The funniest rumor going around the old mill has to be what Isiah Thomas said recently. The Knicks coach declared Wednesday that he would coach New York to an NBA championship.
The quote before Thursday's loss to Sacramento was obviously a statement that reflected his unwillingness to step down as head coach. But regardless of what Thomas says, the Knicks aren't going to come close to winning a title with their current line-up. So it is then assumed that Thomas would have to do some dealing before the February 21 trade deadline in order to assemble a championship caliber team. The problem is, Thomas already feels like the losers he currently has can be winners. Thomas was quoted this past week as saying "I don't see us being active at the trade deadline." Reason being he doesn't want to "make a mistake that will cost you years and everything you've worked for..." That's interesting, I wonder if he's learning from his past.
Another report that came out Wednesday from the same New York Post was a rumor that the Knicks would benefit from having New York native Ron Artest join the roster. Artest was quoted as saying that anywhere he goes he can turn things around, "I would not be opposed if something would happen with [the Knicks]. But I just want to win a championship." If Thomas doesn't have plans to trade anytime soon, it is unlikely that Artest will make the move from the West coast to the East coast.
On December 18, Thomas said that he would give himself two weeks in order to judge his performance as a head coach and then decide if he should remain in the position. Since that point the Knicks are 1-4 and Thomas says, "We'll keep moving in this direction..." Oh, and if you thought Kevin McHale was bad -- at least he isn't the head coach also.
In other rumor news, the Bulls have expressed an interest in going after Tracy McGrady. The Chicago Tribune reported early Wednesday that because McGrady has been unhappy in Houston, the Bulls are considering offering Kirk Hinrich and Andres Nocioni for the upset All-Star. This report makes me wonder how much T-Mac is really trying to make things work in Houston and how much he really just doesn't care.
The Cavs, along with almost every NBA team, are in need of a solid back court help. Damon Jones and Eric Snow might be past their primes and the Cavaliers GM Danny Ferry hasn't gotten any bites on his Larry Hughes trade bait -- maybe LeBron should bring the ball up.
In order for the Nets to stay competitive in the rising East, they'll need to go after one of the leagues underachieving big men. The Star-Ledger reported Thursday that Indiana's Jermaine O'Neal or LA's Elton Brand could be their missing piece. A possible scenario packages Vince Carter and Marcus Williams for Brand or Carter and Josh Boone for O'Neal.
The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel ran a story this week written by columnist Michael Hunt that said it is time to give up on the Bucks and start over. It's kind of hard to just "start over" in the NBA, but look at the Blazers - it's possible.
There are a lot of rumors surrounding injuries. Toronto GM Bryan Colangelo told the Toronto Sun the team would seek other professional opinions on the state of T.J. Ford's neck injury. Ford has seen two doctors already, but wants to get more opinions before determining his availability.
Dwyane Wade is starting to become "injury-prone". Despite scoring a game-high 27 points Thursday, Wade left in the final seconds because he jammed his finger on his right hand and at the same time injuring his bruised right shoulder. If the Heat lose Wade, after they already have Jason Williams and Shaq (estimated at 60%) on the sideline -- Miami can all but kiss this season goodbye.
The Wolves may get Randy Foye back soon; he's been cleared to play next week. The Pioneer Press reported Thursday that the stress fracture in Foye's left kneecap should be good to play on, but he is scheduled to have a final evaluation Monday. If he's feeling healthy enough, Wolves head coach Randy Wittman has no problem getting him into the mix.
Andrew Bynum's stock might have been given a boost after the Lakers reported Thursday they will be without Chris Mihm for up to four weeks because of a sore right Achilles' heel. Mihm has already had his right ankle surgically repaired two other times and will undergo weekly sonar-wave treatment, according to the Los Angeles Times.
Washington got one guard back from injury this week. Antonio Daniels started Wednesday night against the Pistons for the first time since spraining a ligament in his right knee on December 13. Daniels is averaging 11 points, almost seven assists and nearly five rebounds in 14 games as a starter since Gilbert Arenas went down.
Lastly, the Rockets are reporting that guard Steve Francis will be out indefinitely after being sidelined since December 20 with the flu. Doctors diagnosed Francis with bi-lateral quadriceps tendonitis Monday and he is not with the team on their current road trip.
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