Southwest Notes: Dirk, White, Hornets, Leonard
The latest news and notes from around the Southwest Division on New Year's Day:
- Jeff Caplan of ESPNDallas.com thinks the Mavericks should start Dirk Nowitzki. They had previously been bringing him off the bench to ease his integration back into the rotation.
- Jonathan Feigen of the Houston Chronicle writes that the Rockets are considering suspending suspending Royce White for his recent refusal of their D-League assignment.
- Hornets coach Monty Williams understands that the development of his young players is more important that making the playoffs in the short term.
- Mike Monroe of the San Antonio Express-News praises Kawhi Leonard's recent defensive impact for the Spurs.
Winderman On LeBron, Lewis, Anthony
The defending champion Miami Heat closed out 2012 with a dramatic overtime win over the Orlando Magic. Here are the latest rumors surrounding the team from Ira Winderman of the South Florida Sun-Sentinel:
- Winderman is not worried about LeBron James leaving Miami in 2014 as a free agent, if the Heat win another championship in the next two seasons.
- In a different column, Winderman writes that Rashard Lewis is not frustrated with his lack of playing time, with the veteran stating that he understands his role with the team.
- Winderman adds that center Joel Anthony has been happy with his new involvement in the Heat's offense.
Magic Not Interested In DeMarcus Cousins
Over the weekend, a rumor surfaced that the Orlando Magic had interest in putting together an offer for embattled Kings center DeMarcus Cousins. However, Josh Robbins of the Orlando Sentinel tweets that these reports are false and the Magic are not planning to make a bid for Cousins.
Since his reinstatement from a suspension, which reportedly came against the wishes of the Kings' front office, Cousins has been on the trade block, with the Pistons and Celtics having interest and the Bobcats denying making an offer.