NBA roundup: Jackson reportedly might listen to Nets' offer
Even though Phil Jackson's agent said earlier in the week that Jackson would not be interested in the Brooklyn Nets head coaching job, Jackson might be interested in at least exploring the possibility, CBSSports.com reported Friday.
A source told CBSSports.com that Jackson would "for sure" consider listening to offers from the Nets.
Jackson, 67, is one of several candidates being considered for the Nets job that became vacant when Avery Johnson was fired on Thursday. P.J. Carlesimo is running the team on an interim basis.
According to several reports, Houston Rockets assistant coach Kelvin Sampson is a significant candidate for the Nets' position. He received compliments for his work while acting as the Rockets' head coach while Kevin McHale was away from the team following his daughter's death.
The Rockets went 7-6 under Sampson.
---Miami Heat guard Dwyane Wade defended himself against critics who are calling him a dirty player after he was suspended one game by the NBA for kicking Charlotte's Ramon Sessions in the groin area.
Wade, who sat out Friday night's game against the Detroit Pistons, was not called for a foul on a play that occurred Wednesday night.
"I'm far from being a dirty player, + my intent was never 2 kick Ramon Sessions," Wade said on Twitter. "I just reacted to the contact that I got from him. More than anything, I think of my boys watchin me be4 retaliating 2ward any player."
The Heat issued a statement Friday, criticizing the league for the suspension and complaining about how their players have been treated by opposing players.
---Cleveland Cavaliers center Anderson Varejao will remain on the sideline for two games this weekend because of a bruised right knee.
Varejao already has missed four games with the injury and will not play against Atlanta on Friday in Cleveland or at Brooklyn on Saturday, the Cleveland Plain Dealer reported Friday. He was hurt Dec. 18 in a game against Toronto.
Meanwhile, the Cavaliers assigned forward Samardo Samuels to the Canton Charge of the NBA Development League team.
---The Knicks were without forward Carmelo Anthony for the second straight game on Friday night when New York plays at Sacramento.
Anthony suffered a knee injury on Christmas Day in a loss to the Los Angeles Lakers when teammate Marcus Camby collided with him.
---Boston Celtics guard Avery Bradley is likely will rejoin the team on Jan. 2 when they host the Memphis Grizzlies, the Boston Globe reported. Bradley had offseason shoulder surgery and has not yet played this season.
