Here are this morning’s top NBA news stories: “Dallas Mavericks have hope Dirk Nowitzki can return closer to 3 weeks after surgery,” by Tim MacMahon from ESPN.com “Leandro Barbosa unfazed by guard logjam,” by Steve Bulpett from the Boston Herald Pablo Prigioni of Knicks is NBA’s oldest rookie in 40 years,” by Nate Taylor from the New York Times “Dwight Howard has impressive debut in Lakers’ preseason loss to Kings,” by Mark Medina from Los Angeles Daily News “Cleveland Cavaliers coach Byron Scott not happy with team’s rebounding,” by Mary