Different paths Jerry Sloan and Ron Rothstein were finalists to become the Miami Heat's first coach in 1988. Rothstein got the job and lasted three seasons. Two months into that season, Sloan became Utah's coach, a job he held for 23 years until he retired abruptly earlier this month.
"We've talked about it a couple of times and every once in a while somebody will bring it up," Rothstein said. "Probably more often than not, it's me who brings it up and thinks about the irony of it."
Young guns Oklahoma City's Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook are the youngest teammates to make an NBA All-Star Game team since Detroit's Isiah Thomas and Kelly Tripucka in 1982. Durant is 22 years, 144 days old on Sunday, Westbrook 22 years and 100 days. Thomas was 20 years and 276 days, Tripucka 22 and 349 days in 1982.
Time for a break Dallas coach Rick Carlisle declared Dirk Nowitzki fully back from a sprained knee after the big guy scored 35 points at Phoenix on Thursday, the Mavs' 13th victory in 14 games as they headed into the All-Star break.
"It's always a good time for a break, especially if your point guard is 52 years old," Nowitzki said, referring to Jason Kidd. "We got a lot of guys over 30, so hopefully everybody can get away a little bit and get some rest."
Here's Jonny? Sacramento is looking for a point guard and a shooter before Thursday's trade deadline. If they can't make a deal with Houston for Aaron Brooks or Kyle Lowry, don't be surprised if the Wolves' Jonny Flynn comes into play. The Kings considered taking Flynn in 2009 with the fourth pick, which they used to selected Tyreke Evans.
