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Bobcats In Process To Change Name Back To Hornets

The Charlotte Bobcats have started the process to rename the team back to "Hornets," according to a source with knowledge of the situation.

There is no timetable for the switch and Adam Silver has said such a change would take at least 18 months to implement.

Charlotte's NBA team was known as the Hornets from its 1988 inception through 2002 when then owner George Shinn moved the team -- and mascot -- to New Orleans.

The New Orleans franchise changed its name to Pelicans after this season, which opened the door for Charlotte to reclaim its old name.

Via Will Brinson/CBS Sports

Source: Warriors Believe Purchasing Draft Pick An Option

The Golden State Warriors believe they can purchase a first or second round pick in the 2013 NBA Draft, according to a source.

The Warriors' first round pick belongs to the Utah Jazz.

The Warriors acquired an extra first round pick last season from the San Antonio Spurs by taking on the salary of Richard Jefferson. Golden State selected Festus Ezeli with the pick.

Via Tim Kawakami/San Jose Mercury News

Maloofs Agree To Sell Kings To Ranadive Group For $535M

The Maloofs have agreed to sell the Sacramento Kings to a group led by Vivek Ranadive for $535 million, according to a source.

The Maloofs had hoped to sell the Kings to a group led by Chris Hansen and Steve Ballmer, but the NBA's Board of Governors voted against the sale by a 22-8 margin. The Hansen-Ballmer group intended to move the Kings to Seattle, which lost their NBA franchise to Oklahoma City in 2008.

Ranadive is currently a part owner of the Golden State Warriors.

The new ownership group is hoping to build a new arena in downtown Sacramento with public financing.

Via Ken Berger/CBS Sports

Kevin Garnett To Rest Ankle Injury, Won't Have Surgery

After battling an inflammed left ankle late in the season, Kevin Garnett will continue to rest it and will not have surgery.

The Boston Celtics' medical staff is confident rest will heal Garnett's ankle.

Danny Ainge recently said the Celtics are awaiting for final word from Garnett about whether he will return for next season.

Via Steve Bulpett/Boston Herald

Thunder May Anticipate 6th Man Role For Reggie Jackson

After sporadic playing time as a rookie last season, Reggie Jackson emerged as a critical guard for the Oklahoma City Thunder and averaged 13.3 points, 4.9 rebounds and 3.6 assists in the playoffs.

With Russell Westbrook set to return next season, the Thunder might be anticipating a sixth man role for Jackson.

“If that's the number that's called,” Jackson said, “I'm doing my best to just be ready for whatever situation I'm thrown into next year.”

“I'm excited about his future, about what he was able to do during the minutes that he had," Brooks added.

Via Darnell Mayberry/The Oklahoman

Greg Oden 'Looks Ready To Go'

Greg Oden is attempting to return to the NBA after not playing since 2009.

Oden has received interest from the Cleveland Cavaliers and Miami Heat, amongst other teams.

Deshaun Thomas, who attended Ohio State like Oden, said on Thursday that the two have been working out.

"Man, he looks unbelievable," he said at the draft combine. "He's running. He's lifting weights. You might be seeing a comeback. He looks like he's ready to go. He's running, getting in shape. I'll tell you one thing. For a big 7-footer that's all he does, running and getting in shape. He's looking right."

Via Bob Finnan/News-Herald (h/t: Kelly Dwyer)

Larry Drew Will Interview For Bucks' Head Coaching Job Monday

Larry Drew will interview for the Milwaukee Bucks' head coaching vacancy on Monday and is receiving interest from a second team.

The Bucks called Danny Ferry about speaking with Drew, who is still under contract with the Atlanta Hawks until June 30, and they were granted permission.

“I’ve moved on from the situation,” Drew said. “We had a very professional talk just trying to get things in order since I’m still under contract.”

While Drew is prepared to part ways with the Hawks, the door is not completely closed on him returning as coach.

“There is not a sadness,” Drew said. “This is a business. We left open that this could evolve back. If it doesn’t, I have to move on. That’s how this business works. I knew that. Nine years is a good run. There is a business side to this profession."

Via Chris Vivlamore/The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Carlisle Has Studied Past Drafts, Places Value On Experienced Prospects

Rick Carlisle has studied past NBA drafts and is aware of the talent that figures to fall to the Mavericks on June 27.

“You know, if you look at the history of drafts, which I have in the last couple of weeks, and if you look at the last 10 drafts, there’s a history of being multiple guys 13 and below that turn out to be really good, solid, long-term NBA players,” Carlisle said, while standing on the sideline during day 2 of the NBA draft combine. “So, you know, there’s value in this draft. Our job is to find it.”

The Mavericks will pick in the lottery for the first time since 2004, when they selected Devin Harris with a pick acquired from the Washington Wizards.

Carlisle is confident the Mavericks will add a player capable of stepping in right away.

“Well, you want to get a guy with as much experience as possible,” Carlisle confessed. “One of the reasons that (Jae) Crowder was in our rotation most of the year last year and one of the reasons that Bernard James did a good job for us when he played was because those guys had experience and they were older players. I think there’s been a move towards putting a value on maturity and for good reason.”

Via Earl K. Sneed/NBA.com

Mike Malone Expected To Be Candidate For Kings

Mike Malone is expected to be a leading candidate for the Sacramento Kings' head coaching position.

Keith Smart is not expected to be retained, according to a report.

Malone is familiar with prospective Kings' owner Vivek Ranadive due to their connection with the Golden State Warriors.

Via Sam Amick/USA Today

Michael Reinsdorf Believes Mirotic Would Be Lottery Pick In This Year's Draft

Michael Reinsdorf believes that Nikola Mirotic would be a lottery in this year’s NBA draft.

Mirotic was acquired by the Bulls after he was drafted 23rd overall in 2011.

Reinsdorf is proud of the Bulls’ recent draft record, pointing to the 2011 selection of Jimmy Butler.

“This is a guy who was the 30th pick in the draft that any other team could have had,” Reinsdorf said of Butler. “He played nearly every minute against Miami and LeBron James. If you saw how LeBron James embraced Jimmy Butler after that game, to me, it was the ultimate show of respect and that Jimmy has arrived as a ballplayer.”

Via Adam Fluck/NBA.com

Hawks Seriously Considering Ettore Messina

Ettore Messina was born in Italy and is the current coach of CSKA Moscow

Afflalo Wants To Play To His Strengths Next Season

Arron Afflalo struggled in his first season with the Magic.

Harrison Barnes Enjoyed Playing Small Ball Power Forward

Due to the injury to David Lee, the Warriors were forced to be inventive and play Harrison Barnes minutes at power forward.

MLSE Hires Firm To Search For New Raptors' GM, No Decision Yet On Colangelo

Kevin Pritchard and Troy Weaver are two names being mentioned as candidates to replace Bryan Colangelo, should the Raptors make a move.

Otto Porter Patterns Game After Tayshaun Prince

Otto Porter is considered the top-ranked small forward in the NBA draft.

Knicks Could Lose Chris Copeland In Free Agency

Chris Copeland will be a restricted free agent this summer.

Kings Not Expected To Keep Petrie, Could Consider Mullin

Vivek Ranadive and Chris Mullin have met several times, but have not discussed the possibility of working together.

Jackson Admits Kobe's 2003 Arrest Impacted Relationship

Phil Jackson's daughter, Brooke, had been sexually assaulted by an athlete while she was in college, so Kobe Bryant's situation "cracked open an old wound."

Hawks Interview Stan Van Gundy, Mike Budenholzer For Coaching Vacancy

Danny Ferry is conducting interviews for the Hawks.

Report: Redick Unlikely To Return To Bucks

J.J. Redick will become an unrestricted free agent on July 1.

Hansen-Ballmer Decline Refund Of $30M Non-Refundable Deposit From NBA's Other Owners

The NBA owners offered to refund a $30 million non-refundable deposit made by the Chris Hansen-Steve Ballmer ownership group.

Deshaun Thomas Refused To Give Spurs His Cell Number At Draft Combine

Deshaun Thomas interviewed with the Spurs on Thursday.

Nerlens Noel Targeting Christmas Return From Torn ACL

Nerlens Noel is recovering from a torn ACL in his left knee.

Sloan Not Interested In Coaching Bucks

Jerry Sloan met with Bucks officials last week.

Sources: Mike Zarren Turned Down Offer To Become Sixers GM

Mike Zarren is known as an influential member of the Celtics' front office group.

George Hill Out For Game 5 With Concussion

George Hill believes he suffered the injury when being hit in the head by Tyson Chandler.

Rivers To Remain With Celtics Next Season

Doc Rivers signed a five-year extension two years ago with the Celtics.

Thibodeau: Rose Made Right Decision Missing Entire Season

Tom Thibodeau said Derrick Rose "never quite reached the comfort level he needed to play."

Billy Hunter Files Suit Against NBPA, Fisher, Wior

Billy Hunter has filed a lawsuit against the National Basketball Players Association, Derek Fisher and Jamie Wior.

Sources: Schroeder, Antetokounmpo Given First Round Promises

Both Dennis Schroeder and Giannis Antetokounmpo could elect to withdraw from the draft as International prospects.
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