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NBA Rumors: Friday, May 9
InsideHoops NBA rumors updated 9:25 a.m. ET.

It remains to be seen if Chauncey Billups will play in Game 4 on Saturday. But the nature of how Billups suffered a strained right hamstring injury in Game 3 along with an extra day off in between games increases the chances of his availability. Billups suffered the injury less than four minutes into Detroit's 111-86 loss at Orlando. He was driving to the basket and started to lose his balance when he was fouled by Jameer Nelson. Billups wound up doing a ballerina-like split which led to the injury. Michigan Live

Pistons coach Flip Saunders said his team will have a game plan that includes Billups playing, and one in case he's unable to play. Billups, who isn't expected to be involved in any contact between now and Game 4, said the hamstring felt no different on Thursday than it did shortly after the injury Wednesday night. "It's sore," he said. "We'll see what happens." Michigan Live

Bernie Bickerstaff, the original architect of the Charlotte Bobcats' basketball operation, is leaving the franchise, the Charlotte Observer has learned. Bickerstaff served the team's first three seasons as both coach and general manager/president of basketball operations. After the 2006-07 season, he stepped down, taking the title of executive vice president. In that role, Bickerstaff scouted extensively in preparation for the 2008 draft and acted as an adviser to managing partner Michael Jordan. Charlotte Observer

Bickerstaff could not be reached for comment Thursday, but a source with extensive knowledge of the situation confirmed that Bickerstaff is leaving. It was unclear whether he'll work for the team through next month's draft. It was initially unclear whether Bickerstaff, 63, is interested in continuing his career in basketball. Reports out of New York have speculated he might be a good fit for the Knicks' front office or coaching staff. Charlotte Observer

A source familiar with that situation said Bickerstaff pursued an alternative deal with Portland, looking to trade the fifth pick and a future first-rounder (the pick Toronto owed them that eventually became Jared Dudley last spring) for No. 3. The Trail Blazers considered that option, then ultimately dealt the third pick to Utah, which selected Williams. As Bobcats coach, Bickerstaff made his players accountable to each other, on the logic that no one on an expansion team should get away with being a prima donna or slacker. Bickerstaff made the difficult decision to cut shooting guard Kareem Rush late in the team's second season, after determining Rush's attitude was a problem in the locker room. Charlotte Observer

In their latest round of discussions with Mike D'Antoni's camp, the New York Knicks on Thursday outlined the parameters of the lucrative five-year deal they're prepared to give their new No. 1 coaching target, according to NBA coaching sources. ESPN.com

But the latest estimates on the five-year package New York is prepared to formally put on the table fall in the $30 million range. Although that figure had been projected Wednesday by coaching sources to be even more "staggering," it's a level of annual compensation exceeded by only a few coaches in the game, such as Phil Jackson and recent retiree Pat Riley. ESPN The Magazine's Ric Bucher, quoting a source close to D'Antoni, reported on SportsCenter early Friday that D'Antoni is leaning toward taking the New York job. ESPN.com

Knicks president Donnie Walsh, through a team spokesman, said Thursday night that the Knicks have not offered "anyone" a coaching contract. But sources close to the process insisted the Phoenix Suns coach, who celebrated his 57th birthday Thursday, has had advanced discussions with the Knicks about leaving the desert for Manhattan. ESPN.com

It's a two-horse race. Sources indicated yesterday Knicks president Donnie Walsh is torn on whether to offer the job to the star coach available, Mike D'Antoni, or take a slight gamble on someone with no head-coaching experience, Mark Jackson. New York Post

The Bulls, who remain very much interested in D'Antoni, have yet to extend him a contract offer. A source close to the team's search said general manager John Paxson is sticking to his plan and not worrying about how much time it takes for the process to play out -- even if a bona fide candidate such as D'Antoni is hired elsewhere while Paxson is interviewing others. Chicago Sun-Times

It's unclear what would happen if D'Antoni can't reach an accord with the Bulls or the Knicks, since Phoenix refuses to fire him and pay off the rest of his contract and since D'Antoni won't walk away from the money. But sources indicate Suns management -- as D'Antoni has been saying privately for days -- has no interest in trying to bring him back as coach given the public deterioration of his relationship with his bosses and an even more public crusade to find a new job. ESPN.com

Donnie Walsh refuted an Internet report that the Knicks were preparing to make Phoenix Suns coach Mike D'Antoni a "staggering" offer to succeed Isiah Thomas. New York Daily News

But sources close to the process contend D'Antoni remains determined to go to Chicago as long as the Bulls assemble a quality offer. D'Antoni is scheduled to earn $4 million and $4.5 million in the final two seasons of his Suns contract. ESPN.com

Paxson is believed to remain interested in talking with Avery Johnson, who was fired by the Dallas Mavericks last week, as well as some assistant coaches on playoff teams, such as the Boston Celtics' Tom Thibodeau. Chicago Sun-Times

D'Antoni's agent Warren LeGarie admits the Knicks' money could be the deciding factor if owner James Dolan is willing to spend it. Dolan has told commissioner David Stern he will spend what it takes to get the Knicks out of their laughingstock ways. LeGarie flew from Greece to New York on a connection to San Francisco, but did not meet with Walsh. It is believed they talked via phone. "It's still play for pay," LeGarie told The Post. "(The offer) is still a factor. You want to feel wanted. You want to feel recruited." New York Post

The corresponding proposal from the Chicago Bulls -- the team many still favor to land D'Antoni -- is expected by Sunday at the latest, sources said. ESPN.com

One of the reasons D'Antoni is at odds with Suns management is that Phoenix GM Steve Kerr is disappointed with the team's defense. "He doesn't emphasize defense and he's non-confrontational," said a coach who has worked with D'Antoni. "In New York you've got to have someone who is confrontational and can stand up to these guys. Scott Skiles would have been that guy. And I think Jackson is that guy as well. Mike is an innovative offensive mind but to me he just doesn't fit in New York." New York Daily News

Contacted yesterday, Marbury, rehabbing in Los Angeles, did not give an endorsement of either coaching candidate. "I like whoever Donnie sees fit for this team," Marbury told The Post. "I think he has a great feel for what we need, and to go where all of New York wants us to go. There is a new process of how things are going to be so I'm going to follow his lead and allow his expertise to come into play." New York Post

"The way I look at it, Mark Jackson could reach Stephon Marbury," said a person who knows both men. "Stephon will be a big part of the equation if the Knicks are looking to be competitive. He's in the last year of his contract he's got to play well or he is done. Mark is a point guard and a New York City guy. I think Jackson would get automatic respect from Marbury." New York Daily News

It's still unclear who Phoenix will pursue to replace D'Antoni. Team president Steve Kerr insists he's years away from considering a coaching job, TNT analyst Doug Collins said Wednesday night he has "no interest" in being a head coach again in this league and NBA coaching sources told ESPN.com the Suns do not plan to consider recently fired Dallas coach Avery Johnson, who also appears to a back-burner candidate at best in both New York and Chicago. ESPN.com

The Bulls are expected to pursue a less experienced (and thus less expensive) alternative to D'Antoni, namely Boston Celtics assistant Tom Thibodeau, if a deal can't be struck. ESPN.com

The Dallas Mavericks' courtship with Rick Carlisle extended another day without consummation, but it does appear to be coming soon. Donnie Nelson, the Mavs president of basketball operations, responded to a text message Thursday night and said, "No," a deal had not been completed. It appeared Wednesday that both sides were very close. The Mavs anticipated holding a news conference today to introduce Carlisle as the franchise's new head coach. That will have to wait. Fort Worth Star-Telegram

Although the Dallas Mavericks have yet to officially announce the hiring of a new head coach, Cavaliers coach Mike Brown yesterday endorsed the candidacy of Rick Carlisle, for whom Brown served for two seasons (2003-05) as associate head coach of the Indiana Pacers. "I knew he'd get a chance to come back," Brown said of Carlisle, who is the leading candidate to succeed the fired Avery Johnson in Dallas. "He's a very good coach and his track record speaks for itself." Boston Globe

Knicks president Donnie Walsh and Mike D'Antoni's agent, Warren Legarie, did not meet Thursday as was reported elsewhere and the team said it has not made a contract offer to the Phoenix coach of the last four-plus seasons. This suggests that the Knicks and D'Antoni will go their separate ways — D'Antoni almost certainly to Chicago and the Knicks probably to Mark Jackson — or the Knicks won't let him use them to procure more money from the Bulls. Bergen Record

With deposed Dallas coach Avery Johnson apparently no longer a Knicks' candidate, that leaves Jackson, the presumed first choice until preliminary talks with D'Antoni commenced, to replace Thomas on the bench despite his lack of prior coaching experience. Bergen Record

In his annual postseason news conference, Wizards President Ernie Grunfeld said his summer priorities are to retain Gilbert Arenas and Antawn Jamison, praised the coaching efforts of Eddie Jordan and his staff, and listed health, continuity and the development of the team's young players as keys to next season. Grunfeld put a positive spin on Arenas's statement, via his blog, that he won't return unless the Wizards retain Jamison, who is an unrestricted free agent. "It's good because we're on the same page, because we want to sign Antawn and we want to sign Gilbert," Grunfeld said. "I kind of like that he's supportive of his teammate, he's supportive of Antawn and that's been our plan all along. So, I'm glad to see everybody in the organization on the same page." Washington Post

Teams can begin negotiating with free agents on July 1. Arenas, who has said that he plans to opt out of the final year of his contract in order to become an unrestricted free agent, has until that day to file the necessary paperwork with the league. Jamison and Arenas have said that they would like to return, and Arenas has repeatedly expressed a desire to see Jamison taken care of first. On March 30, Arenas went so far as to suggest that he'd take less money if it would ensure Jamison's return. Washington Post

Jamison earned $16.3 million this season, the final year of his deal. Arenas made $11.9 million this season and could earn $12.8 million next season if he does not opt out. If Grunfeld is successful in retaining Arenas and Jamison, the Wizards could look very much like the team that has made the playoffs four consecutive seasons but has been eliminated by the Cleveland Cavaliers for the last three. Washington Post

Guard Roger Mason Jr., the team's only other free agent, could sign for more elsewhere. And the Wizards might be looking to free up more playing time for Nick Young, who averaged 7.5 points in 15.4 minutes while showing flashes of being a big-time scoring threat as a rookie. Washington Post

Grunfeld (Wizards) has no firm mandate from team owner Abe Pollin to remain under the luxury tax threshold, which was $67.9 million this season. Teams that go over the threshold must pay a dollar-for-dollar tax. Following the season, that money is pooled and split among the teams that remained under the threshold. Washington Post

The Spurs can’t stop Chris Paul, and they know it. But the moment they gave up trying was also the moment they gave themselves a chance to win this series. Four NBA championship banners hang in the AT&T Center, raised to the rafters mainly with blocked shots, rebounds and defensive stops. If there is to be a fifth, it will be lifted on layups and jumpers and a willingness to run when others expected the Spurs to walk. This team still belongs to Tim Duncan, but not the way it once did. Now, it isn’t a disaster to allow 100 points per playoff game, as the Spurs’ opponents are averaging this postseason. It isn’t automatically the goal anymore to slow the other team down. And perhaps most strikingly, it’s no longer the top priority to stop the other team’s best player. San Antonio Express-News

Parker blew by Paul whenever he wanted, got to the rim almost as often, and finished with 31 points and 11 assists. His penetration opened the floor up for the Spurs’ 3-point shooters, and he even swished a couple of jumpers to keep the Hornets honest. And afterward, when talking about his dizzying, no-defense-required, back-and-forth shootout with Paul, he reacted like few of Popovich’s players have before. “Hopefully,” he said, “the fans like it.” San Antonio Express-News

Duquesne basketball junior forward/center Shawn James, who has declared early entry to the 2008 NBA Draft, on Thursday told InsideHoops.com editor Jeff Lenchiner that he has signed with agent Steve Cronin. This ends James' college playing days; he's officially going pro and not looking back. "I want to enter the draft knowing I'm going to give it my all. That this is what I'm going to do, turn professional and play on the next level," said James to InsideHoops.com. An offensively-versatile, super-defender, James' college career began at Northeastern in 2004-05. In 24.8 minutes per game, James shot 63.3% from the field and averaged 10.3 points, 7.6 rebounds, 1.0 steals and a ridiculous 5.4 blocks. InsideHoops.com

The 6-foot-10 James previously submitted his name as an early entry to the draft but had not signed with an agent until doing so Thursday with Steve Cronin. Hiring an agent eliminates any chance of James playing again in college. "Shawn's a great kid and I wish him great success as a pro," Duquesne coach Ron Everhart said Thursday night, confirming James' departure, which was first reported by insidehoops.com. "Nobody deserves more success than Shawn James." James, who turns 25 in September, played two seasons under Everhart at Northeastern before sitting out the 2006-07 season to transfer to Duquesne. During that redshirt season, James was shot in the left foot following an on-campus party on Sept. 16, 2006. Four other teammates at the time were also shot. AP/ESPN.com

There were reports that Spurs assistant general manager Dennis Lindsey would interview soon for Atlanta’s vacant general manager spot. Lindsey said before Thursday night’s game at the AT&T Center that he heard about the reports, but had not heard from anyone in Atlanta and did not believe anyone in the Spurs organization had been asked for permission to speak with him. San Antonio Express-News

Magic PF/C Marcin Gortat said he will go home to Poland to visit for 10 days after the season and then return to play for the Magic's summer-league team, coached by Patrick Ewing. Orlando Sentinel

Remember how James changed that with his spectacular performance in Game 5 and remember how the Cavs rallied and won four straight games to win the series? It could happen again. "This is very similar to Detroit [series]," James said. "We found a way to win in Game 3 in Detroit last year. Home court has been a good place for us this season and we've got to approach it that way." Cleveland Plain Dealer

Bryan Colangelo is trying to make peace with Spain. The Raptors launched a multi-million lawsuit against the Spanish Basketball Federation over an insurance claim regarding Jorge Garbajosa's leg injury and season-ending surgery, but the president and GM met with Spanish officials last weekend to try for a settlement. "We're working toward a resolution and I'm hopeful the meetings were received as productive," Colangelo said yesterday. Toronto Star

Microsoft mogul Steve Ballmer has been subpoenaed by attorneys for the Sonics owners. In a filinig dated April 28, Ballmer's attorney Llewelyn Pritchard acknowledged receipt of the subpoena. It's believed that Ballmer will be deposed even though the discovery process was supposed to have concluded April 30. Ballmer led a local investment group that offered to pay $150 million toward a $300 million KeyArena renovation project and buy the team from Clay Bennett. Seattle Times

When the Pacers convened for that first practice after the NBA meted out suspensions and fines, Brown said he had trouble recognizing the cast. "I'll tell you what, at first I thought it was going to be difficult, but after Rick's speech, it was like him doing the Jedi mind trick," Brown said during yesterday morning's shootaround at TD Banknorth Garden. "I was like, 'Yeah, we're going to win with, uh, what's your name again? Britton Johnsen? Yeah, we're going to win with you, Britton Johnsen, and what's your name again?' " Boston Globe

Seattle SuperSonics general manager Sam Presti didn’t take long to replace departed assistant general manager Scott Perry. Presti announced Thursday that former Utah Jazz player personnel director Troy Weaver is joining the Sonics as the assistant general manager. Weaver replaces Perry, who spent one season with Seattle before returning to the Detroit Pistons as their vice president of basketball operations. Tacoma News Tribune

The Heat also could have other small forward options beyond Marion. Miami must decide whether to re-sign free agent Ricky Davis, the lone Heat player to appear in all 82 games. And among cost-effective free agents available could be Golden State's Mickael Pietrus, who drew interest from the Heat last summer as a restricted free agent. Incidentally, the trade for Marion might also benefit Wright because it changed the dynamics of the offense. New coach Erik Spoelstra plans to run an up-tempo system. He mentioned Wright among the core he expects to thrive in that style. Miami Herald

But Wright's agent, Calvin Andrews, anticipates this 6-9 swingman will still attract some suitors. Wright said he is ''about a month'' from resuming basketball workouts. He had considered playing in the July NBA Summer League until the Heat's staff advised him to sit out. ''They know the injury he had is not a serious injury,'' Andrews said. ``It's an injury you can bounce back from. But mentally, you want to see a guy back on the floor, so that's important going into free agency.'' Miami Herald

Several factors have forced Utah to try and dig out of large first-half deficits in its two defeats to Los Angeles. In Game 1, the Jazz scored eight points during a close to eight-minute span in the second quarter and fell behind by 17 points before halftime. In Game 2, Utah played defense like matadors early in the contest, falling behind by 15 points in the first quarter. Coach Jerry Sloan said to blame, well, everything for Utah's poor starts. Deseret Morning News

Deron Williams believes his team has learned its lesson from starting slow in the first two games, and that it will play with more urgency after the opening tip tonight. The Jazz got some encouraging signs from Williams in the second half of Game 2, as he went to the basket hard, and finished on several occasions. "We're at home, number one," Williams said. "We'll have the energy of the crowd on our side. We just have to make a conscious effort to get off to a better start. That basically cost us both games. We just got to come out with a lot more energy and intensity, and be able to defend them." Deseret Morning News

Ashton Kutcher told ESPN he doesn't hear the look-alike questions as much as Kyle Korver does. "You know what? I hit the big stage before Kyle Korver did, so I don't think I get it as much as he does," Kutcher said. "He's a couple years younger than me." But Kutcher is well aware of the resemblance. "He's my doppelganger," he said to ESPN about the Jazzman. Deseret Morning News

According to guard Deron Williams, a change of scenery will help the Jazz: "It will probably be a little different because we're at home, No. 1. We'll have energy [because] the crowd will be on our side this time. "We have to make a conscious effort to get off to a better start because that's what has cost us both games. . . . We've got to come out and be willing to defend them. We can't allow them to keep shooting 50 [or] 60 percent." Salt Lake Tribune

But Carlos Boozer used the dreaded noun to describe what he's going through in these playoffs. Even at the risk of having to add a quarter to the "Naughty Word Jar," Boozer admitted Thursday that he is indeed experiencing a mind-boggling (close your ears!) "slump." He's bothered by it, badly wants to work out of it, says his team is suffering and struggling in part because of it, and knows it couldn't have come at a worse time. "I am in a shooting slump," he said. "I am frustrated." The Jazz's slumping power forward couldn't even go to sleep after Wednesday night's 120-110 Game 2 loss — which put Utah in an 0-2 hole against the Los Angeles Lakers in this Western Conference semifinal series — until about 6 a.m. Thursday. Deseret Morning News

Boozer: "For me, I'm a 20-10 guy all night long, and not to be getting those numbers bothers me," he said Thursday morning at the Zions Bank Basketball Center. Even more bothersome than not getting his usual double-double — he's only grabbing 9.5 rebounds a game against L.A. as well — is the fact his team has fallen twice to the Lakers while his shots have fallen anywhere between Santa Monica Boulevard and Manhattan Beach but not often in the basket. Deseret Morning News

Hearing the refs call his number so often is another big bother. Because of his foul woes, Boozer played less than seven minutes in the first quarter, just one series in the second quarter and 24:25 for the entire game. When he actually played, Boozer had more fouls (four) than baskets (three) in Game 2, and he fouled out of Game 1. Boozer said he tended to rush shots and was out of rhythm. Deseret Morning News

Recalling that he fouled out against the United States in his Olympic debut eight years ago, the Houston Rockets All-Star hopes the referees are easier on him when China faces the Americans in its opener in Beijing. "Hopefully they treat the hosts better," Yao joked Thursday. But Yao is serious when he talks about his team's chances. He wants the Chinese to advance out of pool play into the quarterfinals, even though they were drawn into a difficult group and their top two players are recovering from injuries. "We have a very clear goal, which is we have to at least get into the top eight," Yao said. ESPN.com

Downplaying Erik Spoelstra's lack of an NBA-playing resume, forwards Udonis Haslem and Dorell Wright instead gushed about how Spoelstra's insight into the pro game makes him a capable fit. "Spo's probably been one of the most intelligent guys that I've been around, knowing the game of basketball," Haslem said after a Heat Academy graduation ceremony for elementary school students. "Whether he played the game at the highest level or not, I know he has the knowledge to be an NBA coach. I can vouch for that." South Florida Sun-Sentinel

Dorell Wright said he is "80 percent" certain he will return next season despite entering the summer as a restricted free agent. He has been spending "four or five hours a day" at AmericanAirlines Arena rehabbing from last season's knee surgery. He said he is using down time from those exercises to strengthen his upper body. South Florida Sun-Sentinel

The team also is known to have recently scouted young European center Marc Gasol, currently property of the Memphis Grizzlies and a prospect who might be ready to emerge from the shadow of his big brother with the Lakers. Denver Post

The Cavaliers were dealt a blow early in last night's 89-73 loss when Ben Wallace left with 8:20 remaining in the first quarter because of dizziness he said was caused by springtime allergies, and did not return. "You know it's a tough place for allergies, but no one has warned me," Wallace said. "I got lightheaded and my head started spinning." Boston Globe

With a draft choice late in the first round, it's believed the Nuggets are eyeing North Carolina point guard Ty Lawson. Denver Post

After general manager Billy Knight delivered an abrupt resignation on Tuesday, Hawks ownership is expected to reach out to several candidates, including Billy King and Bernie Bickerstaff, NBA sources said. King was the 76ers president and GM for five years, until getting fired in December. Nevertheless, several of his trades and draft picks reflect much more favorably on his tenure after the Sixers surged to the seventh seed in the Eastern Conference playoffs. King and Knight are also considered strong candidates to join New York Knicks president Donnie Walsh in New York as general manager. Yahoo

Several assistant GMs are expected to get consideration too, including Washington’s Tommy Sheppard, Cleveland’s Chris Grant and New Orleans’ Brian Hagen. Yahoo

Jose Calderon said on his personal website that he wants to be a starting NBA point guard, which is the same position coveted by T.J. Ford. Calderon's posting was his first public declaration that he wants the No.1 job. "I want to be a starter and be in a team that aspires to everything," he wrote. "I will not be on a team in which I cannot be an important contributor." However, Calderon really doesn't have much to say about where he plays next season. Because he is a restricted free agent when his contract expires July 1, the Raptors can match any offer he gets from another team, a move Colangelo has repeatedly said he will make. Toronto Star

The NBA players' union said it planned to file a complaint with the National Labor Relations Board after one of its officials was denied access to the Celtics locker room before Game 2 of the Boston-Cleveland series Thursday night. Union spokesman Dan Wasserman said the union was initially told that no one from the organization would be allowed in the Celtics' locker room. After calls of protest were made to the Celtics and to the league office, the team agreed to allow union director Billy Hunter into the locker room prior to tip-off. ESPN.com

"The Celtics are the only team in the league that believes they have the right to keep union personnel from the locker room, and as a result we're filing a complaint with the NLRB," Wasserman said, explaining that a basic tenet of labor law calls for union representatives to have access to employees inside the workplace. Biagas said he had never before been denied pregame access to a locker room. ESPN.com

Meanwhile, general manager John Hammond said Thursday that the Bucks were very close to completing the contracts of assistant coaches Jim Boylan, Lionel Hollins, Kelvin Sampson and Joe Wolf for next season. According to Hammond, those contracts could be finalized as early as today. "We've come to agreements with everybody," said Hammond. "We just haven't signed contracts yet. We're in the process of getting contracts back . . . so I would say maybe by (today) or if not, then maybe by Monday." Bucks coach Scott Skiles confirmed last week that Boylan, Hollins, Sampson and Wolf - along with player development assistant coach Bill Peterson from last season's staff - were his choices of coaches to be on the bench with him next season. Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel

As Paul Pierce said, "When we control him, we pretty much control their team." Control him? The tea in colonial days fared better than James these past two games. And that’s the reason the Cavs trail 2-0 in this series, and the reason they are on a dangerous ledge. They need to find an offense for the team, and for James, or it’ll be a long offseason talking about what needs to be done. Boston Herald

LeBron James wouldn’t let his teammates see him sulk, let them see him shrouded in shame. The Cleveland Cavaliers were getting run out of the Garden again, James’ shooting touch reduced to rubble, and still he spent the final moments of Game 2 marching down the visiting bench and demanding that the Cavs undo those draped towels and furrowed brows and stand with him. “Me being the leader, I can’t look like I’m down on the series, or down on my play,” James said. Yahoo

Kobe Bryant added another honor Thursday to go with his MVP award, becoming the only unanimous selection to the All-NBA team. The Lakers star was voted to the first team for the third straight season and sixth time in his career. Palm Beach Post

Joining Bryant on the first team were New Orleans guard Chris Paul, who was three votes shy of being a unanimous pick, along with Boston's Kevin Garnett, Cleveland's LeBron James and Orlando center Dwight Howard. Garnett was a first-team pick for the fourth time and James made his second appearance. Paul and Howard were first-timers. Palm Beach Post

According to a source close to Greene, the freshman forward from Syracuse has interviewed prospective agents. The source said Greene will eventually sign with noted player representative Bill Strickland, who is part of the Louisville-based Blue Equity agency. Blue Equity recently merged its sports and entertainment properties and formed Blue Entertainment Sports Television (BEST). The source indicated that Greene has not yet officially signed on with Strickland and Blue Equity. However, the Web site Draftexpress.com lists Greene as a primary client of Strickland's. Syracuse Post-Standard

Kiki Vandeweghe became the New Jersey Nets’ general manager yesterday, less than six months after being hired as a special assistant to team president Rod Thorn. Vandeweghe replaces Ed Stefanski, who left in midseason to become the general manager of the Philadelphia 76ers . “We are very pleased that Kiki will continue his relationship with the Nets’ organization,” Thorn said. “When Kiki joined us in December, I felt that his experience as both an All-Star player and front office executive would be an invaluable asset to both myself and the franchise, and his work in the ensuing months has reinforced that belief.” Boston Herald

Vandeweghe said he and Thorn share a sense of what needs to be done to improve the team. “I think both of us believe you have to pick a direction, and understand that, and do things that head in that direction,” Vandeweghe said. “Neither one of us likes Band-Aid solutions. I have never been a big fan of those.” Boston Herald

Vandeweghe’s immediate task is to get the Nets back on track after they missed the playoffs for the first time in seven seasons. New Jersey will have two first-round picks in the NBA draft in June, one that Vandeweghe said is rich in talent. Boston Herald

Vandeweghe said the Nets need to improve on the interior and with their shooting, which we already knew. He also gave the company line that the Nets have a good core with Vince Carter, Richard Jefferson and Harris. Bergen Record

As work continues on finalizing the contracts of their assistant coaches for next season, the Milwaukee Bucks announced Thursday that point guard Mo Williams had undergone successful surgery to repair ligament damage in his right thumb. Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel

The signs of progress were visible through Heat forward Dorell Wright's grin as he talked Thursday about the strides he has made while recovering from knee surgery that prematurely ended his season. He is making strides now, literally. He is walking with no discernable limp, painlessly climbing stairs at his home and extending his left leg into a straight line and lifting it into the air while in bed. Miami Herald

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