NBA Daily Links: 10.16.15

October 16, 2015 by Pete Newmann

PHILOSOPHICAL QUOTE OF THE DAY:

“We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit.”

-Aristotle

================================

NBA:

NBA players looking to cash in

http://www.si.com/nba/2015/10/15/nba-preview-roy-hibbert-demar-derozan-al-jefferson-mike-conley-contracts

Michele Roberts wants NBA drug policy that helps players seek treatment

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/nba-union-michele-roberts-lamar-odom_561fd3b2e4b050c6c4a4a455

Michele Roberts: Union to back Thabo Sefolosha if he chooses to sue NYPD

http://espn.go.com/espnw/w-in-action/2015-summit/article/13891382/nba-union-back-thabo-sefolosha-chooses-sue-nypd

Magic Johnson statue vandalized at Michigan State

http://www.dailynews.com/sports/20151015/magic-johnson-statue-vandalized-at-michigan-state

Thursday marks 10 years since passing of Jason Collier

http://www.myajc.com/news/sports/basketball/thursday-marks-10-years-since-passing-of-hawks-jas/nn35b/?icmp=ajc_internallink_referralbox_free-to-premium-referral

MindRight Pro: The next step in sports technology

http://www.basketballinsiders.com/mindright-pro-the-next-step-in-performance-technology/

Nevada orders fantasy sports sites to shut down

http://www.bostonglobe.com/business/2015/10/15/nevada-orders-fantasy-sports-sites-shut-down/xgzbLWGDtcwskI6m1sGvYI/story.html

http://www.nytimes.com/2015/10/16/sports/gambling-regulators-block-daily-fantasy-sites-in-nevada.html?hp&action=click&pgtype=Homepage&module=first-column-region&region=top-news&WT.nav=top-news&mtrref=www.nytimes.com&gwh=CCBEB21A2250C2C9F7DB945C33D5B480&gwt=pay&assetType=nyt_now

http://espn.go.com/chalk/story/_/id/13897401/daily-fantasy-outlawed-nevada-gaming-control-board-being-unlicensed-gambling

Latest NBA title odds

http://espn.go.com/chalk/story/_/id/13896086/nba-latest-2015-16-title-odds-westgate-las-vegas-superbook

LAMAR ODOM:

Lamar Odom still on life support, but improvement seen

http://espn.go.com/nba/story/_/id/13897266/lamar-odom-making-small-progress-remains-life-support-coma

Lamar Odom was crushed when best friend died and had death wish, says victim’s dad

http://www.nydailynews.com/news/national/exclusive-lamar-odom-crushed-best-friend-death-article-1.2399416

The gifts, ghosts of Lamar Odom

http://www.si.com/nba/2015/10/15/lamar-odom-lakers-clippers-rhode-island-new-york

Lamar Odom’s decline, played out on TV

http://www.nytimes.com/2015/10/16/sports/basketball/lamar-odoms-decline-played-out-on-tv.html?hp&action=click&pgtype=Homepage&module=photo-spot-region&region=top-news&WT.nav=top-news&_r=0&mtrref=www.nytimes.com&gwh=92E7967F0AC9184FC72D1348322430BB&gwt=pay&assetType=nyt_now

Lamar Odom: A Shakespearean tale for a TMZ era

http://graphics.latimes.com/lamar-odom/

Odom’s ex-girlfriend and children now at his bedside

https://www.yahoo.com/tv/s/exclusive-lamar-odoms-ex-liza-170700185.html

Kardashians leave hospital as Odom remains in coma

http://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/2015/10/15/kardashians-leave-hospital-lamar-odom-remains-coma/74015596/

‘Khloe & Lamar’ and the virtue of fame

http://www.sportingnews.com/nba/story/2015-10-15/lamar-odom-khloe-kardashian-hospital-life-support-death-reality-tv

Odom has a special place among NBA family

http://www.nba.com/2015/news/features/scott_howard_cooper/10/14/lamar-odom-holds-special-place-among-teammates-and-the-nba/

Gasol: “It breaks my heart”

http://espn.go.com/blog/chicago/bulls/post/_/id/22371/gasol-on-odom-situation-it-breaks-my-heart

Luke Walton: “It affects me… Lamar is a brother to me”

http://www.csnbayarea.com/warriors/walton-it-affects-me-lamar-brother-me?p=ya5nbcs&ocid=yahoo&ref=yfp

http://www.sfgate.com/warriors/article/Luke-Walton-worries-about-brother-Lamar-Odom-6569696.php

Kobe, Metta worried for their friend

http://www.latimes.com/sports/lakers/la-sp-lakers-20151016-story.html

Wade, Spoelstra say Odom will always be part of them, Heat

http://www.sun-sentinel.com/sports/miami-heat/sfl-miami-heat-lamar-odom-s101515-story.html

Mavs hoping for the best for Lamar Odom

http://www.star-telegram.com/sports/nba/dallas-mavericks/full-court-press-blog/article39308709.html

Gentry says Odom is a unique person with a good heart

http://www.nola.com/pelicans/index.ssf/2015/10/alvin_gentry_says_lamar_odom_i.html#incart_river

NBA DRAFT:

Cal is closest thing to an NBA team in college basketball

http://www.sbnation.com/college-basketball/2015/10/15/9529143/cal-basketball-recruiting-jaylen-brown-ivan-rabb?ref=yfp

76ERS:

Sixers’ PG candidates get driving lesson

http://www.philly.com/philly/sports/sixers/20151016_Sixers__point-guard_candidates_get_driving_lesson.html

Okafor practices but won’t play vs Wizards

http://www.philly.com/philly/blogs/sports/sixers/Okafor-practices-wont-play-vs-Wizards.html

Wroten could be sidelined until December

http://www.philly.com/philly/blogs/sports/sixers/Wroten-could-be-sidelined-until-at-least-December-.html

BUCKS:

Copeland returns from serious family issue

http://www.jsonline.com/sports/bucks/bucks-forward-chris-copeland-returns-from-serious-family-issue-b99597293z1-333130371.html

BULLS:

Derrick Rose after 1^st workout with new mask: “It’s improving”

http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/basketball/bulls/ct-derrick-rose-bulls-injury-20151015-story.html

Derrick Rose may wear a mask for the rest of his career

http://chicago.suntimes.com/basketball/7/71/1025081/derrick-rose-may-wear-mask-rest-career

Mirotic aims for strong second impression

http://espn.go.com/blog/chicago/bulls/post/_/id/22375/nikola-mirotic-aims-for-strong-second-impression

Animal Planet show to feature Jimmy Butler’s new boombox aquarium

http://www.chicagotribune.com/entertainment/tv/ct-jimmy-butler-chicago-bulls-tanked-20151015-story.html

CAVALIERS:

Pacers extend Cavs losing streak

http://www.cleveland.com/cavs/index.ssf/2015/10/cleveland_cavaliers_indiana_pa_11.html#incart_social_feature

LeBron may not play again in preseason

http://www.cleveland.com/cavs/index.ssf/2015/10/lebron_james_may_not_play_agai.html#incart_river

http://www.ohio.com/blogs/cleveland-cavaliers/cleveland-cavaliers-1.275356/lebron-james-resting-against-pacers-may-not-play-again-in-preseason-1.632631

CELTICS:

Celtics showcase ball movement early in preseason

http://www.csnne.com/boston-celtics/celtics-showcase-ball-movement-early-preseason?ref=yfp

Amir Johnson flashes range; Marcus Smart has strep throat

http://nesn.com/2015/10/celtics-notes-amir-johnson-flashes-range-marcus-smart-has-strep-throat/?ref=yfp

Rookie is hunting for a role with Celtics

http://espn.go.com/blog/boston/celtics/post/_/id/4720608/rookie-is-hunting-for-a-role-with-celtics

Good night for Amir Johnson

http://www.bostonherald.com/sports/celtics_nba/boston_celtics/2015/10/celtics_notebook_good_night_for_amir_johnson

Johnson expands his game

http://www.basketballinsiders.com/amir-johnson-developing-offensive-repertoire/

Celtics will rely more on Jae Crowder

http://www.bostonglobe.com/sports/2015/10/15/celtics-will-rely-more-jae-crowder/jXiN8c3EEFaO79kAAiosVP/story.html

CLIPPERS:

Watch Blake Griffin train with handball legend to improve agility

http://www.latimes.com/sports/clippers/clippersnow/la-sp-cn-clippers-blake-griffin-crossover-training-20151015-htmlstory.html

Q&A with JJ Redick

http://www.si.com/nba/2015/10/15/jj-redick-clippers-china-globa-games-deandre-jordan-chris-paul-blake-griffin

GRIZZLIES:

Griz counting on Wright’s versatility

http://www.commercialappeal.com/sports/grizzlies/griz-counting-on-wright-dimension-paying-big-dividends-2212833d-6d1e-2661-e053-0100007fd58a-333121541.html

HAWKS:

Scott’s ball-handling development includes trip to Germany

http://www.myajc.com/news/sports/basketball/scotts-ball-handling-development-included-trip-to-/nn38Q/?icmp=ajc_internallink_referralbox_free-to-premium-referral

HEAT:

Whiteside’s return gives Heat a tantalizing taste of what could be

http://www.miamiherald.com/sports/nba/miami-heat/article39372738.html

http://www.sun-sentinel.com/sports/miami-heat/sfl-miami-heat-hassan-whiteside-s101615-story.html

HORNETS:

10 observations about the Hornets after 2 exhibitions in China

http://www.charlotteobserver.com/sports/nba/charlotte-hornets/article39297906.html

JAZZ:

Jazz waive Grant Jerrett

http://www.nba.com/2015/news/10/15/jazz-waive-forward-grant-jerrett-roster-down-to-17.ap/index.html?ref=yfp

Jazz say passing is there, assists will come

http://www.sltrib.com/sports/3067625-155/utah-jazz-say-passing-is-there

Bench play could be benchmark for team this season

http://www.sltrib.com/sports/3066850-155/utah-jazz-bench-play-could-be

Well-rested Joe Ingles’ body – and sense of humor – are doing well

http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865639154/Well-rested-Jazz-guard-Joe-Ingles-body-2-and-sense-of-humor-2-are-doing-well.html

KINGS:

Rondo’s sense of humor sparks uproar, but it’s all good in Kingsland

http://www.csnbayarea.com/kings/rondos-sense-humor-sparks-uproar-alls-good-kingsland?p=ya5nbcs&ocid=yahoo&ref=yfp

Caron Butler makes an impact on Kings with leadership

http://www.sacbee.com/sports/nba/sacramento-kings/kings-blog/article39361089.html

Kings waive Henderson, Hunter

http://www.nba.com/kings/news/kings-waive-henderson-hunter

KNICKS:

Knicks ideal top 5 close as Afflalo cleared for debut

http://nypost.com/2015/10/15/knicks-ideal-top-5-close-as-arron-afflalo-cleared-for-debut/?ref=yfp

Porzingis: I’m 100% healthy

http://espn.go.com/blog/newyork-knicks/post/_/id/63228/porzingis-im-100-percent-healthy

LAKERS:

Lakers turn focus to basketball, but thoughts with Lamar Odom

http://espn.go.com/blog/losangeles/lakers/post/_/id/41912/lakers-turn-focus-to-basketball-but-thoughts-remain-with-lamar-odom

http://www.dailynews.com/sports/20151015/lamar-odoms-health-improves-but-lakers-concerns-remain

Kobe listed as doubtful to play Saturday

http://www.dailynews.com/sports/20151015/lakers-kobe-bryant-listed-as-doubtful-to-play-saturday

Lakers exercise team option on Julius Randle

http://www.latimes.com/sports/lakers/lakersnow/la-sp-ln-lakers-pick-up-julius-randle-3rd-year-option-20151015-story.html?ref=yfp

Sophomore slumps unlikely for Clarkson and Randle

http://www.lakersnation.com/sophomore-slumps-unlikely-for-jordan-clarkson-and-julius-randle/2015/10/15/?ref=yfp

Lakers hire Tracy Murray as shooting coach

http://www.nba.com/lakers/releases/151015murray

MAGIC:

Slippery floor limits the Magic’s practice in Rio

http://www.orlandosentinel.com/sports/orlando-magic/magic-basketblog/os-mbb-orlando-magic-rio-de-janeiro-20151015-post.html

Bob Vander Weide rekindles passion for Magic

http://www.orlandosentinel.com/sports/orlando-magic/os-magic-bob-vander-weide-george-diaz-1016-20151015-column.html

MAVERICKS:

How Dirk Nowitzki fires on all cylinders

http://espn.go.com/nba/story/_/id/13893319/how-dirk-nowitzki-prepares-fire-all-cylinders

Dirk Nowitzki hopeful Mavericks have some warriors back on opening night

http://www.dallasnews.com/sports/dallas-mavericks/headlines/20151015-dirk-nowitzki-hopeful-mavericks-have-some-warriors-back-on-opening-night.ece

Powell still coping with mom’s cancer-related death from 2012

http://www.star-telegram.com/sports/nba/dallas-mavericks/article39078507.html

Dirk plans to play against Hawks

http://www.star-telegram.com/sports/nba/dallas-mavericks/full-court-press-blog/article39365058.html

NETS:

Billy King deals with trade loss

http://www.bostonherald.com/sports/celtics_nba/boston_celtics/2015/10/bulpett_nets_billy_king_deals_with_trade_loss

Nets longshot Dahntay Jones promises defense, Jersey cred

http://nypost.com/2015/10/15/nets-longshot-dahntay-jones-promises-defense-jersey-cred/

Willie Reed has torn thumb ligament

http://www.newsday.com/sports/basketball/nets/nets-willie-reed-has-a-torn-ulnar-collateral-ligament-in-thumb-1.10969573

NUGGETS:

Mudiay will be a turnover machine, and it’s no big deal

http://www.cbssports.com/nba/eye-on-basketball/25340273/emmanuel-mudiay-will-be-a-turnover-machine-and-its-no-big-deal

PACERS:

The Pacers have moved on but perhaps not up

http://www.sbnation.com/nba/2015/10/15/9351637/indiana-pacers-preview-paul-george-monta-ellis?ref=yfp

Pacers keep working on offense, beat Cavs

http://www.indystar.com/story/sports/nba/pacers/2015/10/15/pacers-keep-working-offense-beat-cavaliers/73931160/

PELICANS:

Pelicans signing Nate Robinson

http://espn.go.com/losangeles/nba/story/_/id/13896727/new-orleans-pelicans-fill-void-nate-robinson

http://www.nola.com/pelicans/index.ssf/2015/10/new_orleans_pelicans_agrees_to.html#incart_river

Anthony Davis now has perfect system to unleash MVP season

http://nypost.com/2015/10/15/anthony-davis-now-has-perfect-system-to-unleash-mvp-season/

Luke Babbitt sidelined indefinitely with hamstring injury

http://www.nola.com/pelicans/index.ssf/2015/10/new_orleans_pelicans_forward_l_5.html#incart_river

Bo McCalebb finally gets an opportunity with Pelicans

http://www.nola.com/pelicans/index.ssf/2015/10/new_orleans_native_bo_mccalebb.html#incart_river

Pelicans waive Corey Webster

http://www.nola.com/pelicans/index.ssf/2015/10/new_orleans_pelicans_waive_cor.html#incart_river

How do Pelicans avoid Anthony Davis becoming Chris Paul?

http://www.cbssports.com/nba/writer/ken-berger/25340518/how-do-the-pelicans-avoid-anthony-davis-becoming-chris-paul

PISTONS:

Baynes better than expected in Pistons debut

http://www.freep.com/story/sports/nba/pistons/2015/10/15/aron-baynes-detroit-pistons/73976984/

SVG helps Detroit Mercy, visits friend McCallum

http://www.freep.com/story/sports/nba/pistons/2015/10/15/detroit-pistons-stan-van-gundy-detroit-mercy-ray-mccallum/74028610/

RAPTORS:

DeMar DeRozan shrugs off slow start

http://www.thestar.com/sports/raptors/2015/10/15/raptors-demar-derozan-shrugs-off-slow-start.html

Is the NBA preseason too long? Depends on who you ask

http://www.torontosun.com/2015/10/15/is-the-nba-pre-season-too-long-depends-who-you-ask

ROCKETS:

Kevin McHale hopes injury situation is only temporary

http://blog.chron.com/ultimaterockets/2015/10/rockets-coach-kevin-mchale-hopes-injury-situation-is-only-temporary/

Battered Rockets clobbered by Warriors

http://blog.chron.com/ultimaterockets/2015/10/battered-rockets-clobbered-by-warriors/

SPURS:

Sharpshooting Green looks for new way to perform old role

http://www.expressnews.com/sports/spurs/article/Sharpshooting-Green-looks-for-new-way-to-perform-6572812.php

Spurs feeling zero pressure as favorites

http://www.basketballinsiders.com/nba-am-spurs-feeling-zero-pressure-as-favorites/

Is this the final year of the Tim Duncan Spurs?

http://nba.nbcsports.com/2015/10/15/51-questions-is-this-the-final-year-of-the-tim-duncan-spurs/

SUNS:

Weems fast in transition

http://www.azcentral.com/story/sports/nba/suns/2015/10/15/phoenix-suns-sonny-weems-fast-transition/74022056/

THUNDER:

Donovan’s defense: Limit opponents’ three-point attempts

http://espn.go.com/blog/okc-thunder/post/_/id/675/donovans-defense-limit-opponents-3-point-attempts

Dion Waiters attempting to alter body and mind as contract season approaches

http://newsok.com/enigmatic-dion-waiters-attempting-to-alter-body-and-mind-as-contract-season-approaches/article/5453533

Waiters, Thunder discussing contract extension

http://www.si.com/nba/2015/10/15/oklahoma-city-thunder-dion-waiters-contract-extension

Kanter misses practice, doubtful vs Grizzlies

http://newsok.com/enes-kanter-misses-practice-doubtful-against-grizzlies/article/5453511

Durant would love to own a football team

http://newsok.com/article/5453767

TIMBERWOLVES:

The Blazers have a long hike ahead of them

http://www.sbnation.com/nba/2015/10/15/9238889/portland-trail-blazers-preview-damian-lillard?ref=yfp

Tom Izzo chokes up over Flip Saunders’ health battle

http://www.twincities.com/timberwolves/ci_28976596/tom-izzo-chokes-up-over-flip-saunders-health

TRAIL BLAZERS:

Blazers defense is something they have to take pride in

http://www.oregonlive.com/blazers/index.ssf/2015/10/trail_blazers_defense_is_something_they_have_to_ta.html#incart_river

Blazers feel similar, not identical, to rebuilding of 2012-13

http://www.oregonlive.com/blazers/index.ssf/2015/10/blazers_jared_jeffries.html#incart_river

WARRIORS:

Steve Kerr expected to rejoin Warriors soon

http://espn.go.com/blog/golden-state-warriors/post/_/id/716/steve-kerr-expected-to-rejoin-warriors-soon

Bogut suffers broken nose vs Rockets

http://www.csnbayarea.com/warriors/warriors-bogut-suffers-broken-nose-vs-rockets

http://espn.go.com/nba/story/_/id/13899209/andrew-bogut-golden-state-warriors-breaks-nose-preseason-game-vs-houston-rockets

Warriors find offensive groove, blow out Rockets

http://www.knbr.com/2015/10/15/warriors-find-offensive-groove-blow-out-rockets-backups-123-101/

http://www.nba.com/warriors/gameday/20151015/recap

Walton’s message to fans: Don’t worry, it’s the preseason

http://www.csnbayarea.com/warriors/waltons-message-warriors-fans-dont-worry-its-preseason?p=ya5nbcs&ocid=yahoo&ref=yfp

Were the Warriors ‘lucky’ to win the NBA title?

http://espn.go.com/nba/insider/story/_/id/13891710/nba-how-lucky-were-golden-state-warriors-win-title

WIZARDS:

Kelly Oubre has plenty to learn, but his chance may come early

https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/wizards/rookie-kelly-oubre-jr-has-plenty-to-learn-but-his-chance-may-come-early/2015/10/15/02b5d8ce-737d-11e5-9cbb-790369643cf9_story.html

Peter Newmann is an analyst and writer who spent 10 years at ESPN, 8 as the NBA senior researcher working 24/7 on the league. He wrote game notes for crews, articles for ESPN.com, analysis for studio shows, and regularly assisted reporters and writers. Follow him on Twitter, and check out his Web site, www.peternewmann.com.