NBA Capsules: Thousands of fans cheer Lakers in tribute
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Tens of thousands of jubilant Los Angeles Lakers fans lined a two-mile route Monday, many waving purple and gold flags and T-shirts that read "Back 2 Back" as they cheered the NBA champions during a parade to celebrate the team's second consecutive title.
Kobe Bryant, Pau Gasol, Derek Fisher, Andrew Bynum and Ron Artest waved to the throngs from a flatbed 18-wheeler as fans yelled and snapped pictures. Many waited hours for a glimpse of their heroes as they rolled past in a convoy that also included double-decker buses and fire engines.
"We saw them for three minutes, but it was worth every minute," said Trisha Siqueiros, 29, who drove two hours from Indio with her father, Ron Nieto, 51, for the parade. "The only thing is they should have driven a little slower."
Police reported a largely well-behaved crowd. Seven people were arrested for various minor offenses, police said. Authorities did not provide a crowd estimate.
The hourlong parade capped a season that ended Thursday with an 83-79 Game 7 victory over the Boston Celtics and a 16th NBA title for the Lakers.
Team members vowed to play hard for a 17th championship next season.
"When next season starts, we'll be ready, that's for sure," Bryant told reporters. He added that of his five titles, "this is the best one by far because it was the hardest one to get."
Artest, who donned a top hat with purple and gold feathers and sported an unlit cigar during the ride, also said the team plans to buckle down. "We have to party for another week, then start putting in the work and write history again next year," he said.
The parade, which took the Lakers from Staples Center downtown to the Galen Center at the University of Southern California, started with the purple-clad Laker Girls, who received choruses of wolf-whistles.
The tribute also included past Lakers greats Earvin "Magic" Johnson and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. The crowd screamed "Ma-gic! Ma-gic!" when they spotted the player-turned businessman.
Missing from the parade was coach Phil Jackson, who had to attend previously scheduled medical checkups, said team spokesman John Black. Jackson has said his health will determine whether he will return as coach.
"This is the highest priority for him and for us in determining whether he's going to come back and coach for us again next year," Black said.
Artest said he wished Jackson could have been there. "He's my favorite coach of all time," Artest said. "I enjoyed it for him."
Diehard fans wore all manner of Lakers attire and colors, from sneakers to purses to Mexican-style ponchos. Some waved huge flags and held up signs, like a foam tombstone reading "RIP Boston" and "Back to back without Shaq."
Many fans took a day off work to pay tribute to their team.
Window washer Jimmy Baskom, 58, said he forewent the day's pay to drive in from Palmdale because he wanted to see his longtime basketball heroes up close after watching every game this season on TV.
"I've been a die-hard fan all my life and I watch every game, but this is my first opportunity to see them in person," he said.
Electrician Orie Stewart of Los Angeles said he took a day off to bring his 14-year-old granddaughter to the event. "We've been longtime fans," he said. "I'm raising my grandchildren to be Lakers fans."
The police presence was heavy around the parade route with helicopters overhead and officers on foot, horseback, motorcycle and in cars to deter would-be vandals. After Thursday's game, people started fires, rocked cars, smashed windows and threw objects at fans and officers. At least 42 people were arrested.
The Los Angeles city attorney's office said Monday 10 people will be prosecuted on misdemeanor charges including inciting a riot, unlawful assembly after being told to disperse, throwing flammable objects, and assault.
In one case, a man was accused of setting fire to a Celtics jersey, said senior assistant city attorney Chuck Goldenberg. Another man was arrested for allegedly throwing a bicycle at a police officer, and other charges resulted from people throwing rocks at officers and other offenses.
Cabbie Abraham Teferi, whose taxi was attacked and burned by the mob, was given a $10,000 check by Staples Center owner AEG.
AEG president and CEO Tim Leiweke said the taxi was covered by the cab company's insurance so AEG decided to cover the personal expenses of Teferi, 41, an Ethiopian immigrant who has been in the United States for nine years.
"This isn't about a car. This is about a life," Leiweke said.
Fans left no doubt they were looking for a third title next year. "I'm just as excited this year because it's the second time in a row," said Teresa Howe, 42, of Simi Valley. "I'm looking forward to a three-peat. And I'll be here next year."
Cabbie attacked after Lakers win gets $10,000
LOS ANGELES (AP) — The apologetic president and CEO of Staples Center owner AEG on Monday gave a $10,000 check to a cabbie whose taxi was burned by a mob when violence erupted near the arena after the Los Angeles Lakers won the NBA championship last week.
"On behalf of all the knuckleheads, we apologize and hopefully that helps you get on your feet a little bit," Tim Leiweke told Abraham Teferi during the presentation at AEG offices.
Teferi, a 41-year-old Ethiopian immigrant with limited English, said the attackers shook his cab to try to turn it over.
"I was thinking they can kill me. That's all I was thinking. They burned the car," said Teferi, who has been in the United States for nine years and has been a taxi driver for seven years.
Leiweke said the taxi was covered by the cab company's insurance, so AEG decided to give the money to Teferi.
"I was more concerned about Abraham because he doesn't have insurance to pay for his food and his house and his livelihood," Leiweke said.
"We're asking everyone to use Abraham as an example of how we can celebrate together without having to go burn things up," he added.
The gesture was reminiscent of the aftermath of the Lakers' 2000 championship, when the team and then-center Shaquille O'Neal each gave nearly $43,000 to the city to replace two squad cars that were burned in post-game violence. That mob also smashed store windows, started bonfires and vandalized 74 autos at nearby dealerships.
-- Nardine Saad
Los Angeles charges 10 in Lakers victory violence
LOS ANGELES (AP) — The Los Angeles city attorney's office has filed charges against 10 people for their role in the violence and vandalism following last week's Lakers victory over the Boston Celtics in the NBA championship series.
Spokesman Frank Mateljan said Monday that a range of charges includes inciting a riot, unlawful assembly after being told to disperse, throwing flammable objects and assault. All the charges are misdemeanors.
At least 42 people were arrested after Thursday's victory over the Celtics in Game 7 of the title series.
Despite a heavy police presence, vandalism and violence broke out in several locations.
NBA Draft
Big names on outside looking in at NBA Draft
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Omar Samhan's throwback drop-steps in the post and new-age candor with the media made him one of the breakout stars of the NCAA tournament in March.
The outspoken center captivated fans with his skills on the court and drew belly laughs in the press room with sharp one-liners while leading little St. Mary's to the round of 16 for the first time in more than 50 years.
The 6-foot-11 Samhan averaged 30.5 points and 9.5 rebounds in victories over Richmond and Villanova in college basketball's marquee event, but is finding NBA executives and scouts much more difficult to charm.
Most mock drafts forecast that Samhan will not be drafted on Thursday.
"The politically correct answer would be, 'Oh you know, it happens, that's the way it is,'" Samhan said after a workout with the Minnesota Timberwolves this month. "I think it's crap, to be blunt with you. I feel like I do a lot for my team, for my school and still just don't get a lot of credit, a lot of love."
Don't worry, Omar. You're not alone.
College stars like Villanova All-American Scottie Reynolds, Kansas point guard Sherron Collins and Notre Dame forward Luke Harangody are deemed second-round picks at best. Xavier's Jordan Crawford may fall out of the first round, even after averaging 29 points a game in the Musketeers' run to the round of 16.
"You can look at it like, 'What more do you want me to do?'" said Crawford, who left after his sophomore season. "But you still have to come out here and show what you can do and that you're worth a first-round pick."
Many of college basketball's best players have used the bright lights of the postseason to increase their draft stock. Jonny Flynn's performance in Syracuse's epic six-overtime win over Connecticut in the Big East tournament in 2009 helped propel him up the draft board, where the Timberwolves took him at No. 6.
Butler's Gordon Hayward lifted himself into lottery consideration this year after leading the Bulldogs on an improbable run to the NCAA title game.
But there are plenty of decorated college careers drawing yawns from NBA talent evaluators.
Collins led the Jayhawks to a national title as a junior and bypassed a chance at the NBA to return for one final season with Kansas this year, a remarkable run that ended with an upset loss to Northern Iowa. And there's the 6-foot-2 Reynolds, who struggled at first with the slights from the pros, Villanova coach Jay Wright said.
"But I think he looked at it and said that's what the NBA is. It's size, it's speed, it's length," Wright said. "He was the underdog coming out of high school and now he's going to be an underdog making the NBA and he's taking on that challenge. I don't think he's disappointed about it anymore. I think he's realistic about it. He's taking it as a great challenge."
In some scouts' eyes, Reynolds and Crawford are a little too short, Collins a little too thick, Harangody a black hole on offense.
And Samhan?
"I'm a slow white guy, so I understand," Samhan said. "It's all part of the process. It's what makes me a good player. People are constantly doubting me and I want to prove them wrong. I use it as motivation instead of letting it get me down."
The best thing these players can do, according to NBA scouting director Ryan Blake, is criscross the country, working out with as many teams as possible in hopes someone will give them a chance in the draft or on a summer league team.
"They've done everything they can. Everybody knows about them," Blake said. "People will want to see them. They have great skills. They need to lay all their cards on the table and not worry about where they're going to land and do the best they're can do right now."
Samhan has taken that advice, eagerly grabbing workout after workout as he tries to convince a team that he belongs. He has delighted in participating against prospects from more well-known basketball schools.
"It kind of builds a little chip on my shoulder," he said. "I'm sick of hearing how these big schools are so much better. Because they have more money than us? Better facilities? That doesn't make you better. I'm glad I get a chance to get my hands on these guys."
Crawford is the only one of the group with a chance at being chosen in the first round, and getting the guaranteed contract that comes with it.
He knows he boosted his profile in the NCAA tournament, where he scored 32 points in a narrow loss to Kansas State that kept the Musketeers from reaching the regional final.
But that's ancient history now.
"It's not something I live off of," Crawford said. "I lived it when it was in the moment and now it's time to do something else."
-- Jon Krawczynski
Favors, Cousins work out for Nets
EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. (AP) — Derrick Favors and DeMarcus Cousins have been playing against each other since high school, so working out for the New Jersey Nets three days before the NBA Draft was nothing new.
The stakes were a little higher Monday.
The Nets have the third pick overall in Thursday night's draft, and they likely will have to decide whether to take Cousins or Favors.
The Washington Wizards are expected to take Kentucky point guard John Wall with the first pick, and Philadelphia likely will grab Ohio State shooting guard Evan Turner with the second choice.
Although New Jersey has some interest in Syracuse forward Wesley Johnson, its biggest need is at power forward. Favors of Georgia Tech and Cousins of Kentucky are the top big men, despite having only played their freshmen seasons in college.
The two big men worked out for about an hour at the Nets' headquarters, showing their shooting, agility and stamina.
"It would have made it easier if one guy came in and did very little, and you were extremely disappointed," said Gregg Polinsky, the Nets' director of player personnel. "But we are not disappointed. I think we all walked out of here going, 'these are going to be two very fine NBA players going down the road.'"
Cousins, the Wildcats' center, showed the Nets he has the talent to play the power forward, hitting shots up to 20 feet.
A true power forward, Favors' shooting range is limited to about 15 feet, but he has more 'pop' in his leaping ability, Polinsky said.
Neither player saw the workout as a one-shot deal for the third spot.
"Me and DeMarcus have been playing each other since high school," said Favors, who averaged 12.4 points, 8.4 rebounds and 2.1 blocks last season. "It isn't a competition between us. We are good players. They have seen us both in college. I think they wanted to bring us in to get a feel for both our games, and to see which one fits better in New Jersey."
Favors, who will turn 19 next month, is 11 months younger than Cousins, who averaged 15.1 points and 9.8 rebounds with Kentucky last season.
This marked the third time in recent weeks that Favors and Cousins have worked out against each other. They also did it in Sacramento and last week in Philadelphia.
Cousins, who played at LeFlore High School in Mobile, Ala., said he and Favors first played in the ninth grade in a tournament in Atlanta with South Atlanta winning big.
"To be honest, me and Derrick we've been in competition our whole career," Cousins said. "It was always who's better? Me or Derrick? After college I thought those days were pretty much over, but we're back at stage one. So I guess you can say that."
When asked who was better, Cousins laughed.
"I'll let you all answer that," he said.
-- Tom Canavan
Hayward finishes draft workouts in hometown
INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — Gordon Hayward felt right at home auditioning for Larry Bird and the Indiana Pacers.
After traveling to 10 cities, Hayward woke up at his parents' place in nearby Brownsburg, hopped in his own car and made the 20-minute drive to Conseco Fieldhouse.
He's hoping his first job comes the same short commute.
"It would be a dream come true to play for the Pacers," Hayward said Monday. "I'd be close to home, close to my friends and family. Sometimes people say it would be more pressure, but I don't see that as a negative."
Certainly not when virtually every big moment in Hayward's basketball career has occurred within these city limits.
Two years ago, his buzzer-beating lay-in gave Brownsburg High School the 4A state basketball title in the same building where he worked out for Bird. He brought home the Horizon League's freshman of the year and player of the year awards over the last two seasons while attending school just six miles down the road at Butler. In April, Hayward had two chances in the closing seconds to beat Duke in the national title game at Lucas Oil Stadium, within walking distance of Conseco. But he missed both shots.
The 6-foot-9 sophomore is making one exception Thursday night.
Hayward will take his parents, his girlfriend, his sister and her boyfriend to New York City for the NBA draft. Most experts expect him to go in the top 20, and some have him projected to go as high as No. 8.
"You know I only had one suit because I was growing so fast, and that was for my senior picture," he said. "So I do need to get one, but I think the agency is taking care of that. I hope they're taking care of that."
For Hayward, this is serious business.
He learned the rigors of NBA travel while going from workout to workout by himself and passed the idle time in his hotel room by doing push-ups and sit-ups. Along the way, he figured out a few things.
"I forgot the charger to my laptop," he said, drawing laughter. "I learned that, definitely, all these guys are great players, so, at times, you're going to get beat. I don't want to get beat, but it happens."
The biggest questions heading into the draft were whether Hayward was strong enough or a good enough outside shooter to play in the NBA.
On Monday, Hayward showed up with a more defined upper body, something he attributed to the strength and conditioning program he went through at St.Vincent Sports Performance on Indy's west side. He acknowledged adding both weight and muscle, though Hayward couldn't say how much he weighed or how much he was lifting.
The Pacers also got a firsthand look at how much better Hayward's shooting touch could be after seeing his 3-point percentage drop from 44.8 percent in his freshman season to 29.4 percent last year. Hayward, running from one side of the court to the other, put on the best shooting exhibition of the six players in town for the workouts.
Heck, even Alabama-Birmingham's Elijah Millsap told Hayward "nice job" after he made 4-of-5 3s from the corner.
"Everyone's been asking about my shot, and it's definitely improved just being in the gym all this time," Hayward said.
Which leaves only one question for Thursday night: How high will Hayward go?
Indiana holds the No. 10 pick, and if he's there, local fans will be pulling hard for Hayward, even though the Pacers have greater needs at point guard and power forward. Hayward knows there's a greater likelihood he'll be moving away from Indy for the first time in his life.
"I'll be happy to go with whoever takes me," he said. "For me, this has been a dream of mine to play at this level, and once I decided to come out I never looked back."
-- Michael Marot
Bobcats eyeing ways to get draft picks
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — The Charlotte Bobcats are talking with teams about either purchasing a pick or making a trade that would yield selections in Thursday's NBA draft.
Coach Larry Brown said Monday that several teams are looking to give up picks. The Michael Jordan-owned Bobcats don't own a selection in either the first or second round.
"Michael might buy a draft pick. I don't know," Brown said. "We might be able to move a contract to get a draft pick. I don't know. It might be a trade involved that could do that. You better be aware of the talent and what value you have on a pick."
While Brown has shied away from saying for certain that he'll return for a third season in Charlotte, he's been busy putting dozens of players through pre-draft workouts over the past few weeks.
Jerome Randle of California, Lance Thomas of Duke, Deon Thompson of North Carolina, Ryan Thompson of Rider, Ben Uzoh of Tulsa and Jeremy Wise, who played at Southern Mississippi before spending a year in the NBA Development League, worked out Monday.
"It's a miracle that we've got so many kids in without having a pick," Brown said. "We're real fortunate in that respect. With 50 underclassmen declaring, you might find a lot of kids under normal circumstances would have gotten selected that maybe would be available if they're not drafted. We have to be active in that regard."
There are several incentives for Charlotte to acquire picks. Starting point guard Raymond Felton will be an unrestricted free agent on July 1 and it's possible the Bobcats won't re-sign him. With D.J. Augustin the only other point guard on the roster, general manager Rod Higgins has said they'll have to get another point guard if Felton doesn't return.
The Bobcats are also close to the luxury tax, a payroll threshold that Jordan said the money-losing Bobcats won't go over.
"We have a lot of roster spots potentially. We're kind of limited because we're close to the luxury tax," Brown said. "A draft pick might be a valuable thing to have because it won't affect the luxury tax this year."
The Bobcats have made seven trades involving 21 players since the start of the 2008-09 season.
-- Mike Cranston
Blazers, Warriors swap second-round picks
OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) — The Portland Trail Blazers are paying the Golden State Warriors to move up 10 spots in the second round of the draft.
The Warriors announced Monday that they traded the 34th overall pick to Portland for the 44th pick and cash considerations. Golden State also has the sixth pick in the first round. Portland has the 22nd pick in the first round.
Other NBA News
Stephen Curry returns home a budding NBA star
DAVIDSON, N.C. (AP) — Stephen Curry had fielded his last question from reporters, so it was time for his father to slide in front of the cameras lined up in the shade on this sweltering morning.
"There was a time when I used to go first," Dell Curry said, smiling.
Not long ago, Dell was the sharp-shooting crowd favorite of the Charlotte Hornets. Now his son is the sought after star, the big name who helped line up numerous celebrities to compete in his first charity golf tournament on Monday in the same town where he became a college star.
Curry is playing 2,700 miles away with the Golden State Warriors these days, but he's still a favorite in a community that first met him as a baby-faced kid who used to tag around with his dad at Hornets games.
Then he became the local hero with the perfect shooting stroke who overcame being ignored by the big schools to nearly lead unheralded Davidson to the Final Four in 2008.
His stardom continued in March, producing a packed house for his only game against the Bobcats in Charlotte last season.
"It's nice to know that people in Charlotte and Davidson still follow me even though I'm on the West Coast," Curry said.
What they saw was surprising to many, but maybe shouldn't have been. Despite questions about how his slight frame would hold up to the rigors of an 82-game schedule, the 6-foot-3 Curry averaged 17.5 points and 5.9 assists, shot 44 percent from 3-point range and finished second to Sacramento's Tyreke Evans in the voting for NBA Rookie of the Year.
"I thought Tyreke deserved it. He was consistent throughout the course of the year," Curry said. "I had a very strong end of the year. I think it could have gone either way, but I'm not upset about it or anything like that."
Curry was clearly the better player toward the end of the season. He scored 42 points in a win over Portland in the finale, looking a lot like the player who dominated in the 2008 NCAA tournament.
"You knew he was going to be a player," said Dell Curry, now a broadcaster with the Bobcats. "But I don't think anybody could have imagined, himself even, a year that he had."
Chris Paul begged to differ. The New Orleans Hornets point guard, who has worked out with Curry in the past, participated in the golf tournament to benefit a community center Curry volunteered at when he was in college.
"Stephen was unbelievable," Paul said. "He didn't surprise me by anything he did. I'm fortunate enough to get the opportunity to be around him and see his work ethic and things like that."
That work ethic has been on display with Curry just finishing a summer Spanish class. Curry has five more classes to take to complete a promise he made after leaving Davidson following his junior season.
"Hopefully in the next three summers I'll be right where I want to be with only one class left and not have to wait until after I'm done playing to get my degree, which would be nice," Curry said.
Curry is headed back to Oakland, Calif., later this week to begin offseason preparations. He's been spending five days a week in the weight room to gain strength.
"I think he has to get to the free-throw line more," Dell Curry said. "Get to the hole and draw contact. If he adds that part to his game where he can get to the free-throw line, he's going to be even harder to guard."
The Warriors face many questions, including the future of impending free agent Anthony Morrow. Curry said he believes if they "treat him right" with a contract offer that Morrow's first choice is to stay with Golden State.
One change Curry insists he doesn't want is a breakup with Monta Ellis, who announced in training camp that he couldn't play in the same backcourt with a similarly undersized Curry.
Curry eventually won over Ellis, too.
"It was a rough start," Curry said. "He told me he was just frustrated with the way things were unfolding with the organization. There was a lot of unhappiness going throughout the locker room. I guess I was just the recipient of all that attention.
"We definitely bonded over the course of the year, learned to play with each other. He's the most talented guy I've ever played with."
Curry on Monday was comfortable. He messed around with his college point guard, Jason Richards and chatted with the celebrities.
"It's a proud day for me," his father said. "For one, that he has the status to put his name on a charity tournament to give back to the community. He grew up watching me do things like this. That's one thing he said, when he got to the league he wanted to still be a part of this community."
-- Mike Cranston
Hornets' Paul making slow recovery from injuries
DAVIDSON, N.C. (AP) — Coming off what he calls "the longest stretch of my career," New Orleans guard Chris Paul is making slow progress in his rehabilitation from numerous injuries and is eager to play for new Hornets coach Monty Williams.
His summer plans, including playing for the United States in the world championships, remain far from certain.
Chatting briefly from a cart before playing in a celebrity golf tournament in his home state on Monday, Paul glanced a couple times at his surgically repaired left knee and said he's still been unable to get on the floor because of injuries that kept him out of 37 games last season.
That would leave little time for the three-time All-Star to get ready to play for the U.S. in Turkey on Aug. 28-Sept. 12.
"I'm still getting there. I'm still doing rehab and stuff like that so I can get to 125 percent," Paul said. "I'm excited about getting healthy. It's like I'm starting over almost."
Paul suffered a sprained left ankle in November, then underwent surgery in January to repair a torn meniscus in his left knee. He sat out the final four games of the season with a torn ligament in his right middle finger.
Paul averaged 18.7 points and 10.7 assists in 45 games.
"It was really tough. Really tough dealing with the injuries, not making the playoffs," Paul said. "This has definitely been the longest stretch of my career, easily."
After going 37-45 last season, the Hornets gave the 38-year-old Williams his first coaching job earlier this month. He'll be charged with trying to get New Orleans back in the playoffs after a two-year streak was snapped.
"Great guy. I've talked to Coach already," Paul said. "He's excited, I'm excited about him coming in. He's a basketball junkie."
Paul's injuries and the Hornets' struggles in getting newly acquired center Emeka Okafor integrated in the offense soured a season that saw coach Byron Scott fired.
"Mek was good for us. Mek's a hard worker and different things like that," Paul said. "It was our first year together, so there was a lot of stuff that didn't always work out. But that's what this year is for. Now we don't have the excuse that it's our first year working together."
While Paul seemed intrigued by the NBA's big free agency class and claiming "there's definitely going to be some changes" this summer, he'll be focused on getting completely healthy for the first time in about a year.
"It's a day to day thing," Paul said. "I'm just trying to realize that it's a marathon, not a sprint. So as much as I want to get out there on the court, I have to hold myself back."
-- Mike Cranston
Karl starting to sound like old self again
DENVER (AP) — Nuggets coach George Karl must be feeling better. His sarcastic sense of humor is back.
Standing behind the cameras as Duke center Brian Zoubek conducted an interview after a predraft workout at the Pepsi Center on Monday, Karl couldn't resist a dig at the Blue Devils' recent national title.
"You got lucky," muttered Karl, once a player at rival North Carolina.
That's the old George Karl the Nuggets have been longing to see again ever since he was diagnosed with neck cancer six months ago and underwent a grueling treatment program that sidelined him in mid-March.
"I'm more sarcastic with my staff — and Duke players," said Karl, who is easing his way back into basketball as he gets further away from the radiation and chemotherapy and the complications that kept sending him back to the hospital.
Karl said he fully intends to be back on the bench next season as long as he doesn't have any setbacks.
He said he feels "a little better" with each passing week but still uses a feeding tube because of the sores in his mouth caused by efforts to kill the cancer.
He's taking more brisk walks these days and spending more time involved in team meetings and planning sessions. He showed up Monday for the workout just to take a look at a few of the players brought into town even though the Nuggets don't own a pick in Thursday night's NBA draft.
"Energy is good," Karl said, his voice still a little scratchy. "Draft has got me excited, the team has got me excited. Time to get better."
Karl will have a hand in the draft and will attend some of the summer league games, but he has to make sure he doesn't overdo it as he recovers from his second bout with cancer. He beat prostate cancer several years ago.
"I'm not planning on being super active this summer," said Karl, 59. "I'm just trying to be part of an organization that's trying to win a championship. We obviously need to get better this summer to do that."
The Nuggets fizzled down the stretch without Karl, bowing out to Utah in the first round of the playoffs under assistant Adrian Dantley.
Ever since the season ended, Karl has gone into the office as often as he could to feel involved again.
That's been a vital part of the healing process as well.
"Your basketball family is your second life. These guys are great," Karl said. "They're very close to me, and I'm very close to them. It's good to be back. A special part of coaching is the winning and losing, the competition. But there's a special bond between people that work for you and with you."
Notre Dame's Luke Harangody was one of the players who took part in the workout Monday, relishing the chance to meet Karl.
"It's great to see him up and moving around here," said Harangody, who averaged 21.8 points for the Irish last season. "He sounds like he's doing a lot better. It's great to hear."
The 7-foot-1 Zoubek felt the same way, even if he was ribbed by Karl for being a Blue Devil. The Nuggets could very well trade back into the draft and Zoubek might just be the type of player they target.
Zoubek said that should he have a chance to play for the Nuggets, he'd welcome the opportunity — even if it means playing for a coach that was once a Tar Heel.
"It's a lot of respect, some dislike here and there," explained Zoubek, who had 10 rebounds and two blocked shots in the title game to help Duke hold off pesky Butler. "It's all good."
As much as it can be.
As he waited and waited for Zoubek to wrap up his interview, Karl leaned up against the wall and finally cracked, "If you're talking to a Dukie, I'm leaving."
That quickly ended the interview.
-- Pat Graham
Nuggets make offer to forward Kleiza
DENVER (AP) — The Denver Nuggets have made a qualifying offer to restricted free agent Linas Kleiza, who spent the past season in Greece.
Nuggets officials didn't release the terms of the offer Monday.
The 6-foot-8, 245-pounds Kleiza averaged 8.3 points per game and 3.5 rebounds in 301 games over four seasons with the Nuggets from 2005-09. Denver acquired the forward in a trade with Portland in June 2005.
Dozier breaks foot working out with Heat
MIAMI (AP) — Miami Heat draft pick Robert Dozier is recovering from a broken left foot and is expected to be sideline for 12 weeks.
Dozier was injured June 15 during a workout at the team's facility. He surgery three days later to insert a screw into the foot. The forward is expected to be ready for the start of training camp, provided the Heat invite him in for the preseason.
Dozier spent last season playing in Greece, with the Heat retaining his NBA rights. He was the last player taken in the 2009 draft.
Rivers: Wallace said he plans to retire
BOSTON (AP) — Boston Celtics coach Doc Rivers says that center Rasheed Wallace is probably going to retire.
Rivers said on WEEI-AM on Monday that Wallace told him before Game 7 of the NBA finals that he believed it was the last game of his career.
Wallace has two years left on the contract he signed with the Celtics last summer.
The 35-year-old would finish with 15,860 points and 7,321 rebounds in a 15-year career. The volatile big man was also the most ejected player of his era, with 30 ejections since such records started being kept in 1992.
He played with four teams, winning the NBA title with the Detroit Pistons in 2004.
The Celtics lost to the Los Angeles Lakers in Game 7 of the NBA finals 93-89 on Thursday.
Cavaliers' new colors are deeper, brighter
CLEVELAND (AP) — Without knowing if LeBron James will ever wear a Cleveland jersey again, the Cavaliers have slightly changed their team colors.
The Cavs have deepened the original wine and brightened the original gold colors the team used exclusively from 1970-83.
The team made the alteration partly because of the popularity of the "old" colors with fans. The team's primary and secondary logos have been updated with the new color shades, which will be included on the Cavs' uniforms next season.
After several color, logo and uniform changes, the Cavs switched to their current designs before the 2003-04 season, James' rookie year. James becomes a free agent July 1.
Organizers say LeBron James Day event draws 8,500
AKRON, Ohio (AP) — Turns out LeBron James wasn't the only late arrival to an event celebrating his contributions to his hometown.
Organizers of "LeBron Appreciation Day" are now saying 8,500 people attended Saturday's event at InfoCision Stadium on the University of Akron's campus. Initially, school officials estimated the crowd at nearly 4,000, but event planners raised that number based on T-shirts handed out.
James arrived as the event was wrapping up, causing some fans on their way home to turn around and return to see the two-time NBA MVP, who accepted a "Hometown Hero" award from the city. James addressed and thanked the crowd but did not say anything about his impending free agency.
Minor league team taking swing at LeBron
CLEVELAND (AP) — A minor league baseball team is taking a swing at signing LeBron James.
The Lake Erie Crushers plan to offer James a maximum contract under Frontier League rules on "Keep LBJ in the C-L-E Night" next week. The team said the contract is worth $1,600 a month and will include a host family so the NBA superstar won't have the "stress of a potential commute" from the Akron." Also available will be a luxury suite.
The Crushers will wear Cavaliers-themed jerseys June 30 and each player will wear No. 6 to honor James' switch from No. 23. The team is renaming its park LeBron James Field at All Pro Freight Stadium for the game. Anyone named LeBron gets free tickets.
James becomes a free agent the next day.
