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Basketball Wiretap
Basketball news gathered from around the net.

Carmelo Has Partially Torn Labrum

Carmelo Anthony has a partially torn labrum in his left shoulder.

Anthony may need surgery to repair the injury, which he played 12 playoff games with.

The New York Knicks are hopeful that Anthony can avoid surgery with rest over the next three to four weeks.

Anthony originally injured his shoulder on April 14th and re-injured it in Game 5 of the first round against the Boston Celtics.

Anthony would likely need three to four months of recovery if he undergoes surgery.

Via Frank Isola/New York Daily News

Suns Targeting Athleticism, Perimeter Shooting

The Phoenix Suns will pick fifth overall in the 2013 NBA Draft, their highest selection since 1987 when they selected Armen Gilliam at No. 2 after David Robinson went to the San Antonio Spurs.

The draft is considered very flat, which benefits the Suns at No. 5 more than certain seasons in the past.

“The guy who goes there might not be much different, or any different, than guys who go in the top three,” McDonough said.

The Suns will be the first team from the Western Conference selecting in this draft.

“I think generally we need to get more athletic,” Ryan McDonough said. “I think we need more shooting. My philosophy is always to draft the best available player. There are some good pieces in place here. But at the same time, we won 25 games here, so we need to get better across the board.”

Via Paul Coro/Arizona Republic

Kupchak Denies Discussing D'Antoni With Howard

Mitch Kupchak denied a report that indicated his exit interview conversation with Dwight Howard included the impending free agent venting about Mike D'Antoni.

Howard met with Kupchak privately after also meeting with both he and D'Antoni. 

"To be honest with you, I wouldn’t let it go there anyway," said Kupchak about letting a player dictate the Lakers' coaching situation. 

Kupchak has worked to gain the trust of Howard during the 12-13 season, which he has by all accounts.

"I'm not saying they don't have differences like with any coach or any player," said Kupchak. "I don't think it's anything that goes beyond." 

Via Kevin Ding/Orange County Register

Suns Receive Permission To Interview J.B. Bickerstaff, Clifford

The Phoenix Suns have received permission to interview J.B. Bickerstaff and Steve Clifford for their head coaching vacancy.

Bickerstaff is currently an assistant coach with the Houston Rockets, while Clifford is under contract with the Los Angeles Lakers.

The Suns fired Alvin Gentry after a 13-28 finish and Lindsey Hunter finished the season on an interim basis.

Via Adrian Wojnarowski/Yahoo! Sports

D.J. Stephens Records 46-Inch Vertical

D.J. Stephens has recorded a 46-inch vertical leap during a workout on Wednesday hosted by the Brooklyn Nets, according to a Tweet from ESPN's Chad Ford.

Stephens averaged 7.6 points, 6.6 rebounds and 2.6 blocks per game in his senior season at Memphis, his first in which he received significant minutes. Stephens was also named Conference-USA Defensive Player of the Year.

Stephens has developed a reputation as a dunk artist due to his immense leaping ability.

Via RealGM Staff Report

Mavericks Looking To Trade 13th Overall Pick To Clear Cap Space For Howard

The Dallas Mavericks are hoping to trade the 13th overall pick in order to clear additional cap space to pursue Dwight Howard, according to sources.

The 13th overall pick has a cap hold of $1,655,300.

The Mavericks' future first rounder was traded to the Lakers in the Lamar Odom deal and is top-20 protected through 2017.

Via Chad Ford/ESPN

Oladipo Emerging As GM's Favorite Player In Draft

Victor Oladipo appears to be the most popular player in the 2013 NBA Draft for general managers, even if he isn't on top of draft boards.

"Oladipo is the guy that GMs love in this draft," wrote Chad Ford. "May be the only one. I've talked to 14 or 15 who tell me he's their favorite player. Almost zero downside and still significant upside. Not sure he's a fit in Cleveland or Washington -- but Orlando and Phoenix both look like strong fits. (Trey) Burke may be a bigger need (for Orlando), but Oladipo might be the better player long-term."

Oladipo was a first team All-American in his junior season at Indiana.

Via Chad Ford/ESPN

Phil Handy Hired By Cavaliers As Assistant Coach

The Cleveland Cavaliers have hired Phil Handy as an assistant coach.

Handy was previously a player development coach with the Los Angeles Lakers.

The Cavaliers hired Mike Brown as head coach this offseason.

Via Marc J. Spears/Yahoo! Sports

Jackson Laughed When Informed Of Lakers' Decision To Hire D'Antoni

When Phil Jackson received a phone call from Mitch Kupchak late on Sunday, Nov. 11 that the Los Angeles Lakers had decided to hire Mike D'Antoni to replace Mike Brown as head coach, he had an amused reaction.

"I laughed," Jackson said on Wednesday. "It was humorous to me when Mitch said that we think that Mike is a better coach for this group of guys."

Jackson had been prepared to tell Kupchak that he was interested in coaching the Lakers again.

Jackson believes the move to hire D'Antoni was made to cater to Steve Nash.

"I think it didn't happen because there was some concern how are we going to move in the right direction for this ballclub," Jackson said. "When Mitch gave me the call close to midnight on Sunday night right before I was going to give them an answer Monday morning and said, 'We've made a choice. We're going to hire Mike D'Antoni. We think he's the best coach for this group of guys.' My answer was, 'For Steve Nash, yes, I agree but for Dwight Howard, I'm not so sure.'

"In the process of thinking about how they could best use the team I think they thought first and foremost about Steve Nash and how Steve Nash was going to fit inside of an offensive system that I coach. ... I think that was a concern for them."

Jackson felt that his system would have allowed Pau Gasol and Howard to have a similar type of success as Gasol and Andrew Bynum.

Jackson claims to not be interested in coaching, but does seek a front office position in the NBA.

"I don't see myself coaching again, I really don't," Jackson said. "When I discussed this with Jeanie Buss, she said make sure you tell them that Jeanie still thinks you can coach even though you might say you're not going to coach again. Jeanie still thinks I can coach but I'm not going to go there."

Via Arash Markazi/ESPN

Howard Deciding Between Lakers, Rockets

Dwight Howard is currently torn between re-signing with the Los Angeles Lakers and joining the Houston Rockets in unrestricted free agency, according to a source with knowledge of the situation.

Howard's displeasure with Mike D'Antoni became known on Tuesday in a report from ESPN. During his exit interview with Mitch Kupchak, Howard reportedly said that he was frustrated with how D'Antoni used him and that he wasn't treated like a team leader the way he did with Kobe Bryant and Steve Nash.

Near the end of the regular season, all signs had pointed toward Howard re-signing with the Lakers.

Via Sam Amick/USA Today

Cavaliers Win Lottery; Magic, Wizards In Top-3

The 2013 NBA Draft Lottery was held on Tuesday in Times Square with the Cavaliers winning for the second time in three years.

Durant Donates $1M To Tornado Relief Efforts

Kevin Durant has donated $1 million to relief efforts following tornadoes in the Oklahoma City region.

Clippers Won't Renew Vinny Del Negro's Contract

The Clippers are believed to be interested in Lionel Hollins and Mike Malone to replace Vinny Del Negro.

NBA Has Lowest Rated Conference Final Opener Since 2007 In Spurs/Grizzlies

The Spurs win over the Grizzlies on Sunday ranks as the lowest rated conference final opener since 2007.

Raptors Willing To Offer Masai Ujiri $2M Per Season

Masai Ujiri is reportedly earning approximately $500,000 in the final season of his contract with the Nuggets.

Clippers Expected To Pursue David West

The Clippers will have to entice David West with the $5.15 million midlevel exception available to teams that are non-taxpayers.

Shumpert To Play On Knicks' Summer League Team

Iman Shumpert missed last season due to rehab for his torn ACL, while the lockout cancelled the Summer League during his rookie season.

Carmelo Hopes Knicks Re-Sign J.R. Smith

Carmelo Anthony would like the Knicks to re-sign J.R. Smith this offseason.

Police Received Tony Parker Death Threat During Game 1

The Bexar County Sheriff is investigating a 911 call played on Sunday in which threatened Tony Parker.

Stan Van Gundy Confirms He Won't Coach Next Season

Stan Van Gundy has not interviewed with any teams, though he has been contacted.

Two Men Assaulted After Taking Photo Of Damian Lillard

The police are investigating the incident but don't consider Damian Lillard a suspect.

Sources: Rockets Intrigue Dwight Howard

Dwight Howard will engage in the free agency process and is expected to hear pitches from the Lakers, Rockets, Mavericks, Cavaliers and the Hawks.

Dwight Expressed Frustrations With D'Antoni To Kupchak

Dwight Howard also felt marginalized by Mike D'Antoni, feeling he looked to Kobe Bryant and Steve Nash for leadership and suggestions.

Colangelo's Tenure As Raptors' GM Over, Will Represent Club At Lottery

Bryan Colangelo will continue to be employed by MLSE in a corporate, non-basketball capacity.

Warriors Willing To Pay Tax Next Season, No Longer Searching For Blockbuster Move

The Warriors have never paid the luxury tax, but their strong showing in the 2013 NBA Playoffs further confirms the new ownership's willingness to consider it.

Clippers Have No Interest In Pursuing Dwight Howard

The Clippers do not have the cap space to sign Dwight Howard while also re-signing Chris Paul.

Petrie Preparing For Kings' Draft, Hasn't Heard From Ranadive's Group

The Kings have been sold to Vivek Ranadive, which makes the status of Geoff Petrie as basketball president an unknown.

Terrence Williams Arrested For Threatening Mother Of Child, Brandishing Gun

Terrence Williams is signed with the Celtics for next season.

Skiles May Be Frontrunner For Nets' Job

Scott Skiles was fired in the middle of last season by the Bucks.

Colangelo To Remain With Raptors In 'Corporate' Role, Still Pursuing New GM

MLSE faces a Monday deadline to make a decision on their option on Bryan Colangelo's contract for next season.
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