NBA: Oct. 14, 2005

Late last week, say sources, the Knicks intensified their full court press to pry Theo Ratliff from the Blazers. -- New York Post

After Amare Stoudemire underwent microsurgery Tuesday to repair torn cartilage in his left knee, the Suns admitted they knew of the injury, but did not realize the extent of same. By the time Amare returns, the Suns are almost guaranteed to be out of contention. Bryan Colangelo is already beginning to rebuild his roster and his reputation. -- New York Post

LeBron James' mysterious chest injury is continuing to cause pain, and now some more serious concern. On the advice of Cavaliers' team physicians, James was admitted to the Cleveland Clinic late Wednesday for tests on his left strained pectoral muscle. He underwent a battery of tests and was kept overnight because he had a fever. He is expected to be released today. -- Akron Beacon Journal

Nuggets center Marcus Camby, who will earn $9.3 million this season, suggested the NBA provide a stipend to help players pay for their dress clothes. -- Washington Post

We are not making this up. Coach Doc Rivers has been profuse (at times, a bit too profuse) in his unsolicited praise for Ricky Davis' new attitude and emerging role as spokesman for what passes for the Celtics' older set. -- Boson Globe

It hasn't taken long to figure out why Indiana Pacers president Larry Bird racked up the frequent flier miles traveling back and forth to Europe to watch guard Sarunas Jasikevicius play. He can shoot. He can pass. And he can find a way to get to the basket. It also hasn't taken long to see that the 29-year-old rookie is going to need time to adjust to the NBA game defensively. He gets beat off the dribble. He struggles to fight through screens. And he's not considered quick for his position. -- Indianapolis Star

How many of Isiah Thomas' Knicks do you suppose meet Larry Brown's coaching criteria? An educated guess is, maybe Malik Rose, whose aggression generally makes up for lack of size and mental mistakes. -- New York Post

Nate Robinson, who led the Knicks' summer league team with a 16.5 scoring average, is making a strong bid to force his way into the backcourt rotation. Whether Larry Brown plays Robinson at point guard or uses him as the league's smallest shooting guard, the coach likes what he sees. -- Newsday

On Tuesday, Detroit Pistons center Darko Milicic played well enough in the exhibition season opener to give hope he might not be a bust. On Wednesday, he was a 20-year-old -- just one who forgot to pay some traffic tickets and was arrested for driving with a suspended license. -- Detroit Free Press

Boston Celtics expected guard Tony Allen to accompany the team to Chicago for its game Saturday against the Bulls despite his recent surgery. That means Chicago Police likely will get their chance to talk to Allen about a shooting incident Aug. 28 at the White Palace Grill on the Near West Side. Allen is not considered a suspect in the shooting, but he is being sued by two men involved. Police have issued a special alert to pick up Allen for questioning, and one law enforcement source said detectives are aware the Celtics are coming to town. -- Chicago Sun-Times