And-Ones: Anthony, Pierce, Grizzlies

Carmelo Anthony noted that the drama surrounding LeBron James and the Cavaliers this season is more trivial than what the Knicks are dealing with, Frank Isola of The New York Daily News relays. “Their drama is more comical,” Anthony said. “It’s more getting off of Twitter. You know what I mean? It’s always something that they blow up; him [James] unfollowing the organization. Him shutting his Twitter down. It’s always something there along those lines. Over here it’s, you know, drama … different type of drama over here.”

The small forward is growing tired with those who question his loyalty to the Knicks and the constant questions regarding if he would waive his no-trade clause this summer, Isola adds. “I know the reason why I [re-signed],” Anthony said. “And the people that really understand it know why I’m sticking out. I think it is odd to question loyalty at this point and time especially when I’ve shown time and time again my loyalty to not just the organization but to New York and vice versa. At this point I just go out and play basketball and try not to worry about it.”

Here’s more from around the league:

• The Grizzlies coaching staff deserves credit for keeping the team in the playoff hunt despite having to use 27 players this season because of the rash of injuries that have befallen the roster, writes J.A. Adande of ESPN.com. Coach Dave Joerger also credits the team’s veteran players with holding things together amid all the lineup and roster changes, Adande adds. “It’s crazy,” Joerger said. “It’s a couple of things, though. First of all, it’s veteran leadership. It’s Matt Barnes, Vince Carter, Tony Allen, Zach Randolph. Those guys have really been helping our younger guys, taking them under their wing. Our staff has done a great job with the young guys and new guys and helping them get acclimated. Our guys have accepted each other for who they are as individuals.”
• Sixers assistant coach Lloyd Pierce was interviewed on Tuesday for the vacant head coaching post at Santa Clara University, his alma mater, Marc J. Spears of The Undefeated reports (Twitter link). Pierce played for the Broncos from 1998-2002, then served as an assistant coach from 2003-2007 before joining the Cavs as coordinator for player development prior to the 2007/08 season. He’s been with the Sixers since 2013.