NBA News and Notes

The first coach firing occurred recently. Sacramento King's coach Paul Westphal has been fired after two years at the helm. The Kings went 51-120 during his tenure and has been on the hot seat since last season. Though the final straw was the recent dispute with young starting center DeMarcus Cousins. In a battle of power, Cousins called out Westphal's offensive game plan, among other things. Westphal shot back, stirring Cousins' words from an argument occurring in Westphal's office and telling the media he demanded to be traded. Cousins agent denied the statement, then Cousins came out and said this. While we don't exactly know what happened, we do know that Cousins won. He had his way as the Kings have named the interim head coach Keith Smart. We shall see if this works out for the Kings.

They won their first game with the new coach, a comeback at home against the Bucks.

Dwight Howard of the Orlando Magic is the biggest name on the trade market right now. He has been linked to the Lakers, Nets, Rockets, Warriors and more recently the Knicks- who have discussed possibly swapping Amare Stoudemire and others to rent Dwight Howard and absorb Hedo Turkoglu (whom the Magic insist on including in ANY Howard deal). Howard is clearly the better player compared to Stoudemire, though Howard doesn't fit quite as well next to Tyson Chandler as Stoudemire would. Also, I don't see the Magic taking on another bad contract, after already absorbing one (Gilbert Arenas). And don't forget how Rashard Lewis worked out.

The Nets seem to be the best fit with Deron Williams needing a player with any skill around him (no disrespect to Lopez- he's hurt). It's not a matter of taking a risk, the Nets already put their cards down with Williams, there is no folding now. It's Howard or bust.

Steve Nash of the Phoenix Suns recently spoke out amid trade rumors that have been swirling around for what seems like years now. Nash said:

Do I go in and say, 'Trade me to a top two or three team?' I think it's lot more difficult than people think.  

One, it's not my style. Maybe I'm old school, but I feel like that's not my place to give up on my team, give up on my teammates. I signed a contract and made a commitment. 

And two, I don't feel it's like choosing a restaurant. It's got to be a situation that works for two teams. And I don't know how simple that is. But before we even get to that part of it, I just feel that I owe it to my teammates to stay committed to them. I feel that I owe it to the fans and the organization to fight.

This was a reaction to a reporter asking Nash if he wanted to be traded for a chance to win a ring in his final seasons in the Association. This does not mean Nash feels like the Suns can win one before his career is over (we all know that's not going to happen), it shows the class that Nash has. He doesn't worry about the future. His present is with the Suns, and he will do all he can to make them better.

Mark up the players released from the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) to two. After Kenyon Martin was recently released upon request, now Portland Trailblazers guard Patty Mills has been released, though under another matter. Mills allegedly "faked a hamstring injury" that kept him out of play since he's signed. Mills wasn't happy and spoke back on these twitter links. Faking a torn hamstring? I don't think so. Unfortunately, his $1 million contract was voided and is now stuck in China, like any other player who signs with the CBA, until the season is over in March. Patty is expected to return to the NBA as soon as he can, or return to Australia and play for the Australian Olympic team- The "Boomers".

Injury report:
-Kobe Bryant was given a shot to play through the torn ligament in his right wrist that he aggravated last night.
-Kings C/F Chuck Hayes is expected to miss 3-4 weeks with a dislocated right shoulder. He sustained if after being run into by Drew Gooden last night.
-Bucks C Andrew Bogut is still out for personal reasons and F Mbah a Moute is out with knee tendinitis. Both returns are unknown.
-Warriors G Stephen Curry will sit the next two to rest his right ankle that has given him problems since last year
-Heat F Mike Miller is on the comeback trail, which he is very familiar with. He has yet to play this year due to hernia surgery.
-Hornets G Eric Gordon remains out with a bruised right knee. The Hornets biggest asset in return for Chris Paul has only played two games thus far.
-Tyrus Thomas makes his debut tonight for the Bobcats, he is coming back from a sprained right ankle.