Here is our regular look around the NBA — links to stories worth reading and notes to check out (stuff that did not get its own post here at PBT) — done in bullet point form. Because bloggers love bullet points.
• Plans for a new arena in Seattle, one that could house an NBA team, got a boost of local support with a rally where thousands of Seattle residents showed up to support the idea. Seattle’s mayor also met with David Stern last week. The process is off to a good start but has a long way to go.
• In a good sign, it was announced Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer and Peter and Erik Nordstrom will be part of the investment team looking to build the arena and bring an NBA team to the city.
• Detlef Schrempf said that Seattle gave away it’s team.
• Jay-Z is opening a new 40/40 club in the Barclay Center in Brooklyn when the Nets move in next year. No, you won’t be able to get in that one either.
• After Game 1 of the finals in Oklahoma City ‘lil Wayne again thought he was treated poorly by the Thunder organization. My sense is that the people of Oklahoma really don’t care.
• Serge Ibaka is a shot blocking machine — he’s gotten all of Miami’s big three so far in the finals — but it leaves him out of position sometimes.
• Current Lakers/former Cavaliers coach Mike Brown hopes LeBron wins his first ring.
• Soon to be top-5 pick Thomas Robinson loves the idea of playing for the Wizards.
• Sonny Weems played last season in Lithuania this year but is ready to return to the NBA.
• David Stern does an interview without getting in an argument with the host. He talks lockout and playoffs.
• We told you Jeremy Lamb rolled his ankle working out for the Raptors. It caused him to miss his workout with the Blazers.
• Another report that Dwight Howard still wants a trade. This is getting old.
• Dwyane Wade’s personal chef spills the beans. Figuratively.
• Celtics’ restricted free agent Greg Stiemsma wants to stay with the team. Safe bet that happens.
• The Bulls are moving ahead with a plan to move their practice facility into the city near the United Center.
• The Bulls plan to bring back Omer Asik, the restricted free agent other teams are eyeing. The Bulls can match any offer.
• Grizzlies owner Michael Heisley talks about the sale of the team to Robert Pera.
• Don’t expect Nikola Mirotic, the Bulls’ No. 23 overall pick in 2011, to come to the NBA until 2014 at the earliest.
• The 911 call from when Chris Bosh’s masseuse died at his house has been released.
• The best point guard in the draft, Damien Lillard, is putting together the “Licenced to Lillard videos about his runup to the draft.