Disclaimer: Some information written in this section is strictly rumor, and has no factual information outside of what has been heard, or speculated upon, via outside sources.

Rick Pitino Back to the NBA?

What a crazy Thursday morning for Rick Pitino, the New Jersey Nets, and media outlets around America. Current college coach of Louisville Rick Pitino was originally rumored to be scheming a comeback to the sidelines in the NBA. I first heard this morning that he reached out to the Nets, either Rod Thorn or prospective owner Mikhail Prokhorov, on wanting to coach the hapless Nets once they look for a new head coach for next season. Then, Pitino was quoted as saying, “There’s not an ounce of truth to it..” Jeez, thanks for the confusion. Now, we’ve said this before, but when a rumor starts, it starts for a reason. Someone is lying here. Honestly, I don’t think Pitino is a good fit for the Nets, or anyone for that matter. He has tried to be an NBA coach before, and he was 192-220 with the Knicks and Celtics. As a Nets fan, I hope this is only a rumor!

McGrady to the Knicks?

For once, making a move for an overpriced ex-superstar might pay off for the Knicks! According to Yahoo! Sports, the Knicks, Rockets, and Wizards are in discussion on a big-time trade that would involve the following moves: McGrady to Knicks, Al Harrington to Wizards, Caron Butler and Brendan Haywood to Rockets. In addition, the Knicks would give up either Eddy Curry, Larry Hughes, or Jared Jeffries to the Rockets to make up for the giant contract McGrady owns. That sounds like a major win for the Knicks, who could relieve more cap, since McGrady’s massive contract is coming off the books after the season. Also, the can give him a tryout to see what he has left in the tank. As a Knicks hater, don’t make this move!

Can the West Win Without Kobe Too?

Mr. Bryant (the best player in the NBA) has missed the last three Lakers games, but super all-star Pau Gasol has picked up the slack to lead the Lake Show to wins in all three of those games (@ Portland, vs. San Antonio, @ Utah – all MASSIVE wins w/o Kobe). So now the question is: will Kobe play in the ASG on Sunday night? I think he will, for like 5 minutes, and then he’ll sit. But should he? No, he really shouldn’t play. Any kind of extra injury (in addition to his ankle, finger, knee, etc.) will hurt the Lakers, despite them winning. It’s just an All-Star Game, no need to push it.

Tidbits:

• Andrew Bynum has missed the last two games for the Lakers with a bruised right hip. He is worried it may require more than rest, and he is looking into other options. Just rest for as long as possible. He did it last year, and the Lakers won the championship.
• Allen Iverson says he will be participating in All-Star Game despite missing last two Sixers games due to an illness with his daughter.
• Derrick Rose may not be able to play in ASG and Saturday Night events due to a hip injury suffered in Tuesday’s loss to Magic. The NBA is not rushing his comeback though, and allowing him to have time to see if he can participate.
• Chris Paul calls his injury a ‘blessing in disguise’ for Hornets. He claims that Darren Collison’s development is being expedited since he gets extra experience, which makes the team better. Wednesday’s comeback win over Boston moved the Hornets to 3-4 in their last 7 without Paul.
• As for Boston, injuries are out of control. Pierce and Garnett are playing again, but now Ray Allen is sitting. This team can’t sustain any stability due to at least one of their ‘big 3’ being out each game.

-Shooter (subbing in for G)