Greg Oden will work out in front of three teams he is interested in joining, from Jeff Goodman and Marc Stein of ESPN: “Greg Oden will host three teams this week as the former No. 1 overall pick nears a decision on where he’ll launch his NBA comeback, according to sources with knowledge of the free-agent center’s plans. Sources told ESPN.com on Monday that the Miami Heat, New Orleans Pelicans and Sacramento Kings will all send representatives this week to watch Oden work out in person. Sources say that the San Antonio Spurs and Dallas Mavericks — which had face-to-face meetings with Oden last week — also remain in contention for the 7-footer’s services. But the Heat and Spurs established themselves as the front-runners to land Oden last month and, according to one source close to the process, remain the co-favorites to sign him.”
Derrick Rose says he doesn’t look up to anyone in the league and “could care less” what people say about him. Beyond the Buzzer has the transcript of his interview with Hoopsfix: “Oh, I don’t look up to nobody in the league…It’s different when [you’re in college and] you’re watching a guy on TV and then the next year you have to play against that guy. You can’t be scared. You can’t go out there shaking his hand and wanting to be his friend and then try to play against him, it don’t add up. Especially when you’re being competitive and he’s being competitive…you’re just trying to find that edge on that person… For me, I could care less what people say about me. If anything, I know who I am as a person. I know the people around me and the people that I trust – I know they’re always in my corner and I’m always in their corner. At the end, it’s just really me and my family, so I could care less what people say about me.”
- The Dallas Mavericks will welcome a new general manager to town, from Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo Sports: “The Dallas Mavericks have agreed in principle with Houston Rockets VP of basketball operations Gersson Rosas to become the franchise’s general manager, league sources told Yahoo! Sports. For Mavs owner Mark Cuban and president Donnie Nelson, the hiring of Rosas is a coup for an organization that has been committed to finding a way to strengthen its basketball operations. Rosas will be given significant latitude to shape the direction of the franchise’s pro and college personnel departments, free agency and scouting.”
Don’t underestimate the Miami Heat in next summer’s free agency, from Brian Windhorst of ESPN: “The Miller amnesty release last week was unpopular with some players and many of the Heat’s fans. But it did more than save luxury-tax money, it also cleared extra cap space for the future. No matter how the Heat ultimately proceed, they will have an opportunity to revamp the roster following this season. If James decides to stay, he can be a drawing card for younger free agents as the Heat may look to replace some of their aging players. Over the past three years, players have repeatedly taken less money to play with the Heat, often because Riley has been persuasive in contract talks. The team also has assistant general manager Andy Elisburg, who has proven to be a shrewd salary-cap manager during his long tenure with the team that has allowed the Heat to pull off some maneuvers that have shocked the league several times.”
Jerry Colangelo revealed some names that have interest in playing for the world’s next summer as well as the Olympics in 2016, from Jeff Zillgitt of USA Today: “Colangelo told USA TODAY Sports that Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook and Minnesota Timberwolves forward Kevin Love have expressed interest in playing. “I don’t solicit nor am I looking for early commitments or anything like that because time and circumstances change things,” Colangelo said. “But those two have indicated they would very much like to play next summer. I don’t know how many others at this point because I haven’t inquired.” Colangelo has generated interest and continuity at USA Basketball. There is a balance of holdovers and newcomers in the system. For instance, LeBron James won’t play in the World Cup next summer, but George, Irving, Westbrook and Love might, and all four could be on the Olympic roster in 2016.”
According to Stein of ESPN, Paul George receiving a max extension before the start of next season is a foregone conclusion (sorry, Lakers fans): “Asked Monday if he’s been following all the lobbying in Lakerland, George told ESPN.com: “I’m happy, man. I’m happy in Indiana. It’s overwhelming (to hear) that they would want a player like me to come play for their team. But right now I’m focused on Indiana. I’m happy to be in Indiana. Our future is bright in Indiana. I wouldn’t want to leave something great.” But one source close to the process told ESPN.com this week that a max extension with the Pacers — most likely before the Oct. 31 deadline for extensions for players from the 2010 draft class — is a “foregone conclusion.” “It’s no rush,” George said Monday. “Me and the front office … we’re on the same page.”
