Any word on Jeff Green’s recovery?

Griffin went on to say that the existence of the rule is good in theory, but he doubts it will make a difference on the court: “It’s not going to win or lose games for anybody… But now you’re telling me if it’s Game 7 of the NBA Finals and a guy has a chance to make a play he’s going to be like, ‘Well, do I want this $10,000 or do I want a championship?’

“(All-Star), without a doubt,” DeRozan said. “Going against (Team USA) this summer really challenged me more to get there this season.”

Casey has made no secret of his expectations for Toronto’s former first overall draft pick. Bargnani is expected to evolve into the role Dirk Nowitzki filled for Casey when he was an assistant coach with the Dallas Mavericks.

However, Casey repeatedly complimented the seven-foot, 270 pound Aaron Gray for filling his role on the Raptors last season and this team does not have anyone bigger, better at setting hard screens or tougher to move out of the post. A poor man’s Emeka Okafor, Gray filled a role for Toronto last season and it remains unclear if the team has anyone else who could fill it better this season.

Griffin put on a show with an array of signature dunks (not necessarily a Mozgov or Perkins, but still spectacular) that erased any doubt of diminished athleticism.

The score wasn’t the point, but some clear impressions were made by the players and their excitement playing together and against each other was evident.

Griffin is also an above-average passer. The Clippers are going to be able to field lineups with tremendous passing. Often Odom and Griffin will finish games together. Against smaller teams, that’s a natural. Jordan makes more sense against teams with true power players.

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“I’m sure somewhere in the back of his mind there was some concern whether he would get hit, an arm goes back or falling on it or something of that nature. I’m not trying to speak for Al. It might have been more mental than it was physical.”

That’s what is taking place with the Lakers, as Shaquille O’Neal spoke his mind about Dwight Howard again — and Howard again defended himself.

From the very early looks of things, Waiters could be one of those guys who spends his rookie season scoring 20 points one game and three the next. That makes him not much different than a lot of top 10 picks.

If Pargo makes the team, it’s hard to envision the Cavs keeping Donald Sloan, Irving’s backup at the end of last season. Either way, the Cavs have to cut five players from camp.

Many times, the road of a top pick is filled with pitfalls and potholes that could seal the end of a career in this league. After two years with the Minnesota Timberwolves, new Phoenix Suns offseason acquisitions Michael Beasley and Wesley Johnson could be at a crucial point in their young NBA careers.

“It was just really a shame because on one hand you could say so many great things about me as a player and my impact on the floor, and not only on the floor but off the floor, like we did so many great things in the community,” Allen said. “That was my community, and I supported it as much as I could. We had some foundation initiatives that we still continue to do, so that doesn’t change me.”

The third overall pick in the NBA Draft is usually expected to make an immediate impact. However, not all high-potential, 19-year-old players are ready for the NBA. The game is faster and the opposing players are better. Many rookies either have trouble adjusting or become overly anxious in an attempt to prove they belong. However, Washington Wizards rookie guard Bradley Beal is one of those players who has plenty of potential, but has been able to contribute right away.

There’s no downplaying the tension between the Celtics and the Heat, not after Miami edged past Boston in an epic 2012 Eastern Conference finals, booting Rivers boys from the postseason for the second consecutive year. This is a tense, layered situation, but it doesn’t need to get personal next season.

Curry left during the second quarter of the Warriors game against the Portland Trail Blazers when he rolled his ankle. He did not return to the game, but the team said the injury was just a sprain and Curry was not scheduled for an MRI. With Curry out, David Lee led the Warriors with 24 points as they improved to 5-1 with a 101-97 win against Portland.

He called leaving the best decision for his family and wouldn’t throw people under the bus. Now that he’s comfortably in Miami, however, Allen is telling the real story. Allen has confirmed he felt unvalued in Boston, saying the blame for him jumping to Miami rests completely with the Celtics.

“Especially in Wes’ case, I think he has embraced the opportunity that he has here,” Gentry said. “I think the one thing that we need to be careful about with these guys is at the end of the day we’re talking about 23 year olds, we’re not talking about 27-28 year olds. So we’re talking about 23 year olds that have gone through a difficult situation with the last couple teams that they’ve been with.”

“He is tested. He knows who he is, which is comforting as a coach when a guy goes in and he knows what he is supposed to do and who he is and not going through the wars for the first time. Now we just have to get Terrence up to speed to perform like that each and every day and be consistent with it. And he will. Terrence is a talented, talented young man and his upside is off the charts. He just has to get up to speed on the NBA right now.”