NBA: June 14, 2006

Duke senior J.J. Redick failed a physical at the NBA pre-draft camp in Orlando and will be out for an extended period with a back problem that may require surgery, according to a source with close NBA contacts. According to various national media reports, Redick recently cancelled a Wednesday workout with Orlando and a Saturday workout with Boston, citing a "sore back." -- draftexpress.com

There has been talk about a trade between Denver and Philadelphia. While the Nuggets wouldn't mind Allen Iverson, whom the 76ers are entertaining offers for, the 76ers don't want Kenyon Martin, whom the Nuggets would like to unload. -- Journal Times

People close to Knicks owner James Dolan say that he feels betrayed by Larry Brown because the coach endorsed the trades for Jalen Rose and Steve Francis only to sour on both players soon after they arrived in New York. -- New York Daily News

The Larry Brown- Isiah Thomas James Dolan sitcom has overshadowed the Knicks' draft interests. Indications are they've zeroed in on Memphis small forward Shawne Williams, Temple sturdy guard Mardy Collins -- who's compared to Aaron McKie -- Michigan State shooting guard Shannon Brown, Michigan State combo guard Maurice Ager and UConn power forward Hilton Armstrong, of Peekskill, for their 20th pick. -- New York Post

How hard LaMarcus Aldridge works today for the Bulls could go a long way in determining whether general manager John Paxson will select him with the No. 2 overall draft pick. That is, of course, if Aldridge is not taken at No. 1, a definite possibility in this less-than-definite draft. The Raptors hold the top pick, and Aldridge has been working the last month with Raptors forward Chris Bosh, a fellow Dallas native and former high school rival. -- Chicago Sun-Times

In January 2002 it was reported that Gary Payton, then with the SuperSonics, intended to give $3 million to his alma mater, Oregon State University, to pay for a basketball practice facility that was to be named after him. But the money was never donated. Last weekend at the NBA Finals, a reporter for the Portland Oregonian asked Payton about the donation that never quite got around to being a donation. Payton directed the reporter to call his agent, Aaron Goodwin. -- Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

Warriors guard Tim Hardaway said Tuesday that he would love to join Golden State as a special assistant next season, potentially reuniting the popular Run TMC crew from the late 1980s and early '90s. Hardaway said he has spoken to vice president Chris Mullin and general manager Rod Higgins recently about the position, which would be similar to Mitch Richmond's current role with the team. -- San Francisco Chronicle

The Nets brass went to the NBA's pre-draft camp in Orlando last week and saw what essentially will be second-round picks. The majority of players that anyone has ever heard of stayed away from the showcase as if locusts hit central Florida. By many accounts, three players improved their lot: 6-7 Washington small forward Bobby Jones, 6-10 South Florida center Solomon Jones and 6-1 UCLA point guard Jordan Farmar. -- New York Post

The Rockets on Tuesday picked up their option on the second year of forward Chuck Hayes' contract. The move gives the Rockets three power forwards -- Hayes, Stromile Swift and Juwan Howard -- under contract and makes it even less likely they would select another inside player in the draft June 28. -- Houston Chronicle

Raptors coach Sam Mitchell will lay out the welcome mat for the team's newest player, forward Kris Humphries. But if the former University of Minnesota star does not fit in with his new teammates, or displays a questionable attitude, Mitchell will nail him to the bench. -- Toronto Sun