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Pierce, Nowitzki headline reserves for 2012 All-Star Game

By Official NBA

Posted Feb 9 2012 7:25PM


NEW YORK -- Perennial All-Stars Paul Pierce (Boston Celtics) and Dirk Nowitzki (Dallas Mavericks) have been chosen as All-Stars for the 10th and 11th time, respectively, and headline the list of 14 players that have been selected by the coaches as reserves for the 2012 NBA All-Star Game, the NBA announced today.
The 2012 NBA All-Star Game, which will air live at 7 p.m. ET on TNT and ESPN Radio in the U.S., and reach fans in more than 200 countries and territories in more than 40 languages, will be played at Amway Center in Orlando on Sunday, Feb. 26, 2012.
Joining Pierce as reserves on the East squad are Chris Bosh (Miami Heat), Luol Deng (Chicago Bulls), Roy Hibbert (Indiana Pacers), Andre Iguodala (Philadelphia 76ers), Joe Johnson (Atlanta Hawks), and Deron Williams (New Jersey Nets). Deng, Hibbert and Iguodala are first-time All-Stars, while Williams earns his third trip, Johnson his sixth, and Bosh his seventh.
Nowitzki, whose 11 selections are consecutive, is joined on the West team by reserves LaMarcus Aldridge (Portland Trail Blazers), Marc Gasol (Memphis Grizzlies), Kevin Love (Minnesota Timberwolves), Steve Nash (Phoenix Suns), Tony Parker (San Antonio Spurs), and Russell Westbrook (Oklahoma City Thunder). For Aldridge and Gasol, this marks their first All-Star selection. It's the second All-Star nod for both Love and Westbrook, while Parker goes for the fourth time, and Nash, at 38 the oldest player in this year's game, is an All-Star for the eighth time.
Selected to start in the East -- through the 2012 NBA All-Star Balloting presented by Sprint -- were Derrick Rose (Bulls), LeBron James and Dwyane Wade (Heat), Carmelo Anthony (New York Knicks), and Dwight Howard (Orlando Magic). Voted to start for the West were Kobe Bryant and Andrew Bynum (Los Angeles Lakers), Blake Griffin and Chris Paul (Los Angeles Clippers), and Kevin Durant (Thunder).
Including Bynum, this year's midseason classic will feature five first-time All-Stars. On the other end of the spectrum, Bryant ties Jerry West, Karl Malone, and Shaquille O'Neal for the most consecutive All-Star nods in NBA history with 14.
NBA Commissioner David Stern will select the replacement for any player unable to participate in the All-Star Game. If the injured player is a starter, the head coach of that team will determine who replaces him in the starting lineup.
The 14 players selected -- seven each from the Eastern and Western Conferences -- were chosen by the 30 NBA head coaches, who were asked to vote for seven players in their respective conferences -- two guards, two forwards, one center and two players regardless of position. They were not permitted to vote for players from their own team.
The East and West All-Star coaches and coaching staffs will be determined by the best record in the conference through games played Feb. 15. The Celtics' Doc Rivers and San Antonio's Gregg Popovich coached the East and West All-Stars, respectively, last season and are therefore ineligible for the honor this year.
NBA All-Star 2012 in Orlando will bring together some of the most talented and passionate players in the league's history for a global celebration of the game. TNT will televise the All-Star Game for a 10th consecutive year, marking Turner Sports' 28th year of All-Star coverage. NBA All-Star Saturday Night presented by State Farm will feature the Haier Shooting Stars, Taco Bell Skills Challenge, Foot Locker Three-Point Contest, and Sprite Slam Dunk. Other events at NBA All-Star 2012 will include the NBA Rising Stars Challenge, Sprint NBA All-Star Celebrity Game, and NBA All-Star Jam Session. Orlando also hosted NBA All-Star in 1992.

[OnePiece]

Maggette returns to starting lineup for Bobcats

Posted Feb 11 2012 6:47PM - Updated Feb 11 2012 8:49PM

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) -- The Bobcats' Corey Maggette returned to the starting lineup for Saturday night's game against the Los Angeles Clippers in place of Tyrus Thomas.

Maggette, who missed 19 games with a strained left hamstring, played 14 minutes in Charlotte's blowout loss Friday night to Chicago, scoring four points in his first game back.
Thomas has been struggling to find his mark this season for the Bobcats, averaging 6.9 points and 5.3 rebounds per game.

[OnePiece]

Cavs center Varejao out with fractured right wrist

Posted Feb 11 2012 5:21PM - Updated Feb 11 2012 9:01PM

CLEVELAND (AP) -- For the second time this week, the Cleveland Cavaliers have been hit with an injury to a key player.
Center Anderson Varejao, who is having the best season of his eight-year career, will be out indefinitely with a broken right wrist.
Rookie point guard Kyrie Irving missed his third straight game Saturday night against Philadelphia with a concussion. While it's hoped Irving will return in the near future, possibly as early as next week, it's unclear how long Varejao will be sidelined.
The latest injury will be a major blow to the Cavaliers.
Not only is Varejao averaging 10.8 points with 11.5 rebounds, his hustling style of play both inspires his teammates and aggravates opponents as well.
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"It's going to be hard to make up for everything that Andy does," Cavaliers coach Byron Scott said. "He gives us so much on both ends of floor. There's not a whole lot of guys in the league that play with the energy and intensity Andy plays with. That's what makes him special."
Varejao, who leads the league in offensive rebounds per game, was injured in the third quarter of Friday night's 113-112 overtime loss to Milwaukee and did not return.
The injury occurred while he grabbed a rebound and was slapped on the wrist by a defender.
The results of an MRI performed Saturday revealed a non-displaced fracture of the wrist. Scott said Varejao will be evaluated again Sunday.
A timeline for his return will be established next week after further testing.
Semih Erden started at center Saturday. Scott said Ryan Hollins and Samardo Samuels will also get minutes there. Rookie power forward Tristan Thompson may be another option.
Scott said Irving rode the stationary bike Saturday, but it's uncertain when he will be cleared to take part in practice drills.
The Cavaliers are following the NBA's new guidelines on treating head injuries with Irving, who was injured in Tuesday's game against Miami. He was knocked down in the foul lane while driving to the basket and his head struck Heat guard Dwyane Wade's knee.
Irving complained of a headache on Wednesday and was diagnosed with the concussion shortly before Cleveland hosted the Los Angeles Clippers that night.
Irving, the No. 1 pick in the draft, is averaging 18.1 points and 5.1 assists in 23 games.

[OnePiece]

Hawks honor Earl Lloyd, NBA's first black player

Posted Feb 11 2012 4:25PM
ATLANTA (AP) -- Earl Lloyd remembers when he suited up for the Washington Capitols more than 60 years ago as the first black to play in an NBA game and wondering if he would make a good enough impression to stick around.
Lloyd and the Capitols lost the game. But he played well enough to earn a roster spot and break the color barrier in a league that had only three black players in 1950 and now features the highest percentage of African-American athletes in any of the major professional leagues.
"Before the game, I was terrified," recalled Lloyd, who scored six points and grabbed 10 rebounds for the Capitols in a 78-70 loss to the Rochester Royals on Oct. 31, 1950. "I had a fear of disappointing the people who depended on me. Luckily, letting people down was not a part of my DNA.
"I'm glad I was part of something that helped pave the way for others."
Now, as part of Black History Month, the 83-year-old Hall of Famer will be honored for his breakthrough at halftime of the Atlanta Hawks-Miami Heat game on Sunday. The former West Virginia State standout along with six other African-Americans will be recognized at all Hawks home games this month.
"I'm blessed to still have my health," said Lloyd, who also became the Detroit Pistons first black coach in 1971. "I know that there are a lot of people who didn't make it to 61 years of age. So for me to be around this long and still get some recognition."
Since Lloyd made history, the NBA has increased its number of black players to 78 percent, according to the league's racial and gender report last year. About 83 percent of the players in the league are people of color.
These days, Lloyd said some of his favorite players to watch are LeBron James and Dwyane Wade of the Heat. He personally met James a couple years ago, but has yet to meet Wade.
"They might be too busy with the game to come and see me," he said with a chuckle. "I've met LeBron before but hopefully if Dwyane slows down for a moment and decides to give me a high five, I'll be sure to return the favor."
Lloyd, who was drafted in the seventh round, was one of three blacks to play in the NBA in 1950. His debut was a couple of days before two other African-Americans who helped integrate the NBA - Chuck Cooper of the Boston Celtics, the first black draftee; and Nat Clifton of the New York Knicks, the first black to sign a league contract.
The 6-foot-5 Lloyd had his best season in 1955, averaging 10.2 points and 7.7 rebounds for Syracuse, which beat Fort Wayne for the NBA title. He and Jim Tucker became the first blacks to play on an NBA championship team.
Lloyd played in more than 560 NBA games in the league and became known for his defensive prowess. In eight seasons, he averaged 8.4 points and 6.4 rebounds.
When Lloyd first appeared in an NBA game, he said he couldn't have imagined the league as it is today. He gives credit not only to himself, but also to Cooper and Clifton for breaking the color barrier.
"The league has come a long way," he said. "I'm happy that Chuck, Nat and myself helped pave the way for others."

[OnePiece]

Love returns from two-game suspension

Posted Feb 10 2012 4:18PM - Updated Feb 10 2012 5:29PM

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) -- Kevin Love's return from a two-game suspension means the Minnesota Timberwolves are regaining their leading scorer and rebounder, and losing a 6-foot-9 cheerleader.
Love was suspended for stepping on Rockets forward Luis Scola last weekend. He missed a win over Sacramento on Tuesday and a loss at Memphis, reducing the two-time All-Star to a role he wasn't used to playing while he watched the games from his couch at his downtown Minneapolis home.
"I felt like I almost needed some pom-poms I was cheering so loud," Love said on Friday morning after the team's shootaround in preparation for the game against Dallas on Friday night.
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Love is averaging 25 points and 13.7 rebounds this season. He also leads the NBA with 39.4 minutes per game. Rookie Derrick Williams started in Love's place the previous two games and delivered two solid performances, but certainly not to the level the Wolves expect from Love.
Williams had 14 points and eight rebounds and hit a crucial 3-pointer down the stretch to help the Wolves beat the Kings and had 13 points and nine rebounds in the loss to the Grizzlies.
"It was very tough. I was sitting on my couch tweeting," Love said. "I felt a little bit helpless. I wasn't able to go out there and help those guys win and I wasn't able to make plays for them. I'm looking forward to getting back on the court and back to business."
And the Wolves can't wait to see their leader back out there with them.
"It's great," center Nikola Pekovic said. "We missed him these two games. In the first one we succeeded without him but in the second game you saw that we really miss him. I'm happy to have him back."
Love was named a Western Conference All-Star on Thursday. Last year he was named as an injury replacement to Yao Ming. This time around, he made it in without any help.
"I've had a great season thus far. I attribute that a lot to the coaching staff and my teammates and my coaches in helping me through the season," Love said. "To me, it's definitely a big deal seeing my name at the top of everybody's list, so I was very happy about that because I've put in a lot of work in these first 3 1/2 seasons and I don't have any intentions on stopping."
Three years ago, former Timberwolves center Al Jefferson went down with a knee injury just before the All-Star break. He said he threw one of his shoes through a flat-screen television while watching his teammates play without him.
Love's television survived his brief time away. But the same couldn't be said for his sound system.
"I did actually break some speakers," Love said. "I turned it on really loud on the last play (during the Kings game). The two speakers in my kitchen broke. They're repaired today. Don't worry about it."

[OnePiece]

Spurs' Ginobili to return Saturday against Nets

Posted Feb 10 2012 2:55PM - Updated Feb 10 2012 3:43PM

NEW YORK (AP) -- Manu Ginobili will return to the San Antonio Spurs' lineup on Saturday in New Jersey after missing more than a month with a broken left hand.
Ginobili practiced Friday and will play against the Nets, though coach Gregg Popovich wasn't sure if he would start and says his minutes would be "not many."
Ginobili was hurt on Jan. 2 in the fifth game of the season when he reached in and fouled Minnesota's Anthony Tolliver as Tolliver rose to shoot. It was believed Ginobli could miss as much as two months, but he says he's been ready to return for a few days.
The Spurs have won six games in a row.

[OnePiece]

Bulls' Rose misses game with back strain

Posted Feb 10 2012 7:34PM

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) -- Chicago Bulls guard Derrick Rose did not start Friday night's game against the Charlotte Bobcats due to a lower back strain and is not expected to play.

Bulls coach Tom Thibodeau said about an hour before tipoff that he'd make a game-time decision on Rose after the reigning MVP injured his back earlier in the week. Rose was not on the bench at the start of the game against the NBA-worst Bobcats.
C.J. Watson started in place of Rose, who is averaging 22.0 points.

[OnePiece]

Hornets' Jack out at least a week with sore knee

Posted Feb 10 2012 7:36PM

NEW ORLEANS (AP) -- The Hornets say starting point guard Jarrett Jack is expected to be out at least a week because of soreness in his left knee.

Jack had already missed three games because of the injury when he returned on Wednesday night in a loss to Chicago. Jack played nearly 28 minutes against the Bulls, scoring only four points to go with three assists, well below his averages of about 15 points and seven assists.
Jack's absence means the Hornets are without four of their top players for Friday night's game against Portland. The Hornets also are without shooting guard Eric Gordon (sore right knee), power forward Carl Landry (sprained left knee) and 7-foot forward Jason Smith (concussion).
Hornets coach Monty Williams says Greivis Vasquez is expected to start in Jack's place.

[OnePiece]

Kidd returns to Mavs after six-game absence

Posted Feb 10 2012 8:39PM

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) -- Point guard Jason Kidd has returned to the Dallas lineup after missing the past six games because of a strained right calf muscle.

Kidd started for the Mavericks on Friday night at Minnesota, pushing Delonte West to the bench. The 38-year-old Kidd has played in more games (1,284) than any other active player in the NBA.
Kidd also missed four games last month because of a strained lower back.

[OnePiece]

Nets GM King says team will play with current roster


Posted Feb 10 2012 12:49PM

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. (AP) -- Despite losing another injured player, probably for the season, New Jersey Nets general manager Billy King will not make any roster moves and vows that the struggling team will continue to play with the current roster.
King's declaration comes after the team lost reserve guard Keith Bogans to a broken ankle during Wednesday's loss to Detroit. Bogans was just signed as a free agent two weeks ago, but his broken ankle will require surgery on Monday, more than likely ending his season.
"I don't expect to bring anyone else in," King said in a Friday morning conference call. "I don't think we'll waive anyone to create a spot. We have 15 guaranteed spots on the roster and we'll go from there. I'm OK with the roster."
There was some good news on the injury front. Rookie guard MarShon Brooks, fresh off being named to the Rising Stars Rookie/Sophomore Challenge as part of NBA All-Star weekend, has improved dramatically over the last two days in his recovery from a broken right pinky toe.
"MarShon's status has changed and he's progressed faster than anyone thought," King said. "He'll now be a game-time decision (for Friday night's game at the Detroit Pistons). Earlier in the week, we weren't sure, but he's much better. A lot of it is his tolerance for pain, but he's progressing nicely."
Brooks, one of the bright spots in the Nets' dismal 8-18 season, was averaging 14.8 points per game before his injury two weeks ago, second among NBA rookies. King said that the injury to Bogans had nothing to do with Brooks' return.
"The big thing is how you recover," King said. "Even if Keith was still playing, we'd bring MarShon back. It would be foolish to rush a kid if he's not ready. But we think he's ready."
King also thinks that reserve forward/guard DeShawn Stevenson might be ready for a return shortly. Stevenson has been hobbled for the last two weeks with a sore knee, but has been working out with the team in pregame shootarounds.
However, there is nothing to report in terms of center Brook Lopez. Lopez, who suffered a broken foot in the final game of the preseason, requiring surgery, is in the seventh week of a recovery that was initially said to be up to eight weeks.
"He's been following the rehab," King said of Lopez, who averaged 20 points per game last season. "He's doing a little bit more and taking part in shootarounds. But his progression is the same. We have no timetable on when he'll be back on the court.
"He's on schedule, but we'll see how he feels."
A reporter asked if Lopez could return to practice next week.
"Right now," King said, "I doubt it."
After the Nets lost Lopez, King acquired veteran and former All-Star center Mehmet Okur in a trade, even though Okur played in just 13 games for the Utah Jazz last year after injuring his Achilles tendon.
Okur has now been out of action with the Nets for eight consecutive games with back spasms and soreness. He underwent an epidural medical procedure earlier in the week to try to alleviate the pain, but his status is also unknown.
"We'll increase his activity Sunday and Monday and see where he stands," King said. "He's getting better every day. He's going to be back. It's not a situation where he's done. We're just being extra careful with him. When we added Okur, it was to add to our depth. I still think he's going to help us."
The team already lost small forward Damion James to foot surgery. He's out for the season.
"The injuries have been the underlining theme all season," King said. "Our team has battled and played hard. We've managed to use the short amount of practice to try to improve. The guys in uniform are giving everything they can and that's all we can ask for. It's the nature of the sport. We're not saying, `Woe, me,' It's just how you deal with it. We can't sit around and mope.
"It is what it is."