Latest NBA rumors
NBA Rumors OK, I hate to interrupt all the fun chatter I’ve started with today’s original posting but here’s the new name to add for the Wolves job on a day when the guy who looked like the top candidate, San Antonio asst GM Dennis Lindsey, apparently has withdrawn his name from consideration: Former Miami GM and former Lakers coach Randy Pfund, who has interviewed for the job. Minneapolis Star Tribune
Pat Riley’s former right-hand man is the new name to emerge from a probable list that now includes former Indiana GM David Kahn, Cleveland assistant GM Lance Blanks and perhaps current Wolves GM Jim Stack. But the question is how interested is Pfund in the job, and, after a career spent in L.A. and Miami, would he really live in Minnesota? Minneapolis Star Tribune
Of the four candidates remaining, I’d say Pfund is probably the next choice, but Taylor and CEO Rob Moor might run into the same issues landing him as they did with Lindsey. If I had to guess right now who it ends up being, based on how things are going, I’d say Kahn, who hasn’t been in the NBA since 2002. Minneapolis Star Tribune 
Unable to fulfill expectations this season after finishing with a franchise-record 56 wins in 2007-08, the Hornets are expected to make roster changes this summer. And there appears to be uncertainty about Hornets Coach Byron Scott's return. The Hornets' only public statement is that they plan to evaluate his job performance. When owner George Shinn was asked last week to assess the job Scott has done and if his job is safe for another year, he said it was a loaded question. New Orleans Times Picayune
Scott signed a contract extension last season, but it expires after next season, confirmed by the team Friday. Scott might be granted the opportunity to pursue coaching vacancies this offseason. That could include the Sacramento Kings, who might be interested in Scott, a league source said. New Orleans Times Picayune
It's too soon to predict what direction the Hornets might take, but it's apparent they will make changes to their roster. The Hornets are facing a luxury tax this summer if they keep their existing roster. Under league rules, no offseason trades can occur until July. New Orleans Times Picayune
Utah Jazz president Randy Rigby announced today that the 2009 Rocky Mountain Revue has been canceled. The team will reevaluate the viability of the event for the summer of 2010. The Jazz will be fielding a team at the Orlando Pro Summer League held at the RDV Sportsplex July 6-10. “Since the NBA began its own summer league in Las Vegas, we have slowly been losing participation in our event. The few teams that played in both Utah and Vegas, have now decided to forgo the Rocky Mountain Revue and only attend Vegas for budgetary reasons,” said Rigby. InsideHoops.com 
Of all the 76ers under contract, center Samuel Dalembert seems to have the most tenuous situation.Before the NBA's trading deadline, Dalembert requested a trade, believing he was not being used properly. Sixers general manager Ed Stefanski tried, unsuccessfully, to trade Dalembert, who will be paid approximately $11.4 million next season and $12.2 million the year after. Philadelphia Inquirer
One source close to the team said Dalembert wants out of the franchise. "Right now, he's a member of the Sixers, and we hope he gets better over the summer and works on the things we asked him to work on," Stefanski said. Philadelphia Inquirer
Both Stefanski and DiLeo said they have not discussed DiLeo's possible return as the team's coach, and that they will sit down soon to discuss moving forward. DiLeo said Ratliff's comments - criticizing the coaching staff as "too soft" on the players - would not affect his decision. DiLeo said he thought he did a good job and would only return as coach if he thought it best for the team. "Every decision I made I tried to make it for the benefit of the team," DiLeo said. But despite the unilateral damage control the organization employed for yesterday's season-ending mandatory team meeting, more drama, not less, was created. Philadelphia Inquirer 
Ratliff and point guard Andre Miller, both unrestricted free agents, were no-shows for the final meeting. Andre Miller's agent, Andy Miller, said the point guard's absence was a result of miscommunication but would not go into details. "Andre's absence was in no way a subtle indication to the Sixers," the agent said last night. Further, Miller said after meeting with his client that Andre's top choice is to remain a Sixer. Philadelphia Inquirer
DiLeo said he disagreed with Ratliff's comments. "I saw his comments," DiLeo said. "I don't agree with his comments. We do hold players accountable. I'm not the type of coach who will yank a player after one mistake . . . I don't agree with him." Stefanski said the team had already scheduled final meetings with each player, to be held next week, but the final team meeting was a mandatory team function. Philadelphia Inquirer
Andre Miller earned $10 million this season, and is likely to want a raise and at least 2 or 3 years on a new deal. The Sixers have to love his skill as a quarterback, as a guy who can deftly put teammates in position, who understands what the opponents are trying to do. But, even though they've never said it publicly, they can't be happy with his deteriorating defense. And that might very well be an age factor. Philadelphia Daily News
But, again, factor in the fact that they don't have another point guard. They do have Lou Williams, a combo guard who has played 252 regular-season games and never started one, who came up small in the final two games of the Magic series. The Sixers could draft a point guard or acquire one from within the league or Europe, but that might be the equivalent of starting over, and they already face a monumental marketing and sales challenge. Sadly, Williams' performance in the postseason, at least for now, strengthens Miller's case.Philadelphia Daily News 
The Pistons decided this week to bring back a player who provided some of the season's few bright spots. On the day president Joe Dumars talked about his plans to rebuild the team into contenders, the team picked up the option of backup point guard Will Bynum on Wednesday. Detroit Free Press
On the books for $800,000 next season, Bynum is very good at running the pick-and-roll, and despite standing only 5-10, he's the team's best finisher at the basket. Detroit Free Press 
I expect to see Sergio Rodriguez and/or Channing Frye involved in a trade before next season. Rodriguez has court vision and passing skills that aren’t as appreciated by McMillan as they are by some coaches throughout the league. Frye’s perimeter shot will get him an opportunity elsewhere.Portland Tribune
I wouldn’t be surprised to see Travis Outlaw moved, as well. He provided plenty of regular-season offense, and his character is beyond reproach, but after six years in the league, his defense is still spotty, and his .318 playoff shooting offers questions about his future in Portland. Portland Tribune
Those within the organization crave a little more toughness up front. Asked what kind of personnel additions he’d like to see, Roy said he hadn’t given it any thought. “Not that much, really,” he said. “Maybe a banger, a power forward, a rebounder in back of LaMarcus. Something like that. Portland Tribune 
Longtime Atlanta Hawks radio announcer Steve Holman created a media storm with his comments during Game 5 in which he mocked Dwyane Wade and referred to the Heat's physical play as "thuggery." Holman was mobbed by reporters following Atlanta's shootaround on Friday afternoon and expressed disbelief that his comments caused so much controversy. "It's amazing," said Holman, who has called Atlanta games since 1985. "This poor old radio announcer has done these games for 24 years in mostly anonymity, and the funny part of it is I've done the same thing for 24 years. I've had the same shtick." Palm Beach Post
Among other comments during Game 5, Holman accused Wade of trying to hurt Hawks forward Maurice Evans, made light of Wade's first-quarter head injury and said the Heat "resorted to thuggery" after a hard foul on Hawks center Al Horford. Palm Beach Post
Heat-Hawks: This isn't great basketball. This isn't even great theater. And injuries have whittled it so Friday's game brought the anticipated match up of Joel Anthony and Atlanta's Solomon Jones at center. But any series that goes the distance, even ugly ones like this, develop a certain personality. And therein lies the fun. There have been moments. To answer the Atlanta team announcer who labeled the Heat as "thugs" in Game 5, Heat personnel wore black shirts to Game 6 with "Thug" printed on it (and to ensure nothing happened a security guard was posted by him at Friday's game). South Florida Sun-Sentinel
To answer the on-court stuff, Wade and Udonis Haslem took over the Heat film session. They covered everything from Smith's through-the-legs dunk attempt at Game 5's end to the lack of defense. "The message was, 'We've got to take it personal,'" Haslem said. "They're calling us out, like in a pick-up game, where they say, 'OK, let's go after this guy.' Then, 'Let's go after this guy.' We better take that personal." South Florida Sun-Sentinel
This game had a few physical moments but was not as testy as Game 5. The Heat left Atlanta with bad feelings after Josh Smith showboated on a dunk attempt late in that game. This time, Smith was reduced to pushing Heat center Jamaal Magloire late and then earning a technical foul for ranting as the Hawks came undone. The Heat, meanwhile, kept its cool and posted the sixth double-digit victory of the series in as many games. Michael Beasley and Mario Chalmers had big parts in it. Wade had called on the rookies to play with intensity even if they weren't making shots and they complied. South Florida Sun-Sentinel 
Don't expect a Willis Reed moment for Kevin Garnett in Game 7 against the Bulls tonight, or as long as the Celtics are alive in the postseason. Team president Danny Ainge said yesterday via text message there are no plans for Garnett to play until next season. Garnett has not played since March 25 in Orlando because of a right knee sprain. He is expected to have bone spur surgery on the knee, and had been holding off in hopes of returning. Garnett suffered the injury at Utah Feb. 19. While coach Doc Rivers early on had left open the possibility of Garnett returning this season, he recently likened the odds to that of winning the lottery. Boston Globe
There will be no further action against Celtics guard Rajon Rondo and Bulls guard Kirk Hinrich for their altercation late in the first quarter of Game 6, said NBA spokesman Tim Frank. With 28 seconds remaining in the quarter, Rondo and Hinrich collided on the right side of the court. Rondo grabbed Hinrich's arm and pushed him against the scorer's table. Hinrich then shoved Rondo before referee Ed Malloy stepped between the players as they exchanged words, with Hinrich bounding around like a boxer. Boston Globe
It’s evident in the stitches inside Paul Pierce’s nose, as well as those inside Brad Miller’s lower lip. It’s evident in an NBA-record four overtime games this first-round series, including a Game 4 that went to double OT and a Game 6 that went to triple OT. Five games have been decided by three points or less; in those, there have been 105 lead changes and 65 ties. It’s evident in the way Rajon Rondo [stats] pushed Kirk Hinrich into the scorer’s table during Game 6 on Thursday in Chicago, and then received a forearm to the throat in response from the Bulls guard. Boston Herald
“It’s both,” Perkins said of the mental and physical toll the series has taken. “Guys playing 50-plus minutes is different. They’re well-coached, and we just have to be ready for whatever. “Mentally it’s hard. You can’t sleep after games like (Game 6). The hardest thing is watching film - knowing that you have to watch the game and see all of your mistakes. But it gets you motivated to come out and do it right the next game.” To that end, coach Doc Rivers gave the team a break yesterday. Boston Herald
He may be banged up and fatigued, but Paul Pierce has played through tougher situations and performed better. The Celtics need their captain to be a factor on every possession tonight. Whether it’s taking the ball to the basket and making Salmons work or drawing the defense and kicking the ball to others, Pierce cannot be the queasy quotient he’s been through far too much of this series. The Celts should own the Pierce-Salmons matchup at both ends of the floor, but it hasn’t worked out nearly to the extent the C’s -- and the Bulls -- expected. Boston Herald
There is no way to make a truly informed prediction in a series like this, so let's put it this way -- The Bulls can win Game 7 in Boston on Saturday night. Will they? Well, they could easily lay an egg, miss important shots or break down defensively at the wrong time. But they've played three competitive games at the Garden, winning once, and are 3-1 in overtime games during this season. Playoff pressure and a hostile environment haven't bothered the Bulls yet and shouldn't in Game 7. Arlington Heights Daily Herald Blog
Here's what Kirk Hinrich had to say about his missed layup with 21 seconds left in the third overtime, which gave Boston possession trailing by 1. Replays were inconclusive, but it's possible Rajon Rondo was guilty of goaltending on the play. His hand was definitely in the cylinder after the ball hit the backboard. “That was my first thought, 'He had to.' Because I couldn't believe it didn't go in. I was already running back,” Hinrich said. “Somebody said he might have taken it off or hit the rim. I was just shocked and hoping that didn't end the season for us.” Hinrich was rescued by Derrick Rose blocking Rondo's jumper with about five seconds on the clock.Arlington Heights Daily Herald Blog
Celtics-Bulls: Both TNT and Comcast SportsNet posted record ratings for Game 6. TNT earned a national 3.5 rating with 4,048,000 households and 5,352,000 total viewers making the game the most watched Round One NBA game in cable television history. The game was also cable's No. 1 telecast for the evening in households, total viewers and key adult and male demographics. Comcast SportsNet drew a local 6.35 household rating; approximately 222,000 households for the entire game and scored a 10.3 peak rating during the 9:45 p.m. quarter-hour (approximately 360,000 households). So far through five first-round game telecasts, over 757,000 Chicago TV homes have watched the Bulls-Celtics series on CSN. Chicago Sun-Times
Bulls coach Vinny Del Negro laughed when he deadpanned: ''It is the best [series] I have coached.'' Del Negro played 14 years professionally, 12 in the NBA. ''Playing is different than coaching,'' he said. ''I had a lot of great series playing with the San Antonio but nothing like this with overtime and guys making shots." Chicago Sun-Times
The Dallas Mavericks are bracing themselves for a physical playoff series with the Nuggets. Well aware that Denver's first-round series against New Orleans included 13 technical fouls and four flagrant fouls, the Mavericks are prepared for the Nuggets to come out aggressive and, yes, even a bit chippy. "They play hard, and sometimes on the edge," Mavericks star Dirk Nowitzki said. "But, hey, this is the playoffs. . . . They've got some guys who like to talk and play physical. So I'm sure something, sooner or later, is going to happen." Denver Post
The bench has been among the Nuggets' strengths, but Dallas can more than match it. Led by NBA sixth man of the year Terry (19.6 points per game), the Mavericks' 37.9 points per game off the bench led the league. Dallas' reserves averaged 31.4 in the first round. "The bench has to be a factor, like it was in San Antonio, just because you know they're going to try to take our key guys out of it," Terry said. "So the bench has to be consistent." Denver Post
Kenyon Martin admits that Dirk Nowitzki, the next NBA star on his playoff menu, has an advantage. "He's taller than me, of course," Martin said of the Mavericks' 7-foot forward. "But I think I make up for height in other ways." At "other ways," he raised his eyebrows and grinned. The wretches knew what he was talking about, but just in case, he spelled it out: "Hold him, grab him, push him, whatever you can do." Martin held court following Nuggets practice Friday for longer than any other player. He seemed to enjoy it, which is quite a contrast from some of the tense interview sessions he conducted during his first four seasons in Denver. Denver Post
"Every day I would wake up with a bad attitude," Martin said. "You can't walk without hurting. I can't do my job. That makes for bad days. I had a lot of them the first four years I was here." For a long time, if you wanted to insult former general manager Kiki Vandeweghe, you just mentioned the max contract he gave Martin back in 2004. Denver Post
"Here was Kobe, not only being a diligent student of the game, but also trying to set me at ease as a coach," Coach K wrote. Later in the book, he makes mention of Bryant's commitment to defense from the very beginning of training camp. Bryant arrived in Las Vegas two days early, tracked Krzyzewski down at dinner and asked him for a favor. "I want you to let me guard the best player on every team we face. And I promise that I will destroy him," Krzyzewski recalls Bryant saying. In the team's first practice, Bryant went even further. "Without saying a word, Kobe made another statement. Throughout the entire practice, he did not take a shot. Not one," the coach writes. LA Daily News