News and notes out of the Southwest..
- One person close to the Sixers believes that Rockets GM Daryl Morey must have been blinded by statistics to have given Jeremy Lin a $25MM deal, writes Mitch Lawrence of the Daily News. The Sixers are going to be using more statistical analysis under new owner Josh Harris, but the Philly insider says that the club isn't going to "be like the Rockets."
- All of Royce White's teammates offered him support in the wake of his request to travel via bus to a portion of the team's road games this year, writes Chris Duncan of the Associated Press. The Rockets rookie has been struggling with an anxiety disorder as well as a fear of flying. He was absent from the start of Rockets camp as he worked to come to an agreement with the club, but the two sides quickly worked things out.
- The newly formed Mavs frontcourt of Dirk Nowitzki and Chris Kaman could be among the best in the league this year if both stay healthy, writes Derek Page of HoopsWorld. Also helping their cause is the addition of Elton Brand, who plans to play the role of enforcer for Dallas this year.