Here is our daily 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.
• Coach Brian Scalabrine? Why not?
• There are reports that Knicks guard J.R. Smith is dating Rihanna. Knicks fans, go look at Matt Kemps’ numbers during and after that relationship.
• I’m with Sekou Smith on this one: If you see Blake Griffin as anything other than a developing player just starting to see his potential you are missing the point. And he can already do more than just dunk, but give him a few years to round out his game.
• NBA superfan Jimmy Goldstein speaks to GQ. He may be the most interesting man in the world.<
• Not cool Thunder fans, not cool at all. Do not mess with karma.
• Chauncey Billups is adamant he is not retiring.
• Indiana’s Lance Stephenson apologized for making that choking sign at LeBron James. Why do I think that was about as sincere as when I make my five-year-old daughter apologize to her sister?
• What other players were tweeting about LeBron’s monster game Sunday.
• The well regarded Doug Smith of the Toronto Star thinks it is possible either Amir Johnson or Ed Davis will be moved by the Raptors this summer.
• Marco Belinelli has no idea where he will sign next season.
• The Cavaliers may make Luke Harangody an unrestricted free agent. Maybe.
• What Warriors ownership is doing with their coming announcement/press conference about a move to San Francisco is creating leverage.
• Phoenix chose not to renew the contract of assistant coach Bill Cartwright. He was the big men mentor, particularly Robin Lopez.
• The NBA is starting a junior development program in India.
• With a new naming rights deal in place, the Milwaukee Bucks now play at the BMO Harris Bradley Center.
