FANTASY / PLAYER NEWS
Antawn Jamison: Sits Out Practice
Update: Jamison sat out training camp practice Thursday after bruising his right shin during the morning session, the Associated Press reports.
Analysis: The team said Jamison's injury wasn't considered serious and listed him as day-to-day. The Wizards close training camp Saturday and open their exhibition schedule Tuesday against the Cavaliers.
Ron Artest: Has His Shot Altered
Update: Kings assistant coach Chuck Person, a prolific long-range shooter in his playing days, worked with Artest to refine his shot during the offseason, the Sacramento Bee reports.
Analysis: The adjustment is minor, but Artest will mostly be using his right hand near the release point. His 44 percent field-goal shooting and 35.8 percent three-point shooting with Sacramento last season are his best in eight seasons. His 6.5 rebounds and 18.8 points per game were also career highs.
Josh McRoberts: Sprains Left Ankle
Update: McRoberts will miss at least a week after spraining his left ankle during Wednesday night's practice, The Oregonian reports.
Analysis: McRoberts will not be a big part of Portland's rotation this sesaon.
Brandon Roy: Could Miss Entire Preseason
Update: Blazers head coach Nate McMillan is considering holding Roy (left heel) out for the entire preseason, The Oregonian reports. "Right now, my thought is he won't play in the preseason," McMillan said. "(The preseason schedule) is not important. What is important is that we have him for the season."
Analysis: Roy hurt the heel in Tuesday's practice and it was later determined that he has an irritation of the talus bone. It's the same injury that forced him to miss 20 games last year. He decided against surgery last year, opting instead for rest which allowed him to play the rest of the season after his return in December. His absence likely means Steve Blake or Jarret Jack will shift from the point to the two, and perhaps Martell Webster getting some run at guard.
Stephon Marbury: Star of Camp
Update: Marbury says that he is in better shape physically than he was last October, and a team scout pointed out that he has been a star in camp, the New York Post reports.
Analysis: He also said he was a born-again Christian. "My body and my mind were asleep. I was sleepwalking. I basically was laying in a coffin dead. Then when I became reborn, I was able to open my eyes and see myself," he told the Post. What a summer it has been for Marbury. He also launched a new line of $14.98 sneakers, talked about playing in Italy after his current contract is up, and stood up for Michael Vick and his dog fighting ways. One can only hope this new outlook on life will help him on the court.
Beno Udrih: Breaks Finger
Update: Udrih suffered a non-displaced fracture of his left index finger during Thursday morning's practice, the Sports Network reports.
Analysis: Udrih's left hand was placed in a cast and he will be re-evaluated in two weeks.
Beno Udrih: Injured in Practice
Update: Udrih suffered a non-displaced fracture on his left index finger during Thursday morning's practice, the team announced.
Analysis: Udrih was examined by team doctors and his left hand was placed in a cast. He will be re-evaluated in two weeks. He averaged 4.7 points, 1.7 assists and 1.1 rebounds in 73 games last campaign.
Jerome James: Injured in Practice
Update: James injured his knee on the first day of Knicks' practice, NY Newsday reports.
Analysis: James has not been known for his ability to battle through injuries, and this is the second season in a row that he has gotten hurt on the first day of practice. Even when healthy, James is probably the last option you want to use at your center position.
Andrei Kirilenko: Seeking Shooting Help
Update: Retired Jazz shooting guard Jeff Hornacek has been called in to help Kirilenko with his shooting, the Deseret Morning News reports.
Analysis: While Hornacek is a great shooter and will undoubtedly help Kirilenko with his shot, the reason for his presence is more important than that. The disgruntled Kirilenko really enjoys Hornacek as a friend. "I love to work with him," said Kirilenko. "He's a great guy. He was one of the best shooters in NBA. You know, working with him, I feel good." This is good news for the Jazz, because a happy Kirilenko is a productive Kirilenko and as of right now his spirits seem high.
Spencer Hawes: Will Have Another MRI
Update: Hawes (knee) will have another MRI on his left knee this Friday, the Sacramento Bee reports.
Analysis: Hawes has missed practice for the last two days with his sore knee and it is unclear when he will be able to return. "It's like a high-definition look at it, basically," said Hawes. "Just wait and see." This is the same knee that he had problems with in high school, so there is some cause for concern. We will have another update as we get more information.
Marquis Daniels: Practice Time Limited
Update: Daniels' (knee) practice time is being limited in training camp as a precaution, the Indianapolis Star reports.
Analysis: He said that he hopes to be ready to go by the start of the season, and the Pacers hope so, too, because their playoff hopes diminished greatly last season after Daniels got hurt. "He's a guy that as a coach you've got to find how many ways you can plug him into a successful team because he's multi-talented," head coach Jim O'Brien said. Once Daniels is ready to practice the Pacers will work him back in to the lineup. "This is still part of my rehab process," Daniels said. "It takes a little time, but it's getting there. My opposite knee is giving me a little problem because I'm compensating, but other than that, I'm doing great."
Theo Ratliff: Practiced on Wednesday
Update: Ratliff (back) practiced fully on Wednesday with the T-Wolves, the Minneapolis Star-Tribune reports.
Analysis: Ratliff missed Tuesday's practice with a sore back, but was able to make it back out on to the court on Wednesday. Ratliff hasn't been very effective in the past few years, mostly being involved in trades, but if he is healthy he will always be valuable for a team in need of blocks.
J.R. Smith: Not Close to Extension
Update: The Nuggets have until Oct. 31 to sign Smith to a contract extension that will begin next season, the Rocky Mountain News reports.
Analysis: If they do not reach a deal, then Smith will become a restricted free agent at the end of the season. "If we can work something out, that's fine," Smith said. "But if we can't, if we win games, all that other stuff will take care of itself (next summer)." As of right now, it does not appear that the two sides are very close to a new deal and they probably won't get much closer because Smith and head coach George Karl had their differences last season.
Jianlian Yi: Practices Thursday
Update: Yi worked out with his new team for more than two hours in the Bucks' fourth practice of training camp on Thursday, and looked sluggish at times.
Analysis: Yi traveled on a 15-hour flight from Shanghai to Chicago on Wednesday and apparently didn't sleep too well, which may be why he wasn't all that into practice on Thursday. Once Yi gets accustomed to the time difference he should be able to practice with more vigor.
Anfernee Hardaway: Impressive During Camp
Update: Hardaway has impressed Heat coach Pat Riley thus far during training camp, the South Florida Sun-Sentinel reports.
Analysis: Depending on how he performs in the coming weeks, Hardaway could begin the season in a significant role with Miami since Dwyane Wade isn't going to be ready for the first few weeks of the regular season.
Wayne Simien: Still Bothered by Knee
Update: Simien missed the afternoon session of Wednesday's practice with an inflamed knee, the Miami Herald reports.
Analysis: Head coach Pat Riley has been known to run some intense practices during training camp, but the fact that Simien is experiencing some swelling is a pretty good indication that he's going to have an uphill battle to crack the rotation by opening night.
Matt Barnes: Re-aggravated Thumb Injury
Update: Barnes, who dislocated his thumb over the summer, tweaked the same thumb during Wednesday's practice session, the Contra Costa Times reports.
Analysis: "It's going to be fine," Barnes said. "It's just that hitting it, bumping it, it's going to take awhile to get better." Barnes was named one of the Warriors' three captains this year and should see playing time as a backup to Stephen Jackson at small forward and Al Harrington at power forward.
Francisco Garcia: May Start Opening Night
Update: With small forward Ron Artest (domestic violence) serving a seven-game suspension to start the season, Garcia is a strong possibility to be named the Kings' opening-night starter, the Sacramento Bee reports.
Analysis: The third-year swingman played for Kings coach Reggie Theus while he was an assistant on Rick Pitino's 2005 Final Four team at Louisville. That familiarity, coupled with Garcia's versatility and leadership, make him a strong candidate for an expanded role in Sacramento's up-tempo offense. He started five games last year while Artest nursed a hamstring, averaging 15.4 points, 6.0 rebounds, 2.8 assists and 1.2 steals.
Gilbert Arenas: In Good Shape Following Knee Rehab
Update: Arenas, who worked extra hard this past offseason to come back from left knee surgery to repair a torn meniscus, is by all accounts in excellent shape, the Washington Post reports.
Analysis: Arenas is said to have dropped 16 pounds since last season, though he certainly didn't look doughy then. He indicated that his knee will not be an issue and we wouldn't bet against him given his work ethic, especially as he enters what is basically a contract year, as he plans to opt out of his deal with the Wizards following this season.
Caron Butler: Reports in Good Shape
Update: Butler, who shed body fat with two-a-day workouts this past offseason, has received props from coach Eddie Jordan for reporting in excellent shape, the Washington Post reports.
Analysis: Butler's hand injury (which cut short his 2006-07 season) is apparently not an issue anymore and he appears committed to prove that last season's career-best effort was no fluke.
Etan Thomas: Awaits Test Results
Update: Thomas (heart irregularity) remained in Washington on Wednesday awaiting results of further testing, the Washington Post reports.
Analysis: The Wizards are hoping for the best here, but at this point Thomas' cardiac issues could put his career in doubt. We'll give you more on his status as we know it.
Allan Houston: Knicks Extend Open Invitation
Update: Houston has been extended an open invitation to join Knicks practice and compete for a roster spot, the New York Times reports.
Analysis: Houston retired two seasons ago because of arthritis in his knees and is weighing a comeback. The Nets have also expressed interest in the sharp shooter.
Jason Hart: Makes Strong Early Impression
Update: After only three months with the team, Hart has already impressed the coaching staff with his no-nonsense approach to the game, the Salt Lake Tribune reports.
Analysis: Hart and Ronnie Price have exclusively played the point guard position while Deron Williams waits to play following off-season oral surgery. Hart will likely be the team's backup point guard, but will only be a big fantasy contributor if Williams is sidelined for a stretch of time.
Grant Hill: Seeks Title With Suns
Update: Hill has come to camp early to work with Suns athletic trainers in hopes of winning a championship, the Arizona Republic reports.
Analysis: Hill is healthier than he normally is at this point in the season. "I do feel like I have something to prove," Hill said. "I kind of made it through a year, last year, healthy. I feel like I've got a lot left to offer. I feel like I can still play this game at a high level so I look forward to proving that." Hill could be a nice later round selection in fantasy drafts, as coach Mike D'Antoni pegs Hill to be an All-Star and average at least 15 points per game.
Robert Horry: Says This Will Be His Final Season
Update: Horry has made it clear that he intends for this to be his final season, the San Antontio Express-News reports.
Analysis: Horry averaged only 3.9 points, a career low, in 68 regular-season games. With Horry's limited minutes and production, he is no longer a viable fantasy option.
Delonte West: Sidelined by Sprained Ankle
Update: West sprained his right ankle Wednesday and is considered day-to-day, the Seattle Post-Intelligencer reports.
Analysis: West is in a three-way challenge with Luke Ridnour and Earl Watson for the starting point guard job. West can also play shooting guard, so if he doesn't start he should still see good minutes.
Trenton Hassell: Will Return to Mavericks Thursday
Update: Hassell, who has missed recent workouts to attend to his ill father in Tennessee, will return to practice on Thursday, according to the Dallas Morning News.
Analysis: Hassell will assume the defensive stopper role that was occupied last year by Greg Buckner, and should not be much of a fantasy contributor.
Scot Pollard: Has a Sprained Ankle
Update: Pollard has not practiced yet with the Celtics due to a sprained left ankle, according to the Boston Herald.
Analysis: Even when healthy, Pollard will not be a fantasy contributor this season.
James Posey: Has Impressed In Practice
Update: Posey has impressed Celtics coach Doc Rivers so far in practice, according to the Boston Herald. According to Rivers, Posey has been the team's "glue," and is "saying the right things; he's telling them to do the right things. It is amazing having veterans on your bench.
Analysis: Rivers may lean heavily on veterans like Posey early in the season for minutes, especially until the team's younger reserves prove themselves.
Coby Karl: Has Impressed Early in Camp
Update: Karl, an undrafted free-agent out of Boise State, has impressed Lakers coaches and officials early in training camp, according to the Los Angeles Times.
Analysis: Coach Phil Jackson noted that Karl "might be one of our best shooters on the team already. He's got a great stroke." Karl does not have a guaranteed contract, but the Lakers are one roster spot shy of the league maximum, so making the final roster may not be out of the question for the son of Nuggets coach George Karl.
Lamar Odom: Wants to Finish Career in Los Angeles
Update: Odom, the subject of many trade rumors, told the Los Angeles Times that he wants to finish his career in a Laker uniform.
Analysis: Odom has been rumored to be traded to Phoenix or Indiana, but seems content with the Lakers and has meshed decently well with mercurial star Kobe Bryant. Look for him to remain a Laker this season.
Louis Amundson: Injures Ankle but Returned to Practice
Update: Amundson hurt his ankle early in practice Wednesday but returned to finish with the team, the Philadelphia Inquirer reports.
Analysis: Amundson came out of the practice fine and should not have any problems with the ankle. He has no fantasy value with the 76ers unless they suffer multiple injuries.
Eddy Curry: Right Calf Injury
Update: Curry sustained a right calf injury during practice but remained on the floor, the New York Daily News reports.
Analysis: Curry claims the injury was caused by teammate Jerome James. The injury does not appear to be serious.
Vince Carter: New Motion Offense
Update: Nets coach Lawrence Frank is installing a new motion offense this season, which means less set plays for Carter, the Bergen Record reports.
Analysis: After signing a $61 million extension in the offsesaon, the Nets still see Carter as their go-to guy. The team will still run pick-and-rolls and post-ups for Carter, just not as many. Carter, who averaged 25.2 points per game last season, will have to find different ways to get his shots. "Now you have to guard me with the ball in my hands and you have to guard me without the ball in my hands, as well as RJ and J-Kidd," Carter said. "There's a lot of movement for everybody. You have to prepare for a lot of things now."
Darrell Armstrong: Will Sign With New Jersey
Update: Armstrong has decided to sign with New Jersey, according to his agent, the Newark Star-Ledger reports.
Analysis: Armstrong sees the injury to Jason Kidd's backup, Marcus Williams, as an opportunity to play more than he would with Dallas, the other team he was considering. "Darrell's very excited about it," said agent Glen Schwartzman. "He was very intrigued with the idea of going back to the Mavs, and they wanted him, but we just think that with Marcus (Williams) down for a little bit, it's a chance for Darrell to come in and play."
Nenad Krstic: Ten Days Away From Contact
Update: Krstic (knee) is an estimated 10 days away from participating in contact drills, the New York Post reports.
Analysis: Krstic is still hoping to be back by the start of the regular season, but he can't say for sure whether that will be the case. "Yeah, I think so. That's my goal," Krstic said. "I still believe I'm going to be ready for opening night. I don't know how long, maybe 10 minutes, maybe less, maybe more. But I'm going to be getting ready for the game."
Tim Thomas: Will Play Three Positions
Update: Clippers coach Mike Dunleavy plans to use Thomas at small forward, power forward and center, the Orange County Register reports.
Analysis: Thomas is comfortable shooting on the perimeter and can also drop down closer to the basket when the team wants to go quicker and smaller. And the Clippers will need that versatility to help overcome the loss of Elton Brand. "Because he can play multiple positions, and with his outside shooting, he can extend the defense," assistant coach Rory White said. "I think that's going to open up some things this year for (center Chris) Kaman." White added, "He has good low-post moves. He has a nice turnaround 'J' down there. And the good thing about it is once he gets going down there, it opens things up because he's playing inside-out and it gives teams a different look."
Chris Kaman: Out a Few More Days
Update: Kaman (back) hopes to return to action "in a couple days," the Los Angeles Daily News reports.
Analysis: Kaman missed his second consecutive day of practices on Wednesday.
Josh Childress: No Foot Problems
Update: Childress, who missed 27 games to foot injuries last season, worked with Nike over the summer to come up with special inserts for his sneakers to take pressure off his feet, the Atlanta Journal Constitution reports.
Analysis: Childress is expected to be Atlanta's sixth man and part of a second unit that will keep the pace set by the starting five. The Hawks have acquired a lot of depth over the past few years and coach Mike Woodson plans to make it work for the team. "This is really the first time we've had that," Woodson said, "and it's huge. Some of the guys on our second unit could start, and that's great. When you're trying to build a team, your supporting cast is just as important as the guys that start. I've always said that, and I certainly believe that now. And that will hold true with our team this year if we're going to make some noise."
Bonzi Wells: Making Progress
Update: Wells is still being watched closely because of his strained groin, but he increased his level of participation in Wednesday's practice, the Houston Chronicle reports.
"He actually did a good number of things today, more than I originally expected," said Keith Jones, the Rockets' head trainer. "He was able to run up and down the floor and go through the five-on-none drills."
Analysis: Wells suffered the groin pull three weeks ago when he slipped in his bathroom at home. He wound up on the floor, almost doing a full split. "This isn't like a couple of years ago when I tore the groin," Wells said. "I'm OK here. It's not like I'm really injured. Everybody's just being extra careful." Jones said he might permit Wells to run in the five-on-five scrimmages in the second of Friday's scheduled two workouts.
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