The latest NBA team news, trade rumors and standings, Oct 25

Oct 25,2012 - by Mark Jensen 1

Tracy expects to make the grade in China this season (Image: adifans.net)

In today’s courtside news roundup we discuss the likelihood of several trade rumors doing the circuit plus injury news for some of the NBA’s biggest showstoppers, starting with our first story at New York…

New York Knicks: Tyson Chandler

Yesterday we reported on Tyson Chandler’s new role at the Knicks which may have jinxed coach Mike Woodson’s team injury profile, it seems as though Chandler will be out for some time with a suspected knee sprain.

Marc Berman of the New York Post writes that just when the Knicks injury-wracked preseason couldn’t get worse, Chandler is maybe out for the season opener in one week in Brooklyn against these Nets, along with Amar’e Stoudemire and Marcus Camby.

“Thank God exhibition is over,’’ coach Mike Woodson said Wednesday night.

New York Nets: Avery Johnson

Avery Johnson has sent out a message to his players that focus is everything, writes Tim Bontemps of the New York Post, following the preseason madness.

Next week the New York Nets will play their opening game at Barclays Center, their first regular-season game in Brooklyn and coach Avery wants concentration on play to be key.

“It’s probably going to be a crazy week,” commented Nets coach Avery Johnson, “We’ve got to try to keep the guys’ anxiety levels down, and focus on our team and focus on getting better.

“I know on one hand guys are going to be excited and happy when the game comes around, and a lot of them are probably going to be excited when it’s over with, so they can move on.”

San Antonio Spurs: Josh Powell

Spurs defensive Josh Powell wants to prove his worth at San Antonio this season having already averaged seven points and 5.2 rebounds, shooting 63.6 percent from the field in 5 preseason matches, but will it be enough to charm Popovich into keeping him around?

Spurs are under no obligation to begin the regular season with a full 15-man roster, although Powell is convinced he has the skills that coach Gregg Popovich and general manager R.C. Buford are looking for this season.

“I think as long as I continue to play with energy, defend, rebound, communicate on defense and do those things, it’s giving me a good shot,” Powell said. “I just try to focus on that and do what the Spurs do traditionally.”

Qingdao Double Star Eagles: Tracy McGrady

Moving away from NBA news momentarily but for good reason, it seems the buzz surrounding Tracy McGrady’s move to China is inspiring his personal goals, the seven-time NBA All-Star wants Championship gold on his resume.

The Qingdao Double Star Eagles headline attraction is due to set alight crowds during during the 2012-2013 CBA season, which starts in late November, McGrady tells of his excitement.

“Winning the CBA championship is my ultimate goal. It will take a lot of work and dedication. For myself, I just want to go out and make my team better. I hope whatever we do, we can look back and say we gave it our all.”

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Tags: Basketball

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Mark Jensen
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A Premier League football reporter for Arsenal, Chelsea, Tottenham and all the major clubs within the South East; delivering the latest team news, gossip, speculation and hearsay daily from the English top-flight football division. Follow me online for updates on match fixtures, previews and betting predictions, football feature specials and live commentary.