Russell Westbrook blows up on the Thunder sideline during win over Grizzlies

The Phoenix Suns are reportedly making a push to trade for Hawks forward Josh Smith before the trade deadline, according to Alex Kennedy of HoopsWorld, whose report was both dismissed and defended: “Now, after missing out on Gordon and Gay, the Suns have shifted their attention to a new star that may be available prior to the Feb. 21 trade deadline. The Suns are pursuing Josh Smith, according to multiple league sources. Phoenix will try to acquire Smith before the deadline or, if that fails, through a sign-and-trade deal next offseason.”
More from SheridanHoops’ James Park on Josh Smith and Ricky Rubio’s criticism of Mike D’Antoni’s use of Pau Gasol

Dwight Howard has re-injured his torn labrum, but won’t have surgery. According to Mike Breshnahan of the L.A. Times he is day-to-day: “The Lakers were leading, 78-73, when Shannon Brown blocked Howard’s shot with 6:56 to play. Howard went down on the court for several seconds and never returned, saying he felt numbness “all down my arm and my neck.” Afterward, Howard slowly pulled a gray tank top over his head before talking with reporters. He is listed as day to day after being evaluated by Lakers trainer Gary Vitti on Thursday. The Lakers play at Minnesota on Friday. Surgery is not an option, Howard said Wednesday, knowing it would keep him off the court for six months.”

A nightmare season for the Boston Celtics continues to get worse with the news that rookie Jared Sullinger will miss the rest of the season. More from Boston.com: “The Celtics said on their web site that Sullinger had successful lumbar disc surgery Friday at New England Baptist Hospital. They also said they expect him to be ready to return at next season’s training camp. Sullinger left Wednesday’s game vs. the Kings in the first quarter because of back spasms. He appeared in 45 games this season and averaged 6.0 points, 5.9 rebounds and 19.8 minutes.”

Another sad chapter in the Brandon Roy story will once again end his season, and quite possibly his career. This time for good, according to Chris Haynes of CSNNW: The plan for the Minnesota Timberwolves guard was to make his return to action Feb. 1 against the Los Angles Lakers at Target Center, after having two successful workout days. After that, he would join the team for practices leading up to the game. Friday’s session went as planned. Saturday’s didn’t. While performing a move in the first 20 minutes of the workout, he felt something in his right knee that he has felt far too often. He tweaked it, eliminating any possibility of him returning to action before the All-Star break.

For his entire career, Brandon Roy has always been one of the leagues most lovable stars. After a memorable NCAA Tournament with the Washington Huskies that put him on the map, the 2006-’07 Rookie of the Year helped to revitalize the Blazers franchise. If not for an unfortunate series of knee-injuries — to both Roy and Greg Oden — the Blazers might very well be on top of the Western Conference today. Many people remember the 2011 playoffs for the Mavericks title run and victory over the Miami Heat, but on their way, one of the greatest comebacks in recent memory, thanks to Roy’s heroics on one-knee, should not be forgotten.

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S0g7HEQl6T4]