On this date in 1990, the Bulls re-signed sharpshooter Craig Hodges, who backed up Michael Jordan on Chicago's first two championship teams, in addition to winning three straight three-point contests at the All-Star Game. Here's what's happening around the league tonight:
- Jazz guard Raja Bell's bothersome left knee could require microfracture surgery that would end his season, according to Brian T. Smith of The Salt Lake Tribune. Apparently one doctor has recommended microfracture, but Bell has sought a second opinion, the results of which are due Monday (All four Twitter links).
- Sam Amico of Fox Sports Ohio shared a number of observations following the Cavs' 108-83 loss to the Suns today, including his thoughts on the team's needs in the draft. Even though they could use a center and a shooting guard, Amico believes the team should pursue the most explosive scorers at any position. The Cavs will have a pair of first-round picks this year thanks to the Ramon Sessions trade.
- Andres Nocioni, who signed to play in Spain this week, received offers from two playoff teams, but none of them would make any promises about playing time, he writes in Spanish on a blog on ESPNDeportes.com (translation courtesy HoopsHype).
- Pistons big man Vernon Macklin, a second-round pick in last year's draft, has been impressive in the D-League, notes Brendan Savage of MLive.com. The 6'10", 227-pound University of Florida product is averaging 17.2 rebounds a game. Still, the Pistons plan on leaving him with the Fort Wayne Mad Ants for another five games, tweets Keith Langlois of Pistons.com.
- Jonathan Givony of Draft Express gives his best guesses about who will be a part of this year's Portsmouth Invitational Tournament, an annual showcase for seniors coming out of college.
- Ira Winderman of the South Florida Sun Sentinel mentions Anthony Carter as a candidate for the Heat should the team look to sign a point guard in the wake of its loss to the Thunder tonight (Twitter link).