NBA-National Basketball Association roundup

Feb 19 (The Sports Xchange) - Mike Krzyzewski stresses he has "every intention" to coach Team USA in the Rio Olympics despite planning knee-replacement surgery immediately after his Duke Blue Devils conclude the college basketball season. USA Basketball chairman Jerry Colangelo put out a statement Thursday night to clarify his earlier comments about concerns for Coach K's health. "I'd like to clarify comments I made last weekend in Toronto," Colangelo said. "I fully expect Coach K to lead the 2016 U.S. Olympic Team in Rio. I was aware that (Krzyzewski) planned to have knee replacement surgery immediately after Duke's season was completed, but at no time have Coach and I ever discussed him not coaching the USA national team this summer." Krzyzewski, 69, also reaffirmed his intention to coach USA in a statement Thursday. He missed an Atlantic Coast Conference game against Georgia Tech on Feb. 2 after suffering an illness. He was admitted to hospital, where he was administered several tests, including cardiac and stress tests. Krzyzewski has been USA's head coach since 2005, leading the Americans to back-to-back Olympic gold medals and two consecutive world championships. Gregg Popovich has been announced as Krzyzewski's successor. - - - Oklahoma City Thunder assistant coach Monty Williams delivered a moving eulogy at the funeral service for his wife, who died in an automobile crash. Ingrid Williams and three of the Williams' children were in the car that was struck head-on Feb. 9 in Oklahoma City by another vehicle that crossed the center line. The 44-year-old mother of five died a day later. Among those at the funeral were coach Doc Rivers, Chris Paul and Austin Rivers of the Los Angeles Clippers; coach Gregg Popovich, Tim Duncan and David West of the San Antonio Spurs; and the entire Thunder organization. "I'm thankful for all the people who showed up today," Williams said Thursday. "It's a pretty tough time, not just for me but for all of you as well. I'm mindful of that." The driver of the other car, 55-year-old Susannah Donaldson, also died in the accident. Williams joined the Thunder coaching staff before this season after serving as Pelicans head coach from 2010 to 2015 before he was fired. Williams also played in the NBA for six teams from 1994 to 2003. - - - The New York Knicks are preparing to sign guard Jimmer Fredette to a 10-day contract, according to published reports. New York currently has a roster opening and Fredette will reportedly be signed next week. Fredette is averaging 22.3 points and 4.8 assists for the Westchester Knicks, which is New York's D-League squad. - - - The New Orleans Pelicans signed guard Bryce Dejean-Jones and waived forward Jarnell Stokes. Dejean-Jones played under back-to-back, 10-day contracts with the Pelicans leading up to last weekend's All-Star break. Dejean-Jones, 23, has appeared in 11 games (eight starts) for the Pelicans, averaging 6.3 points and 3.5 rebounds in 19.9 minutes per game. - - - The Boston Celtics and forward David Lee have parted ways. The Celtics officially waived Lee after discussing a buyout of his contract with Lee's agent over the previous few days. Lee, 32, averaged 7.1 points and 4.3 rebounds in 30 games for the Celtics this season. (Editing by Andrew Both)