Buzz and Buzzer

J.R. Smith Creates The 360° Alley Oop

This is truly amazing. In fact, this is the kind of dunk you can’t expect to see in a real game. Yesterday, Chauncey Billups launched the ball et J.R. Smith realized a 360° alley-oop. It was against the Minnesota Timberwolves, so it was easier, but still…

Portland Trail Blazers

Webster Still Thinks He’s An NBA Starter

Martell Webster says the transition from a starting to reserve role has been tough and thinks he’s still an NBA starter: “In my head — no, seriously — in my head, I always think of myself as an NBA starter. I don’t see myself as anything less,” he said.

Detroit Pistons

Are Gordon, Villanueva Not Real Pistons?

The money cleared by the Chauncey Billups trade resulted in Ben Gordon and Charlie Villanueva. But neither is a typical Piston. It’s no wonder Billups see a Detroit team that has lost its gritty edge. “When I was there, we embodied the city of Detroit,” he said.

Minnesota Timberwolves

NBA Suspends Ryan Hollins Two Games

Ryan Hollins suspended two games by NBA for punching DeShawn Stevenson and striking Dirk Nowitzki in the face Monday.

Denver Nuggets

Mark Warkentien An Option For Clippers?

Mark Warkentien was the 2009 NBA Executive of the Year, and here’s a most absurd fact: He still hasn’t been offered a contract extension. Sources say his agent Steve Kauffman was told that talks would start over the summer and never did.

San Antonio Spurs

Cedric Jackson Signed To 10-Day Contract

The Spurs today announced they have signed Cedric Jackson from the Erie BayHawks of the NBA D-League to a 10-day contract. Jackson is the 22nd call-up of the 2009-10 D-League season. Jackson had a brief stint with the Cleveland Cavaliers earlier this year.

Philadelphia 76ers

Sixers Will Evaluate Jordan After Season

Despite a report that his firing could come soon, Eddie Jordan will be evaluated at the end of the season, a source told ESPN The Magazine’s Ric Bucher. The Philadelphia Inquirer reported that Comcast-Spectacor was ready to fire the coach.

Detroit Pistons

Doctors Clear Rodney Stuckey For Exercise

The Detroit Pistons say three doctors have cleared Rodney Stuckey for exercise after a heart evaluation. Stuckey collapsed on the bench during Friday’s game and was taken away on a stretcher. He missed Sunday’s game against the Houston Rockets.

Los Angeles Lakers

Odom Upset With Opponents’ Trash-Talk

The Raptors challenged the Lakers, doing a lot of talking in the process. All of that bothered Lamar Odom to no end, even though the Lakers defeated Toronto. “Got dudes on the Raptors talking …,” he said. “They ain’t done … As a team, as individuals.”

Los Angeles Clippers

Baron Davis Upset With His Last Benching

Baron Davis also was fuming about being taken out of the starting lineup. He missed Tuesday morning’s practice, staying back at the hotel with a stomach ailment. “I’m upset. I don’t think it’s fair,” Davis said. “I didn’t know I wasn’t going to be able to start.”

Orlando Magic

Is The Magic Interested In Steve Blake?

The Magic actually will have interest in signing Blake this summer as they search for another point guard. The Magic have used both journeymen Jason Williams and Anthony Johnson in the role this season, but both are in the final year of their contracts.

Indiana Pacers

Solomon Jones Sits Since His Suspension

Solomon Jones has dressed in all four games since returning from a one-game suspension. Jones, however, did not play in any of those games. “It is tough, but it’s the NBA,” he said. O’Brien said Jones’ playing time has nothing to do with his suspension.

Memphis Grizzlies

Is Marc Gasol The NBA’s Most Improved?

If Marc Gasol isn’t ultimately the NBA’s most improved player, he’ll definitely receive serious consideration. He is averaging 15 points, 9.5 rebounds (13th in the NBA) and 1.6 blocks per game. Gasol also ranks fourth the NBA in field goal percentage.

Los Angeles Clippers

The Clippers Serious About Pursuing James

The Clippers, according to another source within the organization, are hoping to persuade James to come if he also can pick his coach, and possibly his general manager. Aside from the franchise’s reputation, the Clippers will have some attractive assets.

Oklahoma City Thunder

Kevin Durant Comfortable In Small Market

Kevin Durant is surprised people like Magic Johnson, who recently interviewed him, is shocked he’s comfortable with small-market Oklahoma City instead of playing in New York, Los Angeles or Chicago. “I’m good in Oklahoma City. I love it here,” he said.

Philadelphia 76ers

Elton Brand Mapping Out Offseason Work

Elton Brand finds himself playing out the string of another season, as last night his team played its 63rd game with little chance making the playoffs. His offseason, he said, will be about learning to do more things that the Princeton offense needs him to do.

Los Angeles Clippers

Jerry West Not Interested In Clippers’ Job?

Jerry West won’t consider becoming the next general manager of the Los Angeles Clippers, according to a source close to the Hall of Famer.

Boston Celtics

Is Pierce Taking Shots Away From Allen?

Ray Allen had a difficult time explaining why he attempted only three shots last night against the Milwaukee Bucks. He attributed it to a lack of ball movement, and many times in the 86-84 loss, the ball stopped moving when it got to Paul Pierce.

Milwaukee Bucks

Jennings, Davis Bump Chests, Draw Techs

Technical fouls were called on Brandon Jennings and Glen Davis when the latter hard-fouled the former with 8:03 left to play and the Celtics leading, 70-68. Jennings stood over the fallen Davis in a menacing pose, and Big Baby jumped up, chest-to-chest.