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 like La La loves reality shows.
• Doc Rivers gets it — taking the public fall for star players is part of a coach’s job in the NBA.
• Chris Smith, the brother of the Knicks J.R. Smith, has gotten a make-good contract with the Knicks. He will be in camp and can try to earn a spot on the roster.
• Ted Leonsis, the owner of the Wizards, has been answering questions sent in by the blog Bullets Forever.
• Why are Chris Paul’s hats so big?
• Ken Berger makes a good point at CBSSports.com — don’t forget in this entire “change Olympic basketball to an under-23 tournament” discussion that the shoe companies will play a role in the talks. The Olympics are a big stage for their players and products.
• Really cool graphic on where all the hoop players taking part in Olympics are from.
• Brandon Rush wants the job as the starting three for Golden State.
• Jimmy Butler wants a bigger role next year in Chicago. With Ronnie Brewer gone, he will at least get a chance to earn that run.
• Anthony Tolliver and Jodie Meeks are reportedly interested in joining the Wizards.
• P.J. Tucker looked good enough in Vegas for the Suns to give him a two-year deal.
• Andre Drummond is writing a summer diary/blog on the Pistons website. Interesting bit about how the team is working on him with the little things so that the big things will come (that’s not how he used to do it).
• Zach Randolph is doing some interesting pit bull adoption charity work in Memphis.
