- The Pacers are now a game up on the Knicks in their second-round series, and one of their most important players says he’d like to be back next year. Mark Montieth of Pacers.com writes: “David West, the Pacers’ acknowledged locker room leader and vital power forward, becomes a free agent at the end of the season. Without question, losing the 32-year-old guru would be a blow to a team that appears to have such a promising future. Pacers’ management officials want to keep him, and believe they’ll be able to afford him, but what about West? Would he chase a larger contract elsewhere? “I’ll address that at the end of the season and focus on finishing this year as best as possible,” he said Saturday after contributing 11 points and 12 rebounds to the Pacers’ 82-71 victory over New York at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. “But I love it here, love this group of guys, this environment, love the core group that we have. This group only has room to get better.” “
- Tom Thibodeau has been fined $35,000 for his comments about officiating following the Game 3 loss to the Heat.
@EthanJSkolnickEthan J. Skolnick - We’re still not going to see Derrick Rose, writes Aggrey Sam of CSNChicago.com: “Despite erroneous reports that he was set to dress for Game 3, according to a person with knowledge of the situation, the former league MVP won’t return to the court in the series, something Thibodeau is aware of. However, at the outset of the second round, Rose did strongly consider coming back, but ultimately decided against it, another source said. While Rose’s absence looms over the series in the minds of fans and the media, Thibodeau said that not only did the Bulls anticipate the frenzy, but insists that it hasn’t affected the team.”
Here’s Mark Murphy of the Boston Herald on a potential Rajon Rondo deal: “Though he held onto the current Celtics era longer than anyone anticipated — remember that he would have brought back Ray Allen last summer if the guard was willing — Ainge can’t keep his hands off the engine. All parts are in play. And that means that no matter how much the Celtics personnel chief will again insist that he’s not looking to trade Rajon Rondo, he will once again be on alert in case a deal makes sense. Sure, there will be lots of pickpockets to sort through. Rondo’s surgically repaired knee means Ainge will receive trash offers. It should also be noted that dramatic advances have been made in ACL surgery. The fact that Rondo suffered only a partial tear means he should be ready for the start of training camp. He has more value than players who had similar procedures in the past.”- Some more Celtics talk, this time from Gary Washburn of the Boston Globe: “The effect of retired players on the salary cap — which could come into play with Kevin Garnett — is not uniform in the new collective bargaining agreement, meaning how it impacts a team’s cap is undetermined until a buyout or settlement is negotiated. The Celtics had a similar situation with Rasheed Wallace, who retired with two years remaining on his contract. He and the Celtics agreed to a buyout so the final two years of his contract would not impact the salary cap. The buyout amount, however, does affect the cap”
- Frank Zicarelli of the Toronto Sun has some news on the Raptors’ front office, which may somehow affect the club’s pursuit of Phil Jackson: “At long last, it appears the fate of Bryan Colangelo will be resolved. There are those who believe a decision will be made official by as early Monday. Unofficially, Colangelo’s option year is expected to be picked up, a route many in basketball circles had anticipated in the days leading up to the Raptors’ season finale.”
- As Zic wrote, all signs pointing to Colangelo's option getting picked up. Has been zero indication of anything else happening.
@WolstatSunRyan Wolstat - Sean Highkin of USA Today tells us about an unusual fashion choice Roy Hibbert almost made. Click through for a picture: “Indiana Pacers center Roy Hibbert had the best playoff game of his career on Saturday, and very nearly followed it up with the greatest press-conference fashion statement of all time. When the big man took to the podium after the game, he began by explaining that he almost wore a monocle until teammate Paul George talked him out of it. The monocle looked like it had a lens, which separates Hibbert from other NBA players who have worn outsized eyewear to media scrums. Shame on George for robbing us of this moment. He should almost be stripped of his Most Improved Player award for that.”
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