Hornets win preseason opener over Warriors (AP)

David West scored 19 points, Hilton Armstrong added 14, and the New Orleans Hornets won their preseason opener, 106-103 over the Golden State Warriors on Sunday night. Chris Paul had 13 points, six assists and a steal for New Orleans. Paul and West, the Hornets‘ two All-Stars last season, each played 22 minutes.

Bulls: Noah to miss 5 days with eye injury
Chicago Bulls forward Joakim Noah will likely miss five days after being poked in the left eye during practice. The team said Friday that the injury left Noah with blood in the front chamber of his eye after being hurt Wednesday. He’ll be monitored daily by the Bulls‘ medical staff. Noah averaged 6.6 points and 5.6 rebounds in 74 games as a rookie last season. The Bulls take on Dallas at the United Center on Thursday in their preseason opener.NBA/~4/410435363″ height=”1″ width=”1″/>

Spurs will need fresh legs for title chase
Manu’s hurt and the other key Spurs aren’t getting any younger. A fourth title in seven years seems unlikely, Dusty Garza says.NBA/~4/411260657″ height=”1″ width=”1″/>

Warriors Team Report (Yahoo! Sports)

With Baron Davis gone, Monta Ellis out as long as two months, the Warriors unable to transfer into the Eastern Conference and Don Nelson in the final year of his contract, there’s really just one question left unanswered about Golden State’s 2008-09 season: Who will be the team’s coach in 2009-10?

The early favorite is current Nelson assistant Keith Smart. In fact, he’s such an obvious choice, you have to wonder: Why haven’t the Warriors made it official yet?

Consider the potential positives of a preseason announcement:

•? It would make for a smooth transition, giving Nelson and Smart 82 games to work together on a successful hand-off.

•? It would allow the rest of the league to pay tribute to Nelson, the NBA’s second…

One burning question for every NBA team
Can Joakim Noah (or anyone else) become a post threat in Chicago? It’s just one of Charley Rosen’s questions as camps begin.NBA/~4/409408086″ height=”1″ width=”1″/>

Knicks’ Jeffries fractures leg in scrimmage
New York Knicks forward Jared Jeffries fractured his left fibula at practice Thursday and is expected to miss six-to-eight weeks. The 6-foot-11 seventh-year pro pulled up in the backcourt during a scrimmage and was immediately waved off the court by coach Mike D’Antoni. Jeffries’ lower leg was wrapped in an ice pack as he sat out the rest of practice until some light shooting at the end. Jeffries said he jumped and when he landed felt his muscle tighten up, describing it as “more than a cramp.NBA/~4/409808771″ height=”1″ width=”1″/>

Warriors contemplate mascot switch (AP)
With the Oklahoma City Thunder now part of the NBA lineup, the Golden State Warriors‘ mascot might be a goner. Thunder is his name. Thunder has been part of this franchise for some 12 years and his likeness is featured on the team’s primary logo, though the team doesn’t use that image much anymore. Warriors team president Robert Rowell is willing to make the switch for the benefit of the other…

One burning question for every NBA team
Can Joakim Noah (or anyone else) become a post threat in Chicago? It’s just one of Charley Rosen’s questions as camps begin.NBA/~4/409408086″ height=”1″ width=”1″/>

With Ellis out, Dickau finds job

The Golden State Warriors plan to meet with the representative for point guard Monta Ellis next week to discuss any potential disciplinary action or fine because of his moped-related ankle injury.

Bulls: Noah to miss 5 days with eye injury
Chicago Bulls forward Joakim Noah will likely miss five days after being poked in the left eye during practice. The team said Friday that the injury left Noah with blood in the front chamber of his eye after being hurt Wednesday. He’ll be monitored daily by the Bulls‘ medical staff. Noah averaged 6.6 points and 5.6 rebounds in 74 games as a rookie last season. The Bulls take on Dallas at the United Center on Thursday in their preseason opener.NBA/~4/410435363″ height=”1″ width=”1″/>

NBA’s top 10 power forwards
Amare Stoudemire keeps getting better, but he’s still a notch behind KG and Timmy as Mike Kahn ranks the top 10 power forwards.NBA/~4/410403187″ height=”1″ width=”1″/>

Warriors Team Report (Yahoo! Sports)

With Baron Davis gone, Monta Ellis out as long as two months, the Warriors unable to transfer into the Eastern Conference and Don Nelson in the final year of his contract, there’s really just one question left unanswered about Golden State’s 2008-09 season: Who will be the team’s coach in 2009-10?

The early favorite is current Nelson assistant Keith Smart. In fact, he’s such an obvious choice, you have to wonder: Why haven’t the Warriors made it official yet?

Consider the potential positives of a preseason announcement:

•? It would make for a smooth transition, giving Nelson and Smart 82 games to work together on a successful hand-off.

•? It would allow the rest of the league to pay tribute to Nelson, the NBA’s second…

Can Jazz fend off Blazers in Northwest?
With all their key players back, the Jazz should win the Northwest again. But the division is full of young talent, Sean Stancill says.NBA/~4/409649226″ height=”1″ width=”1″/>

Warriors sign G Dickau (PA SportsTicker)
The Golden State Warriors signed point guard Dan Dickau on Wednesday as they try to fill the void left by injured starter Monta Ellis. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Knicks’ Jeffries fractures leg in scrimmage
New York Knicks forward Jared Jeffries fractured his left fibula at practice Thursday and is expected to miss six-to-eight weeks. The 6-foot-11 seventh-year pro pulled up in the backcourt during a scrimmage and was immediately waved off the court by coach Mike D’Antoni. Jeffries’ lower leg was wrapped in an ice pack as he sat out the rest of practice until some light shooting at the end. Jeffries said he jumped and when he landed felt his muscle tighten up, describing it as “more than a cramp.NBA/~4/409808771″ height=”1″ width=”1″/>

McGrady needs to shut up and play
Tracy McGrady needs to be a rock for Houston to contend in the West. Early returns don’t look promising, Mike Kahn says.NBA/~4/408397088″ height=”1″ width=”1″/>

Great shot for undrafted Morrow

The first name out of Warriors coach Don Nelson’s mouth - after the first session of the first day of training camp Saturday - may be surprising.

The Blog Association: Golden State Warriors (Yahoo! Sports)
Almost three years ago to the, um, year, Deadspin’s Will Leitch set out to salute the most outstanding blogs…

Warriors’ brass rejected $39 million deal for Davis in June (Yahoo! Sports)
Then there was Monday’s San Jose Mercury News report saying that Baron Davis and Golden State Warriors executive…

Warriors add Dickau (AP)
The Golden State Warriors plan to meet with the representative for point guard Monta Ellis next week to discuss any potential disciplinary action or fine because of his moped-related ankle injury. Ellis signed a new six-year, $66 million contract in July, then injured his left ankle in August in a low-speed moped crash — an offseason activity prohibited in his new deal as is a standard provision…

Warriors sign G Dickau (PA SportsTicker)
The Golden State Warriors signed point guard Dan Dickau on Wednesday as they try to fill the void left by injured starter Monta Ellis. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Oden OK after rolling ankle at practice
Portland center Greg Oden is OK after rolling his right ankle during the first day of training camp. “He’s fine,” Trail Blazers coach Nate McMillan said Wednesday. “Everybody, he’s fine. He’s OK.” Oden, who missed all of his rookie season because of knee surgery, was injured Tuesday during a drill while pushing fellow center Joel Przybilla for rebounding position. After walking with a slight limp, he finished practice by riding a stationary bike.NBA/~4/408471411″ height=”1″ width=”1″/>

Thoughts from training camps around the NBA
There are lots of old faces in new places, so Mike Kahn tells us what we should expect as NBA teams open camps this month.NBA/~4/406454247″ height=”1″ width=”1″/>

The best two-way players in NBA history
Excelling on both ends of the court, Kobe Bryant and Kevin Garnett rank among the best two-way players ever, Charley Rosen says.NBA/~4/407431742″ height=”1″ width=”1″/>

McGrady says shoulder arthritic, knee slow to heal
The Houston Rockets, buzzing about the arrival of Ron Artest, already have injury concerns with Tracy McGrady. Houston’s leading scorer said Monday that his left shoulder is arthritic and will require surgery after this season. He also said his left knee is healing slower than expected from surgery in the spring. McGrady sprained his shoulder against Sacramento on March 24, and wore padding to protect it for the rest of the season.NBA/~4/406724992″ height=”1″ width=”1″/>

Thoughts from training camps around the NBA
There are lots of old faces in new places, so Mike Kahn tells us what we should expect as NBA teams open camps this month.NBA/~4/406454247″ height=”1″ width=”1″/>

McGrady says shoulder arthritic, knee slow to heal
The Houston Rockets, buzzing about the arrival of Ron Artest, already have injury concerns with Tracy McGrady. Houston’s leading scorer said Monday that his left shoulder is arthritic and will require surgery after this season. He also said his left knee is healing slower than expected from surgery in the spring. McGrady sprained his shoulder against Sacramento on March 24, and wore padding to protect it for the rest of the season.NBA/~4/406724992″ height=”1″ width=”1″/>

Howard apologizes for off-court antics
Mavericks forward Josh Howard has apologized for disrespecting the national anthem and “everything that’s happened in the last five months.” The team’s second-leading scorer behind Dirk Nowitzki focused Monday on expressing remorse for his comments about the anthem during a YouTube video.NBA/~4/406660715″ height=”1″ width=”1″/>

Harrington eyes expanded role

Warriors forward Al Harrington is known for his jovial nature. Always smiling. Enjoying life.

Williams feels ready to be starting point guard

It’s been a long time since the spotlight has fallen on new Warriors point guard Marcus Williams.

Gordon’s contract status up in air
Ben Gordon’s contract status remained unsettled and the fifth-year guard and the Chicago Bulls are both hoping for a resolution by midweek. Gordon was on hand for the team’s media day Monday, the day before training camp opens, but said he won’t practice until after Wednesday’s deadline to accept a one-year qualifying offer. According to published reports, Gordon was expected to sign a one-year deal worth $6.4 million by Wednesday, then become an unrestricted free agent following the season.NBA/~4/406811788″ height=”1″ width=”1″/>

Warriors sign C Williams (PA SportsTicker)
OAKLAND, California (Ticker) - The Golden State Warriors on Saturday signed free-agent center Justin Williams.

Investigators claim Johnson misused grants
A nonprofit run by mayoral candidate and former NBA star Kevin Johnson used AmeriCorps grants to pay volunteers to engage in school-board political activities, run personal errands for Johnson and even wash his car, federal investigators say. The findings from an agency that oversees the grants were sent to federal prosecutors and listed in a letter to Johnson dated Wednesday that also says he will be prohibited from receiving federal money while the investigation is under way.NBA/~4/404322189″ height=”1″ width=”1″/>

Blazers finally have foundation for success
The Blazers are as young as they are talented, so they’ll need leadership from Brandon Roy and Nate McMillan, Matt Petersen says.NBA/~4/404811823″ height=”1″ width=”1″/>

Williams feels ready to be starting point guard

It’s been a long time since the spotlight has fallen on new Warriors point guard Marcus Williams.

Monta puts mates on spot

Wish you were here. You really should be here. Really. It’s that one day of the year when all the Warriors sit around the gym and sell to the media how great the upcoming season will be.

Investigators claim Johnson misused grants
A nonprofit run by mayoral candidate and former NBA star Kevin Johnson used AmeriCorps grants to pay volunteers to engage in school-board political activities, run personal errands for Johnson and even wash his car, federal investigators say. The findings from an agency that oversees the grants were sent to federal prosecutors and listed in a letter to Johnson dated Wednesday that also says he will be prohibited from receiving federal money while the investigation is under way.NBA/~4/404322189″ height=”1″ width=”1″/>

Athletes need to understand they’re in a fishbowl
Welcome to the future, where an athlete’s every move can wind up on the Web. Kevin Hench says they’d better learn to adapt.NBA/~4/402944648″ height=”1″ width=”1″/>

Bird: Pacers still committed to trading Tinsley
Jamaal Tinsley will remain on the Pacers roster while the team tries to trade him, but the guard won’t practice with Indiana when it opens training camp Tuesday. The team will not buy out Tinsley’s contract, Pacers president Larry Bird said Friday. “He will stay wherever he’s at until we get something done. Jamaal knows that, his agent knows it and we know it,” Bird said. “Nothing has changed from what we said at the beginning of the year. “We’re going to try to get the best deal for us.NBA/~4/404086759″ height=”1″ width=”1″/>

Warriors sign C Williams (PA SportsTicker)
OAKLAND, California (Ticker) - The Golden State Warriors on Saturday signed free-agent center Justin Williams.

Knicks’ No. 1 pick still hobbled by back pain
Hopefully, Eric Gordon, whom the Knicks passed up in the draft to go Italian, won’t make team president Donnie Walsh look too bad this season with the Clippers.NBA/~4/404640472″ height=”1″ width=”1″/>

Arenas skips Wizards media day
Gilbert Arenas and the Washington Wizards were both fined $15,000 by the NBA on Friday after he ducked out of the team’s annual preseason media day, avoiding any discussion of his third left knee operation in 1½ years. The All-Star point guard was the only Wizards player not made available to reporters at the team’s arena on Friday. A Wizards spokesman said Arenas will address the media Saturday, when the team opens training camp in Richmond, Va.NBA/~4/403993985″ height=”1″ width=”1″/>

Investigators claim Johnson misused grants
A nonprofit run by mayoral candidate and former NBA star Kevin Johnson used AmeriCorps grants to pay volunteers to engage in school-board political activities, run personal errands for Johnson and even wash his car, federal investigators say. The findings from an agency that oversees the grants were sent to federal prosecutors and listed in a letter to Johnson dated Wednesday that also says he will be prohibited from receiving federal money while the investigation is under way.NBA/~4/404322189″ height=”1″ width=”1″/>

Big changes at the bottom of Pacific
The Clippers overhauled their roster in the offseason. Can they challenge the Suns and Lakers? Andrew Ungvari previews the Pacific.NBA/~4/403066277″ height=”1″ width=”1″/>

Kahn: NBA’s top 10 small forwards
Paul Pierce has a shiny ring. LeBron and Carmelo have gold medals. Where do they rank in Mike Kahn’s top 10 small forwards?NBA/~4/403920072″ height=”1″ width=”1″/>

Bird: Pacers still committed to trading Tinsley
Jamaal Tinsley will remain on the Pacers roster while the team tries to trade him, but the guard won’t practice with Indiana when it opens training camp Tuesday. The team will not buy out Tinsley’s contract, Pacers president Larry Bird said Friday. “He will stay wherever he’s at until we get something done. Jamaal knows that, his agent knows it and we know it,” Bird said. “Nothing has changed from what we said at the beginning of the year. “We’re going to try to get the best deal for us.NBA/~4/404086759″ height=”1″ width=”1″/>

Battier will miss most of preseason
Houston Rockets forward Shane Battier will be sidelined up to four weeks and miss most of preseason because of an inflammation in his left foot. He had surgery May 9 to remove bone spurs from his left ankle, and the team said the foot inflammation occurred during rehabilitation. The Rockets open training camp Tuesday. The 6-foot-8 forward started 78 games last season and averaged 9.3 points and 5.1 rebounds. He was one of the team’s most dependable 3-point shooters, hitting 38 percent.NBA/~4/404086762″ height=”1″ width=”1″/>

Athletes need to understand they’re in a fishbowl
Welcome to the future, where an athlete’s every move can wind up on the Web. Kevin Hench says they’d better learn to adapt.NBA/~4/402944648″ height=”1″ width=”1″/>