't have any size, but we have a lot of money ($20 million in cap room) to spend, which also gives us great trade flexibility. I understand our limitations, but we still have a great young core that's interesting," general manager John Paxson told ESPN.com. "We're keeping our options open. A lot will depend on how other teams go forward."
Trade assets: New York's No. 1 pick in 2006, which is unprotected, the option to switch picks with New York in 2007, and New York's second-round picks in 2007 and 2009.
Grade: C-
ORLANDO MAGIC (11-15)
Inside the record: Have already had losing streaks of three, four and five games, and have played an NBA-low 10 road games. That'll change in January, when they have 10 on the road and just five at home.
Most telling stat: Last in the NBA in assists with fewer than 17 per game.
Changes ahead? Kelvin Cato ($8.6 million) and Tony Battie ($5.2 million) are both in the final year of their contracts.
The boss says: "Cato and Battie are also in demand by us. We like what they're giving us," assistant general manager Otis Smith told ESPN.com. "We're starting to find our groove, and we still have a chance of sneaking into the playoffs."
Trade assets: Owns two spare second-round picks, Milwaukee's in 2006 and Cleveland's in 2007.
Grade: C-
BOSTON CELTICS (11-16)
Inside the record: Their 2-10 road record is the league's second-worst, trailing only Atlanta's 2-13.
Most telling stat: Have allowed only 91.7 points in their 11 wins; 105.6 points in their 16 losses.
Changes ahead? Director of basketball operations Danny Ainge said teams have stopped calling to ask about the availability of Paul Pierce.
The boss says: "We haven't been as consistent as I'd have liked. Individually I'm happy with a lot, collectively I'm not. Doc (Rivers) is still trying to establish an identity for the team," Ainge told ESPN.com.
Trade asset: Cleveland's first-round draft pick in 2007, protected for spots 1-10.
Grade: C-
CHARLOTTE BOBCATS (10-19)
Inside the record: 9-9 against the East, 1-10 against the West.
Most telling stat: Emeka Okafor's scoring average has dropped from 15.1 to 12.9, his FG pct has gone from .447 to .407, and he's also down nearly one rebound per game.
Changes ahead? Have offered to broker an Artest trade with their $4 million in salary cap space, but want a first-round pick in return.
The boss says: "We could be facilitators, but ($4 million in cap room) is not a lot when we're talking about the caliber of players being talked about," coach and general manager Bernie Bickerstaff told ESPN.com.
Trade asset: The Bobcats' cap goes up significantly next season after they finish two years of being limited to 75 percent of the cap as part of their expansion agreement. They also own a future first-round pick from Toronto which loses its lottery protection beginning with the 2009 draft.
Grade: C+
ATLANTA HAWKS (7-20)
Inside the record: 5-4 mark in their last nine, including wins over Spurs, Nuggets and Sixers, improved their grade from an F.
Most telling stat: Marvin Williams, the second overall pickoff the 2005 draft, is averaging only 5.8 points and 4.4 rebounds in 22.4 minutes per game. He's stuck behind Al Harrington, who could be moved in a trade.
Changes ahead? Atlanta seems resigned to the inevitability of losing Al Harrington as an unrestricted free agent, and the Hawks need to replace the draft choices they included in the Joe Johnson trade. One of them is a first-rounder that loses its protection beginning with the 2008 draft. In 2007, it's protected only if it's among the first three picks.
The boss says: General manager Billy Knight declined to be interviewed. He has not spoken with reporters since giving a strong vote of confidence to coach Mike Woodson nearly three weeks ago, ending speculation that Woodson would become the first coach fired this season.
Trade asset: Had the rights to the better of the Celtics or Lakers' first-round pick in 2006, but shipped that to Phoenix, too, in the Johnson deal.
Grade: D+
NEW YORK KNICKS (7-20)
Inside the record: Only 2-12 against the East, but 5-8 vs. the West. Their home record (4-http://www.ezboard.com/images/emoticons/glasses.gif is the third-worst in the league, trailing only Toronto's and Houston's.
Most telling stat: Stephon Marbury's scoring average has dipped to 17.7 after he had gone eight straight years averaging at least 20. His assists have gone from 8.1 to 6.1.
Changes ahead? Marbury is being booed regularly at Madison Square Garden, the World's Most Famous Misery Den. His contract makes him virtually untradeable, although a case could be made that Atlanta or Toronto might become interested.
The boss says: "He's 0-for-7 shooting with three assists in 41 minutes," Brown said of Marbury after the Knicks loss in Orlando. "He got the ball all the time. I ran as much stuff for him as I have all season. He maybe didn't feel like he had it. He got three assists and no steals. By accident you can get a steal."
Trade assets: The expiring contracts of Antonio Davis ($13.8 million) and Penny Hardaway ($15.7 million), which can be used to bring aboard a whole new collection of overpaid castoffs with several seasons remaining on their deals. Team president Isiah Thomas said rookie Channing Frye is untouchable.
Grade: F
TORONTO RAPTORS (7-22)
Inside the record: One of only four teams with a better road record than home record. Their 0-9 start killed whatever smidgen of confidence that might have existed coming out of training camp.
Most telling stat: Of the 46 centers listed in ESPN.com's Player Efficiency Ratings, No. 46 is Toronto big man Rafael Araujo.
Changes ahead? Before they can do anything long-term, they need to find a way to get rid of Jalen Rose, who is owed $16.9 million next season.
The boss says: "Obviously I'm not pleased with the record, but I'm pleased with the progress we seem to be making every 2-3 weeks. We've got a plan, rebuilding with young guys, and it's what we're following," general manager Rob Babcock told ESPN.com.
Trade asset: Own the rights to Denver's first-round pick in 2006.
Grade: D-
Artest Watch: Odom staying home?
Chris Sheridan blog
Lamar Odom got caught up in the Ron Artest rumor mill Thursday, and the Lakers acted quickly to put it to rest internally.
A source close to the Lakers told ESPN.com that Odom had received reassurance from the team, which told him he had not been included in any trade offers made to the Indiana Pacers. The Lakers were apparently responding to rumors floating around the league that Los Angeles had become open to the idea of trading Odom in an Artest deal.
"They still want Artest, but they haven't offered Odom," the source said.
The main contenders in the Artest sweepstakes remain the Timberwolves, Nuggets, Lakers and Warriors, and there were indications that Seattle and Philadelphia were reexamining the risk vs. reward equation of trading for Artest.
Minnesota was rumored to have offered anyone on its roster other than Kevin Garnett, but the Timberwolves were not confident that they were one of the leading suitors.
Golden State has an abundance of first-round draft picks, which is one commodity the Pacers are after, but the Warriors would have to offer a third player along with Mickael Pietrus and Calbert Cheaney to make the salaries match, and Indiana doesn't want to do a 3-for-1.
Pacers president Donnie Walsh said he had gotten to the point where had taken out a pen and a piece of paper to make a list of the teams genuinely interested in Artest.
"I'm spending this week in the office, trying to see what's real and what's not real," Walsh told ESPN.com. "I know there are some players we'd like to do deals for, but there always seems to be a problem. I'd say there are 10 teams that would like him, five with strong interest, maybe three that seem to want him to the point where they'd go the extra mile, whether with a player or a draft pick."
Indiana's best option may be to include Austin Croshere in a deal, which would allow the Pacers to take on a player or players making anywhere from $11.75 million to $18.5 million. Another option would be to include Jonathan Bender, who plans to retire. Bender is on the cap for $7.175 million, while Croshere makes $7.9 million
Artest's agent, Mark Stevens, said he expected a trade to happen by the end of the week. But Stevens also said the same thing more than a week ago, and the Pacers have continued to insist they will be patient in trying to find the best possible deal.
NBA Rumor Central: Allen And Lewis Endorse Watson
WHO INTERESTED THE SKINNY
Earl Watson
Nuggets
SuperSonics?
Allen And Lewis Endorse Watson
Dec 30 - Both Ray Allen and Rashard Lewis acknowledged that Earl Watson would be a better fit than Flip Murray at reserve point guard, reports the Tacoma News Tribune. Allen cited the 14 assists the team had in its loss to Minnesota on Wednesday, a game Murray started in place of the injured Luke Ridnour. Lewis told the newspaper Watson may be a better fit as the backup point guard. "I like Flip as a player and as a person. He is a great scorer... Earl is probably a better defender, more of a point guard."
Sources close to the situation told the Denver Post no such deal is imminent. To make the deal work, Murray must first OK it, since his $895,000 contract allows him to veto trades. Murray would not say Thursday if he would exercise that veto, though he did tell the newspaper, "It's a nice organization. I have a lot of respect for George Karl, him being my first coach in the NBA (at Milwaukee)."
Murray told the Seattle Times he wants to remain in Seattle. But that doesn't mean he's going to veto every trade offer; he said he would deal with any situation individually.
In related news ...
The Rocky Mountain News reports with 10-day contracts eligible to be handed out next Thursday, Kiki Vandeweghe said a possible settlement with Bryon Russell is "something we maybe discuss next week." But Vandeweghe said the injury-depleted Nuggets aren't thinking of doing something now.
WHO INTERESTED THE SKINNY
Chicago
Paxson Won't Sacrifice Future
Dec 30 - Anyone who expects the Bulls to make a trade to solve the team's glaring inadequacies is in for a long wait, reports the Chicago Tribune. GM John Paxson told the newspaper Thursday he doesn't believe the answers rest with a trade. Paxson said he has talked to a few teams about potential trades but hasn't found an attractive deal. "To react short-term and give up something that can benefit us in the future would just be foolish to me."
According to the Arlington Heights Daily Herald, trade talks for Tim Thomas have gone nowhere and probably never will. "The free-agent market this year is not what it has been in the last few years," Paxson told the newspaper. "But it gives us flexibility. I'm going to keep our options open."
Chat with Chris Sheridan
Welcome to The Show! On Friday, ESPN.com's NBA reporter Chris Sheridan will log on to chat with you about all the action on the hardcourt ... and all the news and notes off of it. Chris came to ESPN from the Associated Press where he spent the last 10 years as the lead NBA writer.
Sheridan's chat tips off at noon ET on Friday so send in your questions now and join him right here for the answers.
Sheridan archives: Columns | Chats
Chris Sheridan: (12:09 PM ET ) Good afternoon folks. Sorry for the delay getting started. The chat software was treating me like an Outsider, not an Insider, and demanded to know one of my 527 ESPN software passwords. What shall we chat about today? The Kobe-Odom feud? The Odom-Payton feud? The Odom-Artest rumors? The LB-Stephon feud? The overall lack o' trades? Robert Swift? Bring it on.
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jj baldwin ny: hey chris happy holidays .........i would like 2 know are there any trade rumors out there for the knicks i know they wanted earl watson and rashard lewis are those 2 deals likely to happen anytime soon
Chris Sheridan: (12:12 PM ET ) Uh, not likely anytime soon, jj. The Knicks only hope regarding Watson would be for Camby's finger injury to keep him sidelined for 3 months. Then the Nuggets might get desperate and take Jerome James for Earl. Otherwise, they don't want Malik Rose, Maurice Taylor, though there's a possibility they could take a shot at Quentin Richardson if they're unable to get Artest. As for Rashard Lewis, the only hope is for the Sonics to suddenly become interested in Stephon. Don't count on that, though.
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Robert Rancho Cucamonga, CA: Who do you think will land Artest?
Chris Sheridan: (12:14 PM ET ) I got some grief for answering Golden State in last week's chat without adding any explanation, but I just had a gut feeling at the time. One thing the Warriors have, which the Pacers might have to settle for, is extra No. 1 draft picks. There are details in my Western Conference report cards, which ran yesterday. East report cards are up today.
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Mario (Toledo, OH): No one does drama like the only true Hollywood team! What's everything boil down to? Is it going to take dealing Odom for LA to get Artest or will Phil have his hands full with those two and Kobe? He'll soon be wishing for the days when it was just Kobe vs Shaq, if he's not already.
Chris Sheridan: (12:18 PM ET ) There was a lot of Odom stuff floating around the rumor mill yesterday, and Peter Vecsey has a story in today's NYPost detailing some of the viciousness that was floating around the Lakers in the past few days. It's been quite a while since Kobe caused any grief, and he was probably overdue. He can behave like a diva sometimes, and when superstars begin acting like divas things can get ugly.
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Widmer (Portland, OR): What's going to happen to the Hornets after this season? Seems like OK City is really supporting the team. Any chance they'll stay in Oklahoma?
Chris Sheridan: (12:22 PM ET ) It'll be interesting to see how David Stern might have to wiggle out of his repeated pronouncements that the Hornets are going back to New Orleans. Period. I have friends in New Orleans who just visited New York and described the current surreal state of things in their city, with 80 percent of the population simply gone and a large portion of them never coming back. Why on earth the NBA would force the Hornets back there is beyond me, since it clearly wasn't working for them there. Maybe it's all a plot to force George Shinn to sell the team. I wonder what will happen if Oklahoma City actually does lose the Hornets, and another team _ perhaps the Magic _ decides to move in. Would the people there switch their allegiance to the 'new' home team? It'll be interesting to see how it all plays out over the next year and a half. For now, you can bet on Shinn picking up his one-year option to remain in Oklahoma City for the 2006-07 season.
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Jason (Peru, IN): Will the Pacers get enough in return in for Artest to become contenders in the East this year? Or are they already looking toward next season?
Chris Sheridan: (12:26 PM ET ) That's part of their dilemma. If there was an offer on ther table that would help them get to the Eastern Conference finals this season, they'd have taken it already. They knew going into this that they'd never match Artest's talent in a trade, but I don't think they expected to get lowballed by so many teams. I think Bird made a mistake by saying publicly that they were trying to trade him to a team in the West. That might have prevented them from receiving a better offer from someone in the East. If I'm Miami, for instance, and I think the Pacers are going to turn me down, I don't give them by best offer because it's useless. But if I think I have a realistic chance, I give the Pacers something to think about _ Antoine Walker, perhaps. Donnie Walsh has always liked 'Toine.
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Don (Greenville, NC): Hey Chris. I know the Pistons are playing great right now, and I expect them to continue. Family members and I were discussing whether or not we thought Joe might try to add another player. We don't really see a need for anything except possibly a pure shooter. Your thoughts?
Chris Sheridan: (12:28 PM ET ) I asked Joe that very question a couple days ago when I had him on the phone to discuss the Pistons' report card (note second shameless plug for my latest project). He said he'd like to add another piece to the bench, which is curious because he's about to get Lindsey Hunter back and he hasn't even dusted off Dale Davis yet. Another shooter is never a bad idea, but will he be able to hit the type of big shots like the one Sheed drained from 26 feet last night to bury the Heat?
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Adam (Chicago): What can the Cavs do to gain consistency? Any trades on the horizon for them? They seem to be right on the brink of the East's elite 3.
Chris Sheridan: (12:32 PM ET ) I saw them against the Nets the other night when they lost, and it was really kind of striking the way they gave little effort on defense and were hapless against pretty much any play New Jersey ran. I still see them as a question mark team, with a little too much immaturity and not enough of a body of work to get me drinking the wine and gold Kool-Aid.
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Matt, Toronto ON: Is there any chance of the Raptors getting Artest? They have young talent and two draft picks. It seems the Pacers haven't been too interested in the current offers.
Chris Sheridan: (12:34 PM ET ) If the Raptors trade for Artest, they run the risk that he'll pull an Alonzo Mourning and refuse to show up. Believe me, there are several teams who won't go near the guy because that's exactly what they fear will happen to them. So let's say Babcock gives up Mo Peterson and a No. 1, then Artest doesn't show up. Now you don't have MoP, you don't have your No. 1 pick and you don't have Artest. That would be bad, no?
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Francis (IL): Are the Pistons going to stick with Darko?
Chris Sheridan: (12:37 PM ET ) I have to think they're going to give up on him in the not-too-distant future. Let's face it, the pistons are going to be contending for championships for the next three yars, at least (provided they re-sign Ben Wallace). When exactly is Darko going to get any playing time? At some point they'll be presented with an offer for Darko that makes a lot of sense.
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Eric (Indy): Chris what's worse: Takind Sam Bowie over MJ or DMilicic over DWade?
Chris Sheridan: (12:40 PM ET ) The Bowie pick will never be matched. Ever. The thing about the Darko pick was the caliber of players that went immediately after him _ Carmelo Anthony, then Chris Bosh, then Dwyane Wade, then Chris Kaman, then Kirk Hinrich, then T.J. Ford. That was a heck of a draft.
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Mike (New Jersey): Whats going on with the bulls, are they looking to make any trades for an inside presence?
Chris Sheridan: (12:43 PM ET ) John Paxson said the moves the Bulls will make will be ditated in large part by the moves other teams make between now and the trade deadline. If Al Harrington or Peja Stojakovic get traded elsewhere and the Bulls believe neither will be available on the free agent market, they'll have to adjust accordingly. Whether that means they'll make their big changes in late February or mid-July remains to be seen.
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Jamison (Atlanta): Now that it look like a fluke run by the Hawks. Will they finally trade Al? I am getting tired of seeing Marvin sit on the bench doing nothing while every other rookie is showing growth and promise.
Chris Sheridan: (12:45 PM ET ) Billy Knight wants to see Marvin on the floor, too, which is why he's listening to trade offers for Al Harrington. The Hawks want a No. 1 pick and a good player back, and they're low on No. 1s after giving two of 'em to the Suns in the Joe Johnson-Boris Diaw trade. One of those picks is the Hawks' own, and it's unprotected after two years.
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Nate(Atlanta): Whats going on with Orlando? Any trades you happening before the deadline? You really think they'll leave Orlando one day?
Chris Sheridan: (12:48 PM ET ) Their payroll is up around $73 million, and I'm told they're basically bleeding red ink. No one goes to their games anymore, and ownership wants a new arena that the taxpayers don't want to give them. So, yeah, I think they're leaving. As for trades, they'd like to get something decent for Cato if they decide to trade someone some size. He comes off the cap at the end of the season, and trust me when I tell you the Magic won't trade him for a player with a long contract.
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Andy (LA).: J. Bender's retiring?
Chris Sheridan: (12:49 PM ET ) J. Bender's knees are shot, which is forcing him to retire. The Antonio Davis-Bender trade will forever go down as one of the worst in Pacers history _ at least until we see what the Artest trade turns out to be.
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James Scarrella (San Antonio,Tx): Do you see the spurs making any attempt to move Rasho, Nazr, or Brent Berry before the trade deadline?
Chris Sheridan: (12:53 PM ET ) Maybe Nazr, since he's a free agent after this season and doesn't play much anymore. They have Oberto to back up Rasho, and Sean Marks is there, too. I think they like having the luxury of bringing Barry and Van Exel off the bench, both of whom could replace Beno Udrih at the backup point guard spot if he runs across another postseason encounter like the one he had against the Pistons in the finals when he could barely get the ball past midcourt against Lindsey Hunter and Chauncey Billups.
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Dan (NY, NY): We know Isiah messed up by trading away so many draft picks when drafting is what he does best, but do you think he'll be able to redeem himself by getting the Raptor's pick in a Jalen Rose trade?
Chris Sheridan: (12:55 PM ET ) I don't see a Jalen Rose-Penny Hardaway trade making any sense at all for the Knicks, even if they get a No. 1 back. Rose makes nearly $17 million next season, and if the Knicks had him they'd have to pay a $17 million luxury tax, too. So that would be $34 million the Knicks would be spending to get a No. 1 pick. Even for them, that's a lot.
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Shawn (Dallas): Give some love to the Mavs! Are they even considering trading any of their young talent (Howard, Daniels or Harris)? Also, any takers for Van Horn?
Chris Sheridan: (12:58 PM ET ) They wouldn't consider trading any of those three young players for Artest, which should tell you somethin about their commitment level to those guys. Then again, if there was a player out there that the Mavs thought could defend Duncan and help them get past the Spurs, they might take a chance and move one of the kids for him. But how many players are there out there who can defend Duncan?
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Jeremy (CHI): Please tell me what the deal is with the Bulls' #1 pick from NY from Eddy. Is it protected in any way? Will they get it outright regardless?
Chris Sheridan: (1:05 PM ET ) It's complicated, but it goes like this: The Knicks still owe the Suns a No. 1 pick from the Marbury trade, but they have protection on that pick through 2009 (top 25 in 2006, top 24 in 2007, top 23 in 2008, top 22 in 2009. In 2010, it's unprotected. (The Suns have since traded that pick to Utah). Since the Knicks aren't going to finish with the fourth-best record in the league this season, that pick will remain protected and the Jazz won't get it. As part of their trade with the Bulls, the Knicks agreed to give Chicago their No. 1 pick if the Jazz didn't get it. And since the Jazz aren't getting it, the Bulls are. But wait, there's more. The Knicks also gave the Bulls the right to swap first-round picks in 2007. So if the Knicks win the lottery, the Bulls get the No. 1 pick. The Knicks also gave up their second-round picks in 2007 and 2009.
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Jamie (CHC): Is there something you wanted to talk about regarding Robert Swift?? Has he made it off the bench yet?? Is he even any good??
Chris Sheridan: (1:08 PM ET ) How this guy is not in the D-League is beyond me. He's played in three games and scored one point. One. He's one of the few guys in the league having a worse season than the other Swift, Stromile.
Chris Sheridan: (1:09 PM ET ) That's all the time I have for this afternoon, folks. Hopefully by this time next week we can talk about the fallout from the Artest trade _ if it ever happens.
ESPN.com's Intelligence Report: Dec. 30
EASTERN CONFERENCE
Boston Celtics
Delonte's Brilliance Impresses Pierce
"No one is making any specific and grand pronouncements about the future of the Celtics point guard position, but it is growing impossible to downplay the brilliance of Delonte West's play over the last two weeks. In that six-game span (seven if you count the one he missed with aftereffects from a concussion), West has made 27-of-41 shots from the floor (65.8 percent), with 27 assists and five turnovers. 'He has the ability,' Paul Pierce said. 'He has a great feel for the game. I just think it was a matter of him getting the experience.'" -- Boston Herald
Charlotte Bobcats
Refs Show Respect For Bobcats
"Remember how Charlotte Bobcats coach Bernie Bickerstaff would complain that referees didn't respect his team enough? You don't hear that anymore, and with good reason: The officials give the Bobcats a lot of love these days. Over the past seven games, the Bobcats averaged 10 more free-throw attempts than their opponents. Not coincidentally, the Bobcats are 5-2 in that span. 'We need to appreciate that -- that the officials are giving us our due,' Bickerstaff said." -- Charlotte Observer
Chicago Bulls
Skiles Puts Onus On Gordon
"Bulls coach Scott Skiles responded Thursday to Ben Gordon's displeasure over his role this season, putting the responsibility on Gordon. 'Anybody that's involved in the league in depth and watches us play knows that we have more things in our offense for Ben probably than any other team in the league has for any other player,' Skiles said." -- Chicago Tribune
Hinrich Not Easy To Judge
"While the struggles of Ben Gordon and Tyson Chandler have received more attention, Kirk Hinrich also isn't playing up to his expected level. Sure, he has the burden of facing bigger and stronger guards almost every night, but that also was the case last season. His scoring average (13.2) is down 2-1/2 points from last season, while his shooting percentage (.402 to .397) and assists (6.5 to 6.4) are roughly the same. Still, it takes more than statistics to evaluate Hinrich's play." -- Chicago Sun-Times
Struggles Don't Shock Paxson
"In many ways, though, the Bulls are right where they're supposed to be this season. Management suspected the Bulls would take a step back after the Eddy Curry trade left them with the league's smallest lineup. But the deal has a chance to pay off in the long run because the Bulls will get New York's top draft pick next year and should have at least $15 million to spend on free agents. 'I will never backtrack,' general manager John Paxson said Thursday." -- Arlington Heights Daily Herald
Cleveland Cavaliers
At 21, LeBron's Ahead Of Everyone
"LeBron James turns 21 years old today. Pause for a moment to think about it. Pause, because no one in the 59-year history of the NBA has done more at 21 than he has. No one. At 21, James is playing in his third season. He has logged more minutes (7,629), scored more points (4,649), picked off more rebounds (1,187), handed out more assists (1,191) and gotten more fans out of seats with jaw-dropping dunks at 21 than anyone who's ever played before him. That includes Jordan, Bird and Magic a couple of decades ago. It includes Mikan, Wilt, Kareem and West eons ago." -- Cleveland Plain Dealer
Special Gift For Lebron's Special Day
"LeBron James, who turns 21 today, is not an easy one to shop for. The Cavaliers' star doesn't need my All-Star Game vote. He doesn't want my '97 Honda Accord with 164,000 miles. And, he doesn't like my fashion sense on loan from Michael Moore. I was thinking of giving James something small, but Denver Nuggets coach George Karl would not agree to trade Earl Boykins." -- Akron Beacon-Journal
Detroit Pistons
Pistons Might Be On To Something Truly Special
"But envisioning 70 victories isn't about the players. It's about the sports fans of this city, who just might shake their obsession over the Lions' foibles for a brief second and fantasize about the heights of greatness. It's fun wondering 'what if,' even if the calendar isn't working in your favor. 'All we're focusing on is taking care of our business and taking things one game at a time,' Rip Hamilton said." -- Detroit Free Press
Harper Rooting For Pistons To Reach 72
"Ron Harper is rooting for the Pistons to challenge his 1995-1996 Chicago Bulls record of 72 victories. No, really, he is. 'I tell these guys to take it one game at a time and anything can happen,' said Harper, who was a starting guard opposite Michael Jordan on that legendary Bulls team. 'And if it happens, I will be happy. Because that would mean that I did it twice -- once as a player and once as a coach.' But Harper, and the Pistons, know it's a long shot." -- Detroit News
Hunter's Return Is Close
"Pistons backup guard Lindsey Hunter is nearly ready to come back form his early season ankle surgery. His tentative date of return is set for sometime in the middle of January. Hunter has participated in three-on-three drills during practice for more than a week, and soon should join the five-on-five work." -- Detroit Free Press
Bench Plays Pivotal Role In Victory
"As the media clustered around Detroit starters Chauncey Billups, Richard Hamilton and Tayshaun Prince following the Pistons' 106-101 win over Miami, it was as if Antonio McDyess, who was seated in the middle of the crowd, was non-existent. Being overlooked has become a common trend for McDyess and the rest of the Detroit Pistons bench, a unit that played a pivotal part in the Pistons extending their winning streak to a season-high nine in a row on Thursday." -- Booth Newspapers
Miami Heat
Posey Has Rough Start
"James Posey was supposed to be the defensive stopper to replace Eddie Jones and provide enough offense to take some pressure off the Heat's regular scorers. But through 29 games, Posey was averaging career lows in scoring (7.6), committing a career-high 3.5 fouls a game and allowing Carmelo Anthony and LeBron James to have big nights. Defensively, Pat Riley said Posey, who is averaging a career-low 0.63 steals, is still adjusting to playing within the Heat system." -- Miami Herald
Haslem's Finger Injuries Affecting His Production
"Udonis Haslem's fingers are a mess of twisted digits, and if you take a look at the Heat forward's most recent malady, you might turn away in disgust. His right little finger, the one he broke Nov. 28 against New York, is bent and might never straighten out. He had a huge blister on the second knuckle and there was a danger of infection. .... Haslem, one of the Heat's tough guys, has never been one to complain. So when he says his finger has affected his game a little bit, you can bet it has affected his game a lot." -- Palm Beach Post
Cautious Anderson Returns
"Forward Shandon Anderson was on the active roster again Thursday, a sign he might finally be over the back troubles that have plagued him. Anderson, who will be 32 on Saturday, hasn't played since Dec. 17 and his back has bothered him since training camp, requiring periodic trips to the inactive list. 'I definitely hope to get past it,' Anderson said." -- South Florida Sun-Sentinel
Milwaukee Bucks
Ford Trying To Stay Upbeat
"T.J. Ford is not at all happy that he is going to be sidelined for two or three weeks with a left foot injury, but he knows better than anyone that it could be a whole lot worse. ... Ford, who missed last season with a spinal injury, tried to take an upbeat approach to his current situation after practice Thursday. 'You know, it's feeling good,' said Ford. 'I'm just glad it's something minor and not something really serious.' Of course after what he's been through, minor to Ford might not be minor to another player." -- Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
New Jersey Nets
Nets Not Yet In High Gear
"In just over two weeks the Nets have gone from a team headed for the apocalypse to one going in the right direction. But hold the noisemakers and don't expect them to party like it's 1999 or even 2002, when they reached their first Finals. Despite their stellar end to 2005, the Nets think their growth will be complete sometime in 2006. 'We've beaten some quality teams, but we still have a long ways to go,' Jason Kidd." -- Bergen Record
New York Knicks
Brown vs. Marbury Tried In The Press
"Larry Brown and Stephon Marbury spent another day in a rhetorical standoff, using reporters as their debate forum while curiously declining to confront each other directly. If they have reached an impasse in their young relationship, neither would say so Thursday. But they made no attempt to put a positive spin on it, either. Instead, they each stuck to their respective positions about Wednesday's loss in Orlando, which ended with Brown questioning Marbury's reluctance to shoot and Marbury insisting he was doing what the coach wanted." -- New York Times
Marbury: Don't Trade Me
"Stephon Marbury, in a rare effusive mood, said he's not looking for a divorce. In fact, he gave a panicked plea to Knicks brass and owner James Dolan not to trade him, though he acknowledged the possibility. Trading Marbury will be extremely difficult, as after this season he still has three years and $60.3 million left on his pact. Isiah Thomas said two weeks ago if Larry Brown and Marbury don't click, he will trade him." -- New York Post
Brown Has To Be Held Accountable, Too
"The scapegoats have already been shoved to the front of this clutter. Isiah Thomas is easy, because he assembled this calamity, because his trades have been an endless string of Brock-for-Broglio disasters. Stephon Marbury is even easier, because as much as everyone wants the happy New York ending, he's never looked more unhappy or played more impassively. So far, Larry Brown has been allowed to breeze. That stops now. Because lately Brown has gone about his business with the urgency of man trying to see how quickly he can be offered a buyout, the quicker to make one more end run out of town." -- New York Post
Marbury Gets Right To Point
"Of course, blaming Stephon Marbury alone isn't fair. Isiah Thomas and Larry Brown have to be held accountable as well. Thomas constructed the roster and Brown hasn't done a good job of maximizing it. Thomas, the Knicks' president, is caught in the middle of the Marbury-Brown feud and no doubt advised Marbury to yield to Brown's demands that he be more of a distributor. Thomas probably never thought Marbury would take it to such an extreme. Marbury, who turns 29 in February, appears to be playing like he wants out, and in fact, if not for his bloated contract, he would have been traded already." -- New York Daily News
Orlando Magic
NBA Fashion Police Monitor Magic
"The superstitious Orlando Magic believe that wearing throwback uniforms has brought them luck in the form of three home victories. The practice also could bring them a fine from the NBA. League rules say that selected teams can wear throwbacks a maximum of 10 times this season. If the Magic keep winning and wearing them at home, they will be over the limit soon and subject to disciplinary action from the fashion police." -- Orlando Sentinel
In Magical Game, Skiles Served Hot Dishes
"It was 15 years ago today Scott Skiles of the Orlando Magic took advantage of Paul Westhead's wackiness to hand out a record 30 assists. In a 155-116 road loss, the Nuggets moved wildly up and down court, firing shots, then watched the Magic take the ball the other way. 'They literally just pushed it up, made one pass and shot it,' said Skiles, now the coach of the Chicago Bulls. 'They shot with 18 (seconds) on the shot clock and they missed that night. So there were a lot of long rebounds, a lot of fast breaks.' And a lot of assists." -- Rocky Mountain News
Philadelphia 76ers
Cheeks Surprised By Energized Webber
"Though the statistics show that his production does slip a little bit from the first night to the second night of back-to-back games, Chris Webber, 32 and in his 13th NBA season, has shown Maurice Cheeks that he can sustain his energy and output. 'I'm surprised, just based on what people had said to me about his ability to play back-to-backs and his ability to be strong in back-to-backs,' Cheeks said yesterday." -- Philadelphia Inquirer
Hunter Getting Back In The Flow
"Steven Hunter contributed four rebounds and three blocks in 17 minutes Tuesday night in Denver and came back with eight points and six rebounds in 20 minutes in Wednesday night's 95-91 loss to the Blazers. The rebound total was his highest since Nov. 23, when he took 10 in Milwaukee. 'I told him I thought his effort, the way he approached [the last two games] has been different,' Cheeks said. 'I think he was ready for that change.' No argument from Hunter, 24, who never found his niche with Orlando, where he played three seasons, or with the Suns, with whom he played in a limited role. 'I felt I had a lot of energy, like summer legs or something,' he said." -- Philadelphia Daily News
Toronto Raptors
James Enjoying Starting Point Guard Role
"Mike James has been in full control over the past couple of weeks while the Raptors have enjoyed a modest resurgence that has helped ease some of the sting of what has in general been a draining season. & James said it has been a bit easier on his psyche this season knowing that he was going to receive a lot of playing time on a young Toronto squad and not get yanked to the bench after a bad decision." -- Toronto Globe & Mail
Career Year Has James, Raptors At Crossroads
"Mike James has an option to become a free agent after this season and since he's been enjoying a breakout year there's little doubt he'll make himself available to the highest bidder this summer. But whether the Raptors bid is the question. And if they don't bid, and are going to lose him as a free agent in August, do they put him on the trade market in February since he's one of the most marketable commodities, financially and athletically? ... Complicating matters in Toronto is that the Raptors have Roko Ukic, by all accounts the team's point guard of the future and a guy who can play both backcourt positions, stashed in Europe for this year and probably at least one more." -- Toronto Star
James: I'm Looking For A Home
"Mike James has a player option on his contract for next season. In all likelihood, considering his statistics, he'll opt out and test the market. 'I'm looking for a home,' said James, who started his career in Europe and then spent a season in the CBA. 'I'm looking for a team, an organization, a city that's going to love my game the way I love it. ... I want to just be appreciated.' James feels he has a longer leash this season after many seasons of not being able to play through mistakes." -- Toronto Sun
Washington Wizards
Hayes Out At Least Six More Weeks
"Jarvis Hayes said he will be out at least six more weeks with a fractured right kneecap. After that, Hayes will have the knee re-examined and his status for the remainder of the season could be determined. ... Hayes sought a second opinion after his knee was originally examined by team doctors and has, for the time being, elected not to undergo surgery. ... Last season's injury, according to Hayes, was worse than this one. 'Right now, I can walk around and it doesn't hurt as much,' Hayes said." -- Washington Post
Blatche To Return To Wizards
"This has been quite an eventful year for 19-year-old Andray Blatche. In June, he was drafted by the Washington Wizards. In September, he was shot. And this weekend, he will leave the Roanoke Dazzle and return to the NBA. 'That's what me being here was about, to get in game shape,' Blatche said after the Dazzle beat Florida 111-103. 'This is really helping me out for my conditioning. Everything down here's been great for me.'"
-- Roanoke Times
WESTERN CONFERENCE
Dallas Mavericks
Mavs Cop Defensive Attitude
"It's a constant battle for the Mavericks coaches to get their players thinking defense before offense. So any hard evidence backing them up is like gold. That makes the following statistic a 24-carat nugget: Since the 2001-02 season, the Mavericks are 196-12 (94.2 percent) when holding their opponent to the same or worse shooting percentage. They are 52-96 when out-shot& It's hard to argue with the results. They are 19-0 this year when it's happened." -- Dallas Morning News
Mavs Send Marshall To Fort Worth
"The Mavericks will reassign Rawle Marshall to Fort Worth of the NBA Development League. The 6-7 forward saw action in four games, and the move was expected because of the improved health of Marquis Daniels and Jerry Stackhouse." -- Dallas Morning News
Denver Nuggets
Coach Leaning On Martin
"With Marcus Camby out, the onus falls on Kenyon Martin to give Denver some semblance of presence down low while he continues to recover. Coach George Karl said if the power forward can play at a high enough level, he can expect plenty of game time in the near future. 'Playing him longer minutes, physiologically, he's got to get in shape,' Karl said. 'We're in a Catch-22, where probably he's not in the best of shape.'" -- Denver Post
Golden State Warriors
Opinions Vary On What's Wrong With 'D'
"Perhaps the biggest thing wrong with the Warriors' defense is the fact that everyone has a different opinion as to what's wrong with the Warriors' defense. Guard Jason Richardson sees a breakdown of teamwork as the root cause. Assistant coach Keith Smart feels it's a question of alertness. And center Adonal Foyle, resident egghead that he is, fingers the concept of delayed gratification. There is one thing they all agree on: The Warriors' recent trend of hemorrhaging points like an extra in a horror flick needs to be reversed." -- Oakland Tribune
Housen's More Than An Equipment Manager
"There's no question who holds the title as the hardest working member of the Warriors organization& The crown goes to, in a landslide, equipment manager Eric Housen. 'By far,' forward Troy Murphy said. Housen's duties are far more all-encompassing than his title might suggest. A couple years ago, he took over some of head athletic trainer Tom Abdenour's duties, allowing Abdenour to focus on injuries and recovery. Now Housen, 32, is the Warriors' version of the ultimate utility man." -- Contra Costa Times
Houston Rockets
Younger Lucas Joins Rockets
"The Rockets, overloaded with injury problems, signed John Lucas III on Thursday to play for the team with which his father starred, in the town in which he grew up. 'The news is great,' Lucas said. 'I had the biggest smile on my face of my entire life.' The Rockets presumably did not sign Lucas for that reason alone. With five players including four guards injured, they had been looking for backcourt help." -- Houston Chronicle
Los Angeles Clippers
Front-Court Help Could Be On The Way
"There should be league-wide movement next week as teams waive players before contracts become guaranteed Jan. 10, and the Clippers could find help in veteran players willing to take 10-day contracts. The Clippers would have to waive a player to open roster space. Because of their depth at point guard, the Clippers might waive Howard Eisley, third on the depth chart, to pursue frontcourt help. 'We've talked about a few names,' Mike Dunleavy said." -- Los Angeles Times
Talk Of Snub Circles Brand
"The news about the stellar play of Clippers forward Elton Brand is either going out by Pony Express or there are hardware glitches in scores of home computers. Brand is the only player in the league ranked among the top 10 in scoring, rebounding, field-goal percentage and blocked shots per game. Yet when the second All-Star balloting results were released Thursday, Brand was seventh among Western Conference forwards." -- Orange County Register
Los Angeles Lakers
Bryant's Retaliation Doesn't Help
"Kobe Bryant found himself in a similar situation early in the third quarter Wednesday, taking an elbow to the face from Grizzlies guard Mike Miller that opened an inch-long gash over his left eye. Maybe this time, though, Bryant was a little too intent on payback. He scored 29 of his 45 points after the Miller elbow but went just 13 of 37 from the field for the game& The NBA also said Thursday it is investigating an elbow Bryant delivered to Miller's chin in retaliation with 8:24 left in the fourth quarter. Bryant was called for a flagrant foul and did not hide his intentions afterward. 'I hit first, ask questions later,' Bryant said." -- Los Angeles Daily News
Kobe Showing Nasty Side
"As the pair got closer to the Lakers' dressing room, Kobe Bryant became more uncouth and Lamar Odom, who squared off with the Heat's Gary Payton after Miami's Christmas Day win, answered in kind. That's when Kobe went after Odom. In doing so, he kicked over the lights and a chair holding the TV monitor. Kobe's security force of two quickly intervened and separated the pair. In the locker room they again exchanged heated words and challenges." -- New York Post
Bryant's Cohorts Cite Steep Learning Curve
"Former Lakers guard Derek Fisher offered an explanation late last season for why the Lakers with Kobe Bryant and the Miami Heat with Shaquille O'Neal were having such disparate results. Fisher said it is more difficult to learn how to play with Bryant, who does so many things from so many places on the floor, than with O'Neal. And even with Coach Phil Jackson back this season to space the pieces around Bryant better, many Lakers -- including Lamar Odom -- are struggling to figure out what to do when Bryant is at his most willful." -- Orange County Register
Memphis Grizzlies
Teammates Endorse Stoudamire's Experience
As someone who converted a number of big shots for the Grizzlies last season, guard Mike Miller appreciates Stoudamire's unflappable demeanor. 'He stays in the moment,' Miller said. 'He's a guy who always plays in the moment. Anytime you do that, you've got a chance to make big plays.' Swingman Shane Battier summed up Stoudamire in a word: Experienced. 'There's no one we'd rather have the ball in the hands of down the stretch,' Battier said." -- Memphis Commercial-Appeal
Minnesota Timberwolves
Szczerbiak Rises To New Role
"But this year, given an expanded role by coach Dwane Casey and a point guard (Marko Jaric) who thinks pass first, Wally Szczerbiak's numbers have, after a relatively slow start, taken off. He is scoring 19.9 points per game, which would be a career high. He is shooting 50.7 percent, 42.4 from three. And he has had a December for the ages. He enters tonight's game in Orlando needing only 11 points to become the third player in franchise history to average 24 points per game for a calendar month." -- Minneapolis Star Tribune
Finding Griffin A Spot Not Easy
"After practice Thursday, Eddie Griffin acknowledged he would love to be a starter. He said he can help the Wolves as the starting center, but he's not campaigning for the job held by Michael Olowokandi. Griffin started in place of Olowokandi, who is nursing a sore right elbow, and Mark Madsen, who has been hampered by a back bruise. If anything, Griffin is accepting his role as a reserve and not causing any controversy. 'Like I've always said, I'm not a center, and Kandi, he's a perfect center for us,' said Griffin" -- St. Paul Pioneer Press
New Orleans Hornets
Claxton Isn't Looking To Leave
"Speedy Claxton, who is in the final year of his contract, said he would like to re-sign with the team in the offseason. 'I would like to come back,' Claxton said. 'I love it here. I got some great teammates that I would really call friends not only on the court but off the court. If I did leave, I think I would really miss that. I've had so much fun with those guys.' Claxton did say that he would test the free-agent market, as money would play a big factor into his decision. 'I just want to get a nice contract at the end of this year and just be on a team where I feel comfortable,' said Claxton." -- The Oklahoman
Portland Trail Blazers
They Came, They Played And They Talked
"Tis the season to be entertained by the quotable players of the NBA. And 2005 was a very good year, judging by this collection of nuggets. I like a lot of quote-makers throughout the league, but the MVL (most valuable lip) is right here in Rip City in the form of Ruben Patterson. The veteran small forward is at once born-again and cantankerous, feeling blessed and pissed off, conciliatory and argumentative. Those with notepads and recorders, rejoice." -- Portland Tribune
Sacramento Kings
Peja Prefers His Ailments
Even Peja Stojakovic, who is on his third ailment this season, felt Abdur-Rahim's pain. Stojakovic has recovered from a sprained right little finger and missed a game with a protruding disc in his back. He now is battling a groin strain that might keep him out of tonight's game against Boston. Still, Stojakovic said he'd take his pains over Abdur-Rahim's injury. 'When I heard what kind of options he had, I thought, none of those options are good,' Stojakovic said." -- Sacramento Bee
Seattle SuperSonics
Fortson's Prediction Comes True
"Danny Fortson predicted the NBA would bite back after he was ejected in the fourth period of Wednesday's loss to Minnesota, and it did. The league suspended Fortson two games for failure to leave the court in a timely manner and verbally abusing official Sean Corbin. It's Fortson's second suspension of the season and he has been ejected three times. Sonics coach Bob Weiss said he has called the league to discuss the 'swinging elbows' call that spurred Fortson's disdain with Corbin." -- Seattle Post-Intelligencer
Draft Talk
Hoosiers Bird, Mount Admire Morrison's Game
"Both Larry Bird and Rick Mount admire Adam Morrison's ability to move without the ball, dribble with purpose to get a shot, shoot off the dribble, find creative ways to score against double teams and draw fouls. 'It's fun to watch,' said Bird, who considers him a lottery pick in next year's NBA draft. 'He just moves so well without the ball.' Adds Mount: 'I really like him. It kind of gets my blood pumping a little.' Bird and Mount believe the emphasis of AAU competition hampers individual skills such as Morrison's." -- Indianapolis Star