Suns’ Gentry May Adjust Starting Lineup

For weeks, Suns coach Alvin Gentry had been pushing aside the idea of mixing up his starting five to solve the most pressing early-season issue for his new-look squad — slow, lethargic starts.
“We have to do something and take a look at another situation,” Gentry said. “We keep trying to make adjustments and changes. We can’t keep battling from behind. It’s just too hard.”
“Something is not clicking for us, and we have to find some solution,” Goran Dragic said. “If he has to change some players in the starting lineup, then we have to do that.”

Rajon Rondo: ‘MVP is in the picture’

After missing Thursday’s game in Brooklyn with a sprained right ankle, Rajon Rondo returned to action Saturday and picked up right where he left off, handing out a whopping 20 assists in Boston’s 107-89 triumph over the Toronto Raptors.
“I’ve said that from Day 1 that he’s the best point guard in this league,” said (Jason) Terry. “This year he’s definitely going to be in the talks when they’re talking about MVP, if we can continue to win. The way he controls the game, his leadership, his ability to dominate the game on both ends of the floor is what makes him special.”
Rondo didn’t back away from the MVP chatter noting, “Well, JT’s on my side, so he’s a little biased, but the MVP is in the picture. I would like to be one day. But, we’ve just got to keep winning.”

NBA BEATS - I think he is the second best point guard. Can't believe I think that way because his shot is so ugly. But he is just so good at everything else. He is a stud. He is the best conventional point guard. I think he is the best point guard. I just don't think he is the best player that plays point guard. I would rather have Russell Westbrook.

Bynum’s Setback Caused by Bowling?

The Philadelphia 76ers fear All-Star center Andrew Bynum might have done additional damage to his knees while bowling, according to sources close to the situation.
Multiple sources told ESPN on Saturday that Bynum suffered an unspecified injury this month while bowling. On Friday, Bynum revealed that — on top of the issues with his right knee that could keep him sidelined until January — he also had suffered a “setback” with his left knee.
There are several activities that are prohibited in standard NBA player contracts, but bowling is not one of them. Bynum is known to enjoy bowling.

Al Jefferson: ‘I’d Love to Stay in Utah’

“I want to be in the NBA,” he said. “That’s the blessing. When no teams want me, that’s when I need to start worrying. But right now I want to be in the NBA. I want to be a Utah Jazz, to be honest with you. I’d love to stay in Utah. They do things the right way, kind of reminds me of Boston how it’s first class.
“But they’ve got to do what’s best for the team, and I’m going to do what’s best for my family. But right now this is all about winning and getting back to these playoffs.”

Magic Johnson Disagrees With Buss

“I love Dr. (Jerry) Buss. I don’t believe in Jim Buss,” Johnson said on ESPN’s “NBA Countdown” on Wednesday night. “He’s made two critical mistakes already. To me, they made two critical mistakes.
“First, hiring Mike Brown — he wasn’t the right coach. He’s a great coach but not the right coach for the Lakers. And I don’t feel Mike D’Antoni is the right coach for the Lakers. Especially when you have Phil Jackson sitting out there, who wanted to be the Laker coach. Jim Buss decided he didn’t want Phil Jackson, he wanted Mike D’Antoni. And that’s OK, but why didn’t you just say that? But the fans were cheering for Phil Jackson two nights in a row.”

NBA BEATS - If I had to guess. I think Magic had gone to Jim Buss and expressed interest in having some ownership in the Lakers at some point and he was turned down.  Supposedly that is also what Phil Jackson was asking for for him to come back. Magic is still just holding a grudge. I don't know if that is the case. I just do not like Magic. I would way rather have Larry Bird. I thought Bird was way better!!! I wish Magic would just go away. I don't fault Jim Buss anything. He can do what he wants. Shut up Magic. What he want may be wrong for the team. I certainly think Phil is a way better option than Mike D'antoni. But he is making the decision and it has nothing to do with you Magic. You were just a player and have no right to speak out about it. You were paid now go away.

With McHale out; Rockets Search for Identity

Houston Rockets head coach Kevin McHale has taken a leave of absence to deal with a family matter. McHale has been away from the team since Saturday and there’s no timetable for his return. In the meantime, Rockets assistant coach Kelvin Sampson is filling in as the team’s head coach and keeping McHale updated.
“I talked to him last night at length and talked with him again today,” Sampson said. “It’s a tough time for his family. He’s struggling with that, but we’re keeping him abreast with everything that is going on here and our thoughts and prayers are certainly with him.”
The Rockets are going through an adjustment period as they try to get the new acquisitions James Harden, Jeremy Lin and Omer Asik acclimated. While the offense is still a work in progress, Sampson has been impressed with his team’s defense.
The Rockets are currently 3-4, but they should continue to get better as the season goes on. Sampson is doing his best to guide Houston’s young core until McHale can return to the sideline.

Knicks’ J.R. Smith Making Sixth Man Case?

Don’t expect J.R. Smith to start complaining about his Sixth-Man role any longer Remember when he learned Mike Woodson didn’t look at him as a starter this season. Smith responded by saying, “Disappointing is an understatement.’’
After a modest season opener after playing just once in preseason because of Achilles tendinitis, Smith is tearing it up the past three games, off the bench. Smith is averaging 17.5 points, second-highest on the club after Carmelo Anthony. Smith is also averaging 5.5 rebounds and 3.3 assists for the 4-0 Knicks, who play in Orlando tomorrow.
Smith should be a strong candidate for Sixth Man of the Year, something he scoffed at after learning his non-starter role during training camp