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Wednesday, August 27

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Warriors guard Monta Ellis has injured his ankle and may need surgery, one source told HoopsHype.com. Ellis, who averaged 20.2 ppg and 5.0 rpg last season, recently signed a $66 million contract with Golden State. HoopsHype.com

Ellis was scheduled to undergo surgery on his left ankle in Alabama on Wednesday, according to team sources, after he informed the club late last week that he had injured himself working out. More specifics about how Ellis sustained the injury were not immediately available. Surgery is needed to repair a torn deltoid ligament, sources said, and the foot will need to be immobilized for the first six weeks. ESPN.com

He had surgery this morning. The first six weeks he has to be off his ankle. Then the next six weeks he would be able to work on the side. That’s three months before he can get on the court and practice with the team. So it’s looking like mid-December, maybe even January, before Ellis is in the lineup. Then there’s the issue of him getting in game shape. Contra Costa Times

If both of those go well, in 3 months, Ellis will begin on-court work–and obviously probably will be far from ready to go in games. That puts the timetable for his recovery at more than 3 months, almost certainly, and I’d guess 4 months is the ABSOLUTE MINIMUM. Four months from now: Late December. The Warriors are expected to have a conference call this afternoon to discuss the situation with the media. San Jose Mercury News

Side note: I wonder if Marcus Williams had any clauses built into his Warriors deal that triggered off bonuses if he started 40 or more games this year or led the team in assists? Because if Williams stays healthy, he will start more than 40 and he will lead the team in assists. San Jose Mercury News

German champion Alba Berlin has signed free agent guard Casey Jacobsen, who played for the NBA's Memphis Grizzlies last season. "Jacobsen has qualities that are going to be a big help to our ambitious plans," Berlin coach Luka Pavicevic said Wednesday. International Herald Tribune

Nobody in Europe -- where execs, agents, fans and media are still trying to get their heads around the $20 million, three-year deal Childress inked with Olympiacos -- is close to offering that kind of contract. Yet. "I think that we have to be realistic," Euroleague CEO Jordi Bertomeu told ESPN.com in his first public comments since the Childress signing. "I don't like to dream where there is no room for dreaming and, of course, there could be some kind of exception in the future. "But we cannot say that the European market, at the level we are at right now, is ready to afford this kind of challenge. The fact that one specific owner can take a very exceptional decision and present this kind of offer [to Childress] does not represent the level of our league. [Bryant or James] would be out of our expectation. It's easy to dream, it's nice and it's cheap but it is not realistic. "If we are ready, at some point, to offer these amounts of money to the best players in the world then I will be the happiest man in the world, but for me, it is much more important to continue growing with stability and a solid base." ESPN.com

How many could afford to pay James or Bryant? Fewer still. Although … "This is what is different for American people to understand," Gherardini said. "The difference in the system, the difference in running the business. Over here [in Europe], the owner falls in love with his own team, he is entitled to do whatever he wants, pour as much money as he wants into the team. There is no cap, no salary limit. "It's very difficult for American people to understand that you can go out and try to sign a player you fall in love with. In the NBA, we talk about restrictions, brought in by the salary cap and rules, but here the owner dictates the philosophy of his club." ESPN.com

Do I understand correctly that you asked to be let out of an NBA contract to play in Europe? Please tell me the story ... Loren Woods: I asked to be let out of my contract with the Houston Rockets because I felt there would be more of an opportunity for me in Europe. I appreciate the Rockets working with me to let that happen. ESPN.com

There have been stories about players overseas not getting paid, or being treated badly. Has that been a concern for you? Loren Woods: I haven't worried much about not getting paid or being treated badly because I have faith in my agent, Jason Levien, that only reputable organizations will be presented to me. Having that faith and player-agent relationship has really helped make my decisions easier and more clearly visible. ESPN.com

It’s an interesting conundrum. Rod’s blog is great exposure for him (who’d heard of Rod Benson a year ago?), promoting his name in front of not only readers and hoops fans but also scouts and GMs and coaches. At the same time, I understand his concerns. Recently I was in an NBA locker room, talking with an NBA journeyman who I’d never met before but who was very entertaining and a great storyteller. I was sitting there in a locker room with him, listening to his hilarious stories about life playing in the NBA, and I told him he should write a blog (on SLAMonline, of course). He didn’t even have to think about it. “No way,” he said. “Never. Sorry.” When I asked why he was so dismissive of the idea, he said, basically, that his position in the NBA was too tenuous to risk alienating any GMs or owners who might be interested in handing him $1 million to sit on a bench for nine months. SLAM

Head coach Mike Woodson's contract came to an end after the season, and there were plenty of rumors about the Hawks replacing their coach. Wilkins knew right away that rather than look at Avery Johnson, Mike D'Antoni, or any of the other big name head coaches, he needed to make sure Woodson's voice was still the one pointing the way for his troops. "Continuity is going to be big," Wilkins tells HOOPSWORLD. "I think with some of the new additions and some of the experience our young guys have gotten, continuity is going to be big. Now our guys have gotten a taste of winning and winning in the playoffs. Bringing back Coach Woodson was a great start to our offseason." HoopsWorld

Olympic gold medalist and Heat guard Dwyane Wade has renewed his endorsement deal with McDavid Inc., Illinois-based maker of HexPad protective apparel Wade routinely wears. After a three-year deal signed in 2005 expired, Wade has signed on to promote the company for another two years, the firm announced this week. Financial terms were not disclosed. South Florida Sun-Sentinel

Milwaukee Bucks forward Charlie Villanueva is working with Crocs, Inc., to launch a recycled footwear donation program for impoverished children in the Dominican Republic. Villanueva, who was born in the Dominican Republic, said he's hoping to bring 10,000 pairs of the Crocs to kids in that country. Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

Maybe Knicks point guard Stephon Marbury should have consulted Sean Combs before he bought himself a private jet. Marbury - in the last year of his Knicks contract, which will pay him another $21 million - is said to have plunked down about $45 million for the aircraft. But Combs, who already owns a jet, isn't using it because fuel costs have skyrocketed. New York Post

Blazers' "Make It Better" tour has been cancelled. Kevin Duckworth and team founder Harry Glickman had planned to host a free kids' basketball clinic and visit with fans and broadcast affiliates as part of the Trail Blazers' "Make It Better" Tour today in Astoria. The group planned to visit KKEE 1230 AM, the Trail Blazers radio affiliate then host a free basketball clinic for kids ages 7 to 13 at Tapiola Park. Daily Astorian

And I'm told Mbenga, who worked out in Miami on Monday, has a minimum-level offer to return to the Lakers. But he hopes to get a somewhat sweeter offer from Miami and expects to hear from Riley and Co. as early as Wednesday. Miami Herald

And that's what makes the Heat's recent flirtations with the Jamaal Magloires, D.J. Mbengas and Lorenzen Wrights of the world so painfully necessary for Miami. Tuesday updates revealed that Magloire was still waiting to hear back from the Heat after last week's workout. Wright continues to explore his options around the league. Miami Herald

Though Dwyane Wade suggested Mario Chalmers would be Miami's starting point guard as a rookie, the Heat isn't close to assuming that will happen but will give him a chance to compete against Marcus Banks and a possible veteran addition. Miami also expects Chris Quinn back. Miami Herald

Brad Newley wants to feast on the NBA. The athletic shooting guard - fresh from his Olympic campaign with the Boomers - is hoping to hear from the Houston Rockets after impressing in Beijing. "I've had a little bit of a chat with them (Houston officials)," said Newley, drafted by the Rockets at pick No.54 in 2007. "My agent will have a good chat with them soon but I'm going to go back to Greece next week, hopefully I have a good season and move on from there (to the NBA)." News.com.au

Sean Singletary has tasted much of pro life already. Being traded twice in a month would sour any rookie's outlook, but his deals went down sweet when he wound up with Phoenix. Singletary, who turns 23 in 10 days, once revered new teammates Grant Hill, Steve Nash and Shaquille O'Neal. Just check the basement of his Philadelphia home, where a "Shaq Attack" pinball machine sits. "It's kind of surreal," Singletary said. After four years at Virginia with more ACC losses than wins, joining Phoenix's title quest is a throwback thrill. "I haven't been on an elite team since I was 12," he said. Arizona Republic

SLUC Nancy signed Rod Benson. ProExposure

Great Britain Basketball [GBB] officials fear that the insurance problems that are preventing Luol Deng, the Chicago Bulls forward, from playing for his country will rule him out of the 2012 Olympic Games in London and even put Britain's involvement in the tournament in doubt. The sport's governing body has seven days to find $500,000 (about £272,000) for an additional insurance premium if Deng, who is an ambassador for London 2012, is to take his place in the qualifying campaign for next year's European Championship A division finals, starting against Israel in Tel Aviv a week today. Times

Exhaustive work has produced a quotation of $500,000 for supplementary cover and GBB officials are working on the assumption that they will have to unearth a similar fee every summer between now and the London Olympics to allow Deng to play - a total cost of $2.5million for a programme that runs on an annual budget of about £1.5million. “This is a devastating blow,” Chris Spice, the GBB performance director, said. “If Luol doesn't participate this season or any other season leading up to London, there is no question our involvement is in doubt. The world governing body [Fiba] has not been very specific, but we know from discussions that we need to be playing in the A division tournament in Europe to be given a place in the Olympics. Times

Dirk Nowitzki will not play at the Eurobasket next year. Orange

Mr. Wade, a star player for the Miami Heat, and Ms. Williams, the tennis sensation, courted the Chinese media, chatted online with Chinese sports fans, and strategized with their agents about how to tap into the rising Chinese market. “It’s something we talked about in anticipation of his coming here for the Olympics,” said Henry Thomas, Mr. Wade’s agent. “We talked about what we could do to raise his profile here.” Mr. Thomas was in town, wining and dining sponsors. New York Times

“We’ve been treated like rock stars here,” Mr. Wade said of the United States basketball team during a break in practice during the Olympics. He emphasized that he was in Beijing to win the gold for Team U.S.A., but he did say: “You never know what kind of opportunities there could be here. This is an unbelievable market.” New York Times

This year, Nike even produced a reality television program, “Kobe’s Disciples,” that was broadcast on China’s biggest television network. It featured 24 Chinese youths living and training in the United States and getting tips from Mr. Bryant. “The reason Kobe is as big as he is here is not an accident,” Charlie Denson, Nike’s brand president, said in an interview in Beijing. “Kobe realized some years ago that the China market is a great place to be. And he’s been here consistently, every year, for five or six years.” New York Times

Here comes the problem: Why did the referees not make these calls in Beijing? It is obvious that at the Olympics, the teams have to play with FIBA rules, and that TEAM USA HAD to travel just because they are used to different rules. When you play basketball every day, you are not thinking about your steps - you just know them - so Team USA really had to travel, just because they do it - according to FIBA rules, of course - every single day in NBA games. BallInEurope.com

We know now, that Team USA did travel at least 5-10 times a game, but the referees did not call it, but would that have changed the outcome of the Olympics? I don’t think so. Still, why did the referees not make those calls? Any referee in a 5th division team in Europe would have made the calls that you saw in the video. I just hope there wasn’t any “higher” influence. BallInEurope.com

Collison was working out just days before a trip to South Africa for an NBA Basketball Beyond Borders program. He is still stung by the team's relocation. "It's just a weird feeling. It's going to be something new but I have been (in Seattle) my whole career," he said Tuesday after a 20-minute workout. "I was watching (the trial between the city and Sonics) real close. I knew the decision was supposed to come out on July 2 and they announced the settlement and I was kind of shocked. From what everybody was saying, (the city) was not going to accept a buyout. At that point it was just shock." Seattle Post-Intelligencer

"The front office has kept us informed on anything they know and the people of Oklahoma City have been really great, they've been really helpful," Collison said. "We haven't seen players but that's the way it is in the offseason. Even if we were in Seattle, I would still probably be the only one here." The 6-foot-11, 250-pound Collison is not hard to spot walking around Seattle, and he embraced the city. "A lot of people just say they are sad to see us leave," he said. "They say a lot of nice things about me personally. That's the toughest thing for me. We're a part of the NBA. We accept this. But the fans are left with nothing, so that's who I feel the worst for, the diehard Sonics fans who have been around for a long time." Seattle Post-Intelligencer

"I love living here, but even when there was this possibility two years ago, I said we have no control over where we are going to play," said Collison, the Sonics' first-round pick in 2004. "I'm torn because I love the city personally but I also can't dwell on it. I can just look forward and be excited about the season." Seattle Post-Intelligencer

"Obviously things haven't gone the way many people expected since the brawl and Reggie (Miller) retired," Foster said recently. "You would see that by how we played and the lack of support we got from fans." Indianapolis Star

Foster insists better days are ahead. The roster transformation is almost complete. More players have spent the summer in town, working out at Conseco Fieldhouse. All-Star Jermaine O'Neal has been traded, albeit perhaps a couple of years too late. "It was tough because Jermaine really didn't want to be here the last couple of years," Foster said. "It was tough to become a team when your best player did not want to be on the team." Indianapolis Star

Foster isn't calling the Pacers contenders, but he likes the motivation. Players such as T.J. Ford and Roy Hibbert have something to prove. Mike Dunleavy and Troy Murphy are trying to show they can lead a playoff team. "There are a lot of guys that are new to this and want to be part of the culture change," Foster said. "You have holdovers that are hungry . . . There's been a black cloud over us the last few years. We're ready to have a nice sunny day." Indianapolis Star

By the end of this week, Lakers guard Kobe Bryant is expected to decide when he will have surgery to repair the ligament damage in his right pinky finger. Bryant initially suffered the injury Feb. 5, in a game against the New Jersey Nets. However, instead of opting to have immediate surgery, Bryant he chose to play through the remainder of the season, the playoffs and NBA finals, and the recently completed Beijing Olympics. Orange County Register

Oklahoma City's NBA team has hired Ken Adelson, an architect in building NBA Entertainment and NBA TV, to develop its production department and TV and radio networks. Oklahoman

When Detroit Pistons fans bang their "Thunderstix" this season, the sound may be the same but the noisemakers will look different -- no more Rock Financial logo. The Michigan-based mortgage lender is no longer the major sponsor for the Detroit Pistons, the NBA team and The Palace of Auburn Hills said Tuesday. "It's been a fantastic relationship, and they will still be involved in advertising in some way, but they have decided to end their presenting sponsorship with the Pistons," said Dan Hauser, executive vice president for Palace Sports & Entertainment Inc., which operates the team and The Palace. Both are owned by billionaire businessman William Davidson. Detroit News

Palace Sports is in talks with two metro Detroit companies to replace Rock Financial as the presenting sponsor for the upcoming season, said Dan Hauser, executive vice president for the team and Palace Sports. He declined to name the companies or reveal their industry sectors. Mike Dietz, president and director of Dietz Trott Sports & Entertainment in Bingham Farms, estimated the Rock-Pistons deal at between $1 million and $2 million. “It’s definitely a seven-figure deal,” said Dietz, a former vice president of sales and marketing for Detroit’s Ilitch Holdings Inc., which owns the Detroit Tigers and Detroit Red Wings. Crain's Detroit Business

Petrie mentioned that he was impressed with Michelle Obama's speech Monday night at the Democratic National Convention in Denver, and then revealed his own personal interest in the upcoming race: It's the Princeton connection, of course. Michelle Obama's brother, Craig Robinson, also played for Petrie's mentor, Pete Carril at the Ivy League school. Robinson is the new head basketball coach at Oregon State. But what I wanted to know is this: Are the Princeton ties sufficient to bring Carril back into the "Democratic" family? The Kings consultant - now living near his family in New Jersey - voted for George W. Bush in 2000, but later acknowledged his lapse in judgment. Best guess here is that Obama can count on Coachie this time. Sacramento Bee

Former NBA star and Sen. Barack Obama (D-Ill.) supporter Charles Barkely was in Denver Tuesday attending the Democratic National Convention. Barkely says that Obama is a friend of his and the highlight for him will be Obama's speech on Thursday. "I've never been to a convention before and this is awesome," said Barkley. 9news.com

When asked if he would be campaigning with Obama he responded, "He knows all he gotta do is pick up the phone." 9news.com

Samuel Dalembert bought a 8,380-square-foot, 6.5 bath home at 899 N.E. 76th St. In Boca Raton for $4 million from Renato Chiavi and his wife, Julia, on July 31. The Chiavis paid $2.95 million for the property in Oct. 2003. The house was built in 1983. South Florida BlockShopper

Is Jason Kidd next? OK, he'll still play for the Dallas Mavericks this season, but the footwear he'll sport no longer will have the Swoosh. Before making his trip back to the U.S. after the Beijing Games, Kidd announced he will wear shoes made by Peak, a Chinese company, and ditch Nike. The timing on Kidd's departure is interesting, because the market in the U.S. has been flooded recently with many of his old retro classics. Kidd also spent a brief time sporting Jordans in his career. Kidd isn't Peak's first U.S. acquisition. If you visit the Peak Web site, you'll notice another familiar face: Shane Battier. Not to hate on Peak and sound like a total Nike homer, but from a design standpoint, these shoes are variants. A few are just poorly masked copies of sneakers offered by AND1 and adidas. SportingNews

Allan Houston, who's expected to play this upcoming NBA season for the Phoenix Suns, released a letter to his supporters for their prayers and emails as his daughter Jade underwent heart surgery on August 13th. Eurweb.com

Former NBA player Wayman Tisdale had part of his right leg amputated Monday because of bone cancer. Tisdale, 44, revealed on his Web site that the surgery was scheduled for Monday. His wife, Regina, told The Associated Press on Tuesday night the surgery had taken place as planned. "Everything went well," she said. ESPN.com

On his Web site, Tisdale said removing a portion of the leg would be the best way to ensure that the cancer would not return. "This may sound drastic, but I have put it in God's hands and now have peace, knowing that this is the best way to put this disease in check," he said. "I have complete faith that with the Lord's blessings this surgery will eliminate the cancer from my body and I'll soon be back on the road doing what I do best." ESPN.com

Tisdale had the cyst removed, had knee replacement surgery, then began chemotherapy. "The hardest thing for me ... was when the doctor told me that I was going to have to take it easy for a while,” Tisdale said in an interview earlier this year. "I was like, ‘I don't know how to take it easy.' ” Oklahoman

"There's a lot more music inside me,” Tisdale said, "and once I am back on my feet, I look forward to sharing my joy with my fans, friends and fellow musicians.” Oklahoman

Kevin Duckworth, a two-time NBA All-Star and the starting center on two Trail Blazers Western Conference championship teams in the early 1990s, died Monday night during a visit to the Oregon Coast. He was 44. Oregonian

An autopsy was scheduled for Wednesday morning at the state medical examiner's office in Clackamas, but a preliminary investigation by the Lincoln County sheriff's office found no signs of foul play. Shortly before 10 p.m. Monday, medical personnel responded to a 9-1-1 call from Salishan reporting an unconscious man, later identified as Duckworth. Oregonian

He appeared to have gone into cardiac arrest and paramedics tried to resuscitate him for 30 minutes, but he never regained consciousness. Duckworth, who had planned to oversee a free basketball clinic for kids Tuesday as part of the "Make it Better" tour, was pronounced dead at the scene at 10:23 p.m. Oregonian

"I'm just numb and sad," said Terry Porter, who played alongside Duckworth with the Blazers and is now coach of the Phoenix Suns. "This is a young man, a very loving, caring young man who was just a big, soft teddy bear. He loved everybody and never did anything wrong to anybody. He would have given the shirt off his back to anyone who needed it." Oregonian

“I’m numb,” said former teammate Jerome Kersey, who flew back from Virginia, where he was visiting family, to Oregon after learning of Duckworth’s death. “All through last night I kept waking up and thinking, ‘Did I dream that? It just can’t be.’ “ Portland Tribune

Former Blazer broadcaster Bill Schonely was in Pendleton with Duckworth and Kersey last month. “I’m just stunned,” Schonely said. “I can’t begin to tell you what a nice man he was. He loved people, and he was a big hugger. When you got hugged by Kevin Duckworth, you got a real hug. “Duck was the unsung hero on those great Blazer teams in the early ‘90s. He was a big part of their camaraderie, an all-around great guy.” Portland Tribune

A few weeks ago, he said his “dream job” would be to serve as a scout for the Blazers. “When I talked to him recently about doing something in a little more of an official role for the organiation, he got emotional,” Rose said. “He had teased Jerome when he had left to join Terry Porter as an assistant coach with the Milwaukee Bucks. (Duckworth) said he was never going to leave Portland.” Portland Tribune

Duckworth never married and had no children. The Blazers were his family. “He was like a brother to me,” said Rose, who said she remembers sitting in the lobby at 700 N.E. Multnomah St. – the former site of the Blazer offices – with him in December 1986. “We grew up in the organization together. He loved this team. “When he got home from the trip to Eastern Oregon, he couldn’t stop talking about the people’s response. Everywhere they went, they were rock stars. Fans were so happy to see he and Jerome. He told me the best part of the trip was getting to travel with Jerome, that he had missed spending time with him.” “We spent five days together,” Kersey said. “We talked about everything.” Portland Tribune

A 7-footer who battled weight issues throughout his 11-year-career, Duckworth succumbed while representing the Blazers at a basketball clinic in Lincoln City, Ore. The two-time All-Star is best known for anchoring Rick Adelman's Portland teams that reached the NBA Finals in 1990 and 1992. More importantly, he will be remembered as one of the nicest men in the league, and much to the delight of journalists, a genuinely entertaining, thoughtful character. After one particularly subpar playoff performance, for instance, he spent most of an interview session talking about his passion for fishing and his plans to become a "worm" farmer when he retired. Instead, he ran a construction company, owned a restaurant and pursued his love for hunting and fishing. Sacramento Bee

"He was a gentle giant, a real sweetheart of a guy," recalled Petrie, who joined the Blazers front office shortly into Duckworth's tenure with the club, "and he was a very effective player on a great team. He had a soft touch, a little jump hook, and face-up jumper. In his best years, he could actually run well for a guy his size. Toward the end of his career, he really struggled with his weight. It wasn't something he wasn't aware of, and it doesn't take away from the spirit of the man. It's so sad, such a premature passing." Sacramento Bee

Rick Adelman’s voice reflected plenty of emotion as he spoke about Monday’s death of Kevin Duckworth. “It’s a sad day for anyone who knew Kevin, just because of the type of person he was,” said Adelman, who coached Duckworth during the center’s seven seasons in a Trail Blazer uniform. “When someone that genuine, with such an honest personality, leaves us so early, it’s a tragedy.” Portland Tribune

Adelman says he will miss Duckworth the person. “He was so likeable,” the veteran coach said. “You say that about people, but it was really true with him. Nobody disliked Duck. He was very sensitive, but he would do anything for you. People loved the guy.” Portland Tribune

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Tuesday, August 26

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Former Portland Trail Blazer Kevin Duckworth has died. The Lincoln County Sheriff's Office confirmed that Duckworth, 44, died Monday in the town of Kernville near the coastal town of Lincoln City. News Radio 750 KXL

The Blazers said Duckworth was representing the team on a 19-city tour of Oregon. Team president Larry Miller says he'll be remembered by fans as 1 of the most popular and recognizable players to ever wear a Blazers uniform. WAOW.com

He was one of my all-time favorite players to cover for a variety of reasons. Because of his weight, he was often a target of fans and I don’t know if too many people understood how much those taunts hurt him. At times he was very open with his feelings with me and we developed a bond over the years. Kevin Duckworth was just a big kid and his feelings were easily hurt — by coaches, teammates and players. He was sensitive, and I found something very human and endearing about that. He had a great sense of humor, loved to laugh and didn’t have a mean bone in his big body. DwightJaynes.com

While the Griz were courting Smith they also had trade discussions regarding New York Knicks power forward Zach Randolph. Those discussions — mostly internal – are still ongoing as Randolph has been made available. The Griz are willing to part with Darko Milicic (last year’s big free agent signing) in a package that wouldn’t require a core player (OJ Mayo, Rudy Gay, Mike Conley, etc). What the brain trust seems to be debating is whether Randolph fits the Grizzlies’ style on and off the court. Memphis Edge

Portland has been calling. The Trail Blazers want a point guard and are willing to part with Travis Outlaw (Starkville native) to get a floor general from the Griz. It’s probably more likely that the Blazers would want Conley — and not Kyle Lowry — in this scenario because Conley is the purest point guard in the bunch and Portland could pull off a reunion with former teammate Greg Oden. Memphis Edge

Speaking of Lowry, I haven’t heard that he is on the move to Miami or anywhere else. The Griz seem more inclined to keep Lowry because of his defensive ability and toughness at a time the team wants to improve in those areas. Memphis Edge

While Cassell’s days in Boston are likely done, [PJ] Brown told Metro he hasn’t ruled out a return. The belief is he’d once again wait until the second half of the season if that’s the case. CelticsBlog.com

The Celtics announced today that they have signed first-round draft pick J.R. Giddens. The 6-foot-5, 215-pound swingman from the University of New Mexico is expected to help fill the void left by the departure of free agent James Posey, who joined New Orleans July 16. Posey is the only major piece the defending champions lost in the offseason, and Giddens, as well as fellow rookie Bill Walker and free agent signee Darius Miles, will be called upon to fill Posey’s role. Boston Herald

Adam Haluska will resume his basketball career overseas. The 2002 Carroll High School graduate and former University of Iowa star has signed with Israeli state cup winners Hapoel Jerusalem. Haluska, who was to arrive in the capital of Israel this morning, with his wife, Kendra, and 2-month-old daughter, Jerzey, said the decision to head overseas was difficult. "It was a tough decision to make that jump to head overseas, Haluska told the Times Herald in an interview Friday. "But it's the right situation, and it's the right team, in my opinion, so my family and everybody is pretty excited about this. And, you know, we're looking forward to heading over to Jerusalem." CarrollsPaper.com

I won't rehash the whole thing for you, but the bottom line is Sloan was the lead assistant for the 1996 Olympic team. Everyone figured he would get the top job in 2000, given USA Basketball protocol going back to the Dream Team days. But Sloan was bypassed in favor of Tomjanovich for the head coaching job in Sydney. The snub was a result of politics, personalities and backroom maneuvering and left the veteran Jazz coach as upset and disillusioned as I have ever seen him, mostly because he did not know what he did wrong. Salt Lake Tribune

Sloan has told me that being the Olympic coach no longer interests him -- not after what happened to him almost a decade ago. But time heals most hurts, and I'm guessing Sloan would consider coaching the national team, if Colangelo comes calling, which he should. Salt Lake Tribune

The Griz aren’t too concerned about the Achilles injury Milicic suffered last month. All Milicic apparently needs is rest so he reportedly won’t rejoin the Serbian national team for a qualifying tourney for next year’s Euro championship. Memphis Edge

The Rockets were a top team, he insists, before he was added to the mix. "They had a great team," Artest said on Monday. "I always tell people if Yao was in the playoffs and Rafer (Alston) was healthy they win in the first round. I didn't want people to forget about that. But definitely, this year I definitely make them better." Houston Chronicle

A Getty Images picture that mistakenly leaked out of the NBA's rookie symposium last month showed a blue Magic uniform that featured wide-paneled pinstripes on the jerseys. Also, the necklines of the new uniforms appear to have been significantly altered. The Magic wore thin pinstripes on their jerseys until 1999. Magic Chief Operating Officer Alex Martins told FLORIDA TODAY earlier this month the uniform designs were complete and the new look would be ready by the upcoming season. Martins also hinted a black "alternate" uniform could be used for certain games. Florida Today

Baron Davis: But I'm so proud of our guys. That was truly the way to rep Red White and Blue. It would be an honor to play for the gold in London 2012 to keep the Olympic title where it belongs, here in the US. What a dream come true. I can hear the crowd now chanting: USA USA USA! Yardbarker.com

Baron Davis: BTW, Spain balled their asses off - can't wait till Rubio makes it to the league. He's a gem. Portland should be nice too, with Oden AND Rudy Fernandez coming in (did you see that nasty one-hand over Dwight Howard, are you kidding???) Yardbarker.com

With the Heat's training camp starting a month from now, Wade deserves a recess before he serves as foreman of the Heat's reclamation job. And he'll get one. "One thing you want to do is relax," Wade said after his flight landed at Opa-Locka Executive Airport on Monday. "We’ve been going for a month, been preparing for it for three months. Relax. Enjoy it. But we start training camp this time next month. I’m looking forward to this season. But I do need to relax my mind and body some before we really get into it." Miami Herald

Asked about the 2012 London Olympics, the smile that had traveled halfway around the world turned into a grin. "It's not even an option in my mind right now," he said. "I'm happy with this one and I'll think about that in four years. Right now, I'm just excited that I was healthy enough to play in this Olympics and contribute and to win the gold medal." South Florida Sun-Sentinel

The Miami Heat will honor gold-medal-winning guard Dwyane Wade with a public ceremony Thursday at noon at AmericanAirlines Arena, when an Olympics/Wade banner will be unveiled alongside the team's division and championship banners. Admission and parking in the arena's P2 garage will be free, with those in attendance receiving a commemorative Wade poster. South Florida Sun-Sentinel

That was how long the homecoming flight from Beijing through Anchorage and Minneapolis-St. Paul to South Florida took, with the Miami Heat guard emerging today on the tarmac at Opa-locka Executive Airport as radiant as when he helped lead the United States to a gold medal in Sunday's Olympic men's basketball championship game. "I can get used to it. I'm going to get used to it. I'm going to have it on for a little while," the Heat guard said, still beaming after Olympic teammate Carlos Boozer of the Utah Jazz departed the airport for his Miami home and Olympic teammate Dwight Howard of the Orlando Magic remained on the charted flight for the short hop to Orlando. "It's just great. I've seen a bronze before, and it looks nothing like a gold, I tell you that." South Florida Sun-Sentinel

"We were just on the plane, saying, 'Wow,' " he said of the trip with his fellow Olympians. "You look at it, you get an opportunity to look at the gold, and you just say, 'It's real.' A lot was put into this. A lot of years, a lot of hours were put into this, and to finally have it is a dream come true." South Florida Sun-Sentinel

"It's the biggest thing for me ever," LeBron James said. "I got to the NBA Finals, and I thought it was pretty big for me. But winning an NBA championship never would compare to winning a gold medal for my country." Arizona Republic

On the very first possession of his Bryant’s first game against Venezuela, he pounced on point guard Greivis Vasquez, a rising freshman at Maryland who had missed a triple-double by one rebound in his first game at Cameron Indoor Stadium. Bryant tipped the ball away, dove on the floor after it and when Vasquez got it back, jumped up, stole Vasquez’s next pass and started a fast break the other way. “That’s the clip Coach K always uses, Kobe diving on the floor,” says Ronzone. “You’re talking about an MVP player in the NBA who just made a statement to USA basketball… And what that did is it took our defense to another level. What you’re seeing is something that started last summer in Las Vegas, which is amazing.” HoopsHype.com

“I really do believe from everything I know from people I respect, the people in the world thought the American teams didn’t respect them,” says Colangelo. “Didn’t respect them as teams, as individuals, arrogant, that kind of thing. And that had to end... “From those first meetings with players, I said, ‘Look, this is what people think of us. We have to change this. We have to come in with a whole new attitude. We have to show respect for our country, show respect for our team, show respect for our opponents. And anything less than that’s not going to fly.’” HoopsHype.com

Old foes like Gaze and Lithuania’s Sarunas Jasikevicius who had bristled at their old arrogance, noticed the difference. “I think they’ve been outstanding, the way they’ve conducted themselves,” said Gaze, doing TV at Beijing. “They may be coming from a fairly low base from some of their predecessors in the way they’ve gone about it…. “I think they’ve really taken on the challenge, not only to resurrect the reputation of what goes on the court but what goes off the court.” HoopsHype.com

"I was pretty young (in 1992), but to me there was only one Dream Team," Pau Gasol said after Spain's loss. "That team inspired a lot of young people to want to go and play basketball. This team is very good, close to that team, but I don't think there will ever be anything like that team again." ESPN.com

"I might be a little biased," 1992 U.S. Olympic team coach Chuck Daly said Monday on his cell phone, "but I don't think anyone could beat us. Our team was full of Hall of Famers, legends. A number of our guys had won NBA championships. Plus, we had that mystique, and that's never coming back." Sacramento Bee

After more than an hour on a runway in Beijing, China, 12 more hours in the air, an hour clearing customs at O'Hare Airport and three more waiting for a connecting flight, Spurs star Manu Ginobili arrived at San Antonio International Airport late Monday night and discovered the truth about heroes. When it comes to lost luggage, Olympic medalists get no special favors. Missing were three of the four bags Ginobilli and his wife had checked in Beijing, China, where Ginobili had collected a bronze medal as the leading scorer for the Argentine Olympic team. "Yes, they can lose my bags, too," Ginobili said. "I actually got 25 percent -- three out of four." San Antonio Express-News

Ginobili said Popovich had not questioned his decision to play in the Olympics, despite the injury in Argentina's loss to the United States in the Olympic semifinal round. “That's how it felt from 8,000 miles away,” Ginobili said. “He understood, and I was truthful from what I said from the beginning. I felt great for a month-and-a-half. I guess it was going to happen sooner or later, and it did. So now I have a month to rehab it.” San Antonio Express-News

The intent is to sharpen the international game and to make it more uniform from one hemisphere to another, at all levels of play. But the changes will undoubtedly provide a subtle lift to a United States team that probably needs no help. “I think it’s going back to our roots and will be more of an advantage to us,” said Tony Ronzone, USA Basketball’s director of international player personnel. He added, “It will help us and our game in international competition.” New York Times

The rectangular lane can be expected to encourage players to develop a post-up game. “This obviously is going to change kind of the style of game, and probably give more room to the post-up players,” said Zoran Radovic, the development director for FIBA who formerly starred for Yugoslavia. “Every winning team in the N.B.A. has a dominant center. In Europe, a dominant center is not that much of an effect under current rules.” New York Times

When asked if he would be interested in defending the gold at the 2012 Olympics in London, Krzyzewski did not seem too eager to jump back into the red, white and blue. Krzyzewski simply wanted a chance to get back home to Durham and catch his breath after three years with Team USA. "I want to really enjoy this," Krzyzewski said. "I'd like to say thank you and put [Team USA clothing] to rest for a while, for good-and to get back to being a North Carolinian, the Duke coach.... I'm anxious to be home." The Chronicle

"This game says a lot about us and how deserving we are of this medal. It got away from us, it's a shame, but we are very happy," Spanish star Pau Gasol, who scored 21 points, said, adding that he was "proud" of his teammates. "It was a beautiful game to play. We were very close. We had chances during the entire game," Gasol, who plays for the NBA's Los Angeles Lakers, said. "They had to give more than 100 percent, nearly 200 percent, because if not, they wouldn't have won," Spanish guard Jose Manuel Calderon, who did not play in the final, said of the Dream Team. SportsYa.com / August 24

Some of the Spanish players were unhappy with the officiating. "I think we deserved to win the gold medal because we did an incredible job. If it hadn't been for the officials, we'd have the gold instead of the silver," center Felipe Reyes said. "If they had blown the whistle for the steps they take, the defense with the hands they use and had blown the whistle on everything, it's clear that we would have won. We got to within three points in spite of the referees, and if they'd been good, we would have won, pretty clearly," Reyes said. "If the referees had followed FIBA rules, we would have won, but we are very satisfied with the silver," Reyes, who scored 10 points, said. SportsYa.com / August 24

Spanish forward Carlos Jimenez has announced he will no longer play with the Spanish National Team. Jimenez, 32, collected six medals with Spain throughout his career, making him the winningest player in National Team history. ACB.com

Head coach Aito Garcia Reneses is leaving the Spanish National Team for Unicaja Malaga. El Pais

Hours after a rally celebrating the acquisition of Ron Artest on Monday, the Rockets made a far more subtle roster move, sending guard Sean Singletary to the Phoenix Suns for second-year guard D.J. Strawberry. Singletary, who was chosen with the 42nd pick of the Draft in June, had been acquired in the deal for Artest, but was not part of the Rockets' plans. His contract would have become partially guaranteed at the end of the month. Houston Chronicle

He is expected to be with the Rockets in training camp and in the preseason. His contract is non-guaranteed unless he makes the opening night roster. "He's got a shot to make it," Rockets general manager Daryl Morey said. "He's different. He's athletic, can really defend multiple guard spots. Phoenix was starting to use him at the one. That's where he'll be unique. He might have a chance to catch on in the league even he was just at the two just from his defensive ability. "If we feel like he can (handle the point offensively) then we feel like we got something there." Houston Chronicle

It had become clear Strawberry would not have much of a chance to play this season and his agent, Bill Duffy, suggested recently that he would not discourage Strawberry from going elsewhere. Arizona Republic

I assume there’s been no news on this, but are you still talking with Lindsey and is he still making up his mind? Joe Dumars: We are definitely still talking. My BlackBerry just went off and that was Lindsey’s agent saying can you give me a call. It’s in real time. Pistons.com

If Lindsey decides not to come back, would you leave that 15th spot open? Joe Dumars: Yeah, we would not look to just run out and fill it. We are in no big hurry to fill the 15th spot. It’s a plus if you can find someone you really like at that 15th spot and if that’s Lindsey, then so be it. But it’s also a plus if you leave that roster spot open, because you never can tell what might come down the pike. So it’s a pretty good position to be in because you can be pretty selective about what you want to do. Pistons.com

Artest had arrived, bringing his reputation from his nine often tumultuous NBA seasons. The Rockets had become his fourth NBA team. But never before had he been so embraced. "It just showed what type of city Houston is," Artest said after the brief mid-day rally at Toyota Center on Monday. "It just showed me I'm definitely going to be in an arena that's full of energy, full of excitement. Having a chance to have those fans on my side, instead of against me, is going to help me play better. "It was special. It's only August. When we start winning a whole bunch of games, I can imagine how it's going to be." Houston Chronicle

Artest was happy to play along. "A lot of players, some of my friends, were like 'Houston is a problem, now,' " Artest said. "Like that old saying goes: 'Houston, we have a problem." Now, other teams in the league, they have a problem. "Right now, I'm playing with two all stars, two future Hall of Famers in their prime. And I've gotten better. I'm better now than I was five years ago, even than when I got defensive player of the year. Everybody's in their prime. This is my best opportunity to put a ring on my finger and help Houston get another championship." Houston Chronicle

It's official: the Lakers signed Sun Yue on Monday, adding to their depth in the backcourt and increasing their collection of international players. Sun, a 6-foot-9 point guard from China, agreed to a two-season contract earlier this month but delayed signing on the dotted line until after the Beijing Olympics. Financial terms were not disclosed. "He's really looking forward to (joining the Lakers)," said Charles Bonsignore, Sun's agent. "The Olympics gave him kind of a boost. He's optimistic and, obviously, a little bit excited." Los Angeles Daily News

We were outside by the In-'N-Out truck enjoying ourselves when Eric Musselman walked up to say hello. We were outside of the Pump Brothers Coaches retreat, which was part of the whole weekend experience, so there were coaches saying "hi" to us the entire time. Musselman was a different story to me though. See, the last time I saw him, actually the very last time I saw him, was right after a three-hour mini-camp before I was to leave for Vegas with the Sacramento Kings back in 2006. Everyone had all of their bags packed and were waiting for us in the locker room so that we could board the bus to the airport quickly after practice. On my way to the locker room to shower and get my things in order, Musselman called me and Odartey Blankson over to speak with him. "Guys, thanks for coming, but we won't be needed you to make this trip with us," he said with a stern face. Yahoo! Sports

Two years later here he was being friendly and smiling; it was awkward for me to see him. It was like seeing an ex after a rough break-up. After he left, I told the guys from EA how awkward it was. I told them that the only other person who had released me from a team was Lawrence Frank. Almost as if I had said some magical words, Coach Frank and Musselman appeared in front of me, talking to the EA guys about camps and a number of other things. I was now surrounded by people who essentially had direct control over my immediate future and made the decision to send me down the hard road. Yahoo! Sports

I bring this up for two reasons. First, an article came out on SI.com recently that pretty much explored the negative side of blogging, a side I had recognized, but hadn't taken so seriously. To quote the article: "As successful as Benson has been with his creative endeavors, the possibility exists that they could have a negative impact — that the stigma of being a blogger could actually keep a talented 6-10 athlete out of the NBA. Says Benson's agent, Bill Neff, 'One GM told me that [the blog] was a red flag, and he wasn't the first. There's an insecurity, from NBA guys, about the blog that shouldn't exist, because Rod is just hysterical. People may end up looking at him less seriously, even though he averages more rebounds per minute than any pro other than Dwight Howard. Instead of thinking of that, [GMs] may be saying, 'Do we want this guy writing about us?'" Yahoo! Sports

My personal opinion is that if a team that wants to sign a guy like me, or already has a high profile blogger signed (Gilbert Arenas, Donovan McNabb), and they have a problem with the content of the blog, they will go to that player directly. I mean if you really think about it, many guys have been signed to teams with much higher red-flags on their social resume than a blog. I even know of a former D-League player who is banned from the D-League for life who is signed to an NBA team right now. Yahoo! Sports

The second reason I bring this up is because, I have, over the course of the last few months, been more reserved with what I write on Ball Don't Lie. A big part of that was my closer proximity to NBA teams. I guess while in the D-League it's easy to speak about the team and the city because I know all of them. It's much tougher to be so candid when you don't know how the people who are potentially signing you view the material that you put out there. I mean, heck, my BEST stories from Vegas, such as the "Rubber Ducky Escape", will only grace the pages on TooMuchRodBenson.com for that very reason. I even debated writing about Musselman and Frank just because you never know, you know? It is my full understanding of the old phrase "don’t bite the hand that feeds you" that leads me to censor myself at times. Yahoo! Sports

However, Lakers spokesman John Black reported Monday that Bryant has not decided when he is going to have his finger mended. According to Black, Bryant planned to take a few days to contemplate the situation, upon his return from the Beijing Olympics. Orange County Register

Olympic rookie Patrick Mills is keeping his options open about nominating for the NBA draft despite earning rave reviews for his Beijing performances and being hailed as a future NBA player by the American coach. The speedy point guard returned to Australia on Tuesday for a brief break before starting his second year at St Marys University in California. The `baby' of the Boomers squad, who turned 20 just two weeks ago, was still undecided whether he would opt to go into the NBA draft after his second year in college. "It would be good to finish the four years and get a degree at the end of it, but if bigger and better things do come around, I'll weigh the options," Mills said. TheAge.com.au

Oklahoma City general manager Sam Presti announced several additions to the new NBA team's front office staff on Monday.