CELTICS: In Chicago, Sam Smith writes that the "pieces are starting to fall into place for [Pacers coach Larry] Bird's eventual return to Boston." Smith notes that Celtics GM & coach Rick Pitino may "work out a buyout by the end of next season" and that a sale of the team "is possible." NBA insiders have mentioned rumors of "exploratory talks" on a sale, and if a deal is made, "the buyer could come in" with Bird as GM or coach (CHICAGO TRIBUNE, 2/14). GRIZZLIES: NBA Commissioner David Stern described Grizzlies prospective Owner Michael Heisley as "somebody that's going to roll up his sleeves" and turn the team into a "successful NBA franchise." In Vancouver, Howard Tsumura wrote that Heisley "continued to win the confidence of all those within earshot of his hearty laugh and big smile" while in Oakland (Vancouver PROVINCE, 2/13). Meanwhile, Orca Bay Sports & Entertainment Chair John McCaw said that the company now "is ready to shift its full energies to maximizing the Canucks." McCaw: "We remain committed to trying to build the team, and at present we are not looking to sell" (Vancouver PROVINCE, 2/13). MAVERICKS: Mavericks F Dennis Rodman, who moved into prospective Owner Mark Cuban's guest house last week for $3,000 per month, "has been told by the NBA to move out this week" because the arrangement violates salary-cap rules. NBA Commissioner David Stern called Cuban's error "a rookie mistake" (USA TODAY, 2/14). In Ft. Worth, Richie Witt profiled prospective Mavericks Owner Mark Cuban and wrote that "not everyone is infatuated" with the "cavalier actions" of Cuban (FT. WORTH STAR-TELEGRAM, 2/13). In N.Y., Mike Wise writes that Lakers part-Owner Magic Johnson "has expressed interest in taking over" basketball operations for the Mavericks after this season. Johnson is also reportedly interested a job with the Clippers (N.Y. TIMES, 2/14). WARRIORS: In San Jose, Monte Poole writes that Warriors Owner Chris Cohan "was hit with an avalanche of boos" as he was introduced during the NBA All-Star Game yesterday. Though NBC tape-delayed the proceeding, in which Cohan passed along the All-Star host city trophy to Michael Jordan, "a powerful message was sent" to Cohan, as the crowd "told the reclusive owner that the blame for this mess has settled at his feet" (SAN JOSE MERCURY NEWS, 2/14).
