Odds & Ends: Barkley, Wade, Allen, Pietrus, Shaw

Danny Ferry is considered the frontrunner to eventually replace Rod Thorn in the 76ers' front office, but he's not the only one interested in the position. According to 94WIP's Anthony Gargano (link via CBS Philly), Charles Barkley has interest in becoming the next Sixers GM. Like last month's story that briefly linked Shaquille O'Neal to the Magic's GM opening, I don't expect this one to have legs, but the fact that Barkley expressed interest in a front office job is worth tucking away, at the very least.

Here are a few more Wednesday afternoon odds and ends….

• Chris Sheridan of SheridanHoops.com hears that Dwyane Wade may sit out the Olympics. The Heat star was among those calling earlier this year for Olympians to be paid, but quickly backtracked on those comments.

Earlier updates:

• The Celtics announced today via press release that two free-agents-to-be, Ray Allen and Mickael Pietrus, underwent successful arthroscopic surgery this morning. Allen had a procedure on his right ankle, while Pietrus' surgery was on his right knee.
• Speaking of Allen, Jared Zwerling of ESPNNewYork.com writes that if the veteran sharpshooter leaves the Celtics, he may have interest in joining the Heat, Clippers, or Knicks. The Knicks figure to have only the veteran's minimum or bi-annual exception to offer, so the Heat and Clippers, with the mid-level, would be more likely destinations for Allen.
• Tom Sorensen of the Charlotte Observer argues that Brian Shaw is the best head coaching candidate for the Bobcats.
• Julian Wright will play for the Nets in July's Summer League, and is optimistic about making an NBA comeback after sitting out the 2011/12 season, writes Gary Bedore of the Lawrence Journal-World.

—–