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Grizzlies sign Jason Williams

The Memphis Grizzlies signed free agent guard Jason Williams, Grizzlies General Manager and Vice President of Basketball Operations Chris Wallace announced Monday. Per team policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed. Williams, who played four seasons in Memphis from 2001-05, is the franchise’s all-time assists leader (2,041).

A member of the inaugural Memphis Grizzlies in 2001, Williams played four seasons in the Bluff City (2001-05), where he averaged 11.9 points, 7.2 assists and 2.4 rebounds in 30.7 minutes in 284 games (277 starts) and helped lead the Grizzlies to their first two playoff appearances (2004, 2005). After his time in Memphis, the 6-1, 190-pound floor general won an NBA Championship as a starter for the 2005-06 Miami Heat.

Selected by the Sacramento Kings with the seventh overall pick in the first round of the 1998 NBA Draft, Williams holds career averages of 10.6 points, 5.9 assists and 2.3 rebounds in 29.7 minutes in 777 career games (667 starts) over 12 NBA seasons with the Kings, Grizzlies, Heat and Orlando Magic. The 35-year-old, who ranks ninth among active players in assists (4,683), posted 2.1 points, 1.5 assists and 1.4 rebounds in 10.7 minutes in 16 games this season for Orlando.

Williams also ranks in the top 10 in Grizzlies history in three-pointers made (497, 2nd), steals (369, 4th), points (3,379, 9th), three-pointers attempted (1,528, 2nd), assists per game (7.2, 2nd), games played (284, 10th), games started (267, 7th) and free throw percentage (.817, 5th).

Memphis’ roster now stands at 14 players.

Mbah a Moute thinks NBA needs concussion protocol

The AP reports:

Three years ago, when he was at UCLA, Luc Richard Mbah a Moute sustained a concussion that kept him off the basketball court for eight days, until he completed a series of neurocognitive tests.

That’s why the Milwaukee Bucks forward was so surprised when all he needed to return this season in the NBA following a mild concussion was simply his word to the training staff.

“I didn’t have to do any tests because we were on the road and doctors were here,” Mbah a Moute said. “They just asked me how I was feeling, and I told them I was feeling better. They were like, ‘You’re fine.”’

Mbah a Moute said he knocked heads with a Dallas defender on Jan. 1 and returned three days later, despite some soreness on his left side of his head. The experience has made the Cameroon player think there should be a league-wide policy to handle every concussion.

“There should be standards in the NBA. You need to do these tests and pass these tests before you can come back on the court. Bottom line. We definitely don’t get as bad concussions as (American) football and other sports, but a concussion is a concussion,” Mbah a Moute said. “It’s a serious injury and there should be tests.”

Cleveland Cavaliers losing streak hits 25 games, most in NBA history

The AP reports:

The Cleveland Cavaliers lost their way into the NBA record book in fitting fashion—not with a blowout, but with the kind of head-slapping plays typical of a team that can’t do anything right.

Like a 7-foot center losing a jump ball to a 6-foot-2 guard. And a decent outside shooter deciding to pass as time expired instead of putting up a potential tying 3-pointer.

The miscues doomed the Cavs to a 99-96 loss to the Dallas Mavericks on Monday night, making it 25 straight losses, the most in league history no matter how it’s counted.

Cleveland set the single-season futility record a few days ago, but the league also keeps an overall losing streak record that takes into account skids stretched over two seasons. This topped that one, too, making the first year of the post-LeBron James era even more forgettable for the Cavaliers. The previous mark also was set by the Cavs, spanning the end of the 1981-82 season and the start of 1982-83.

“We’re in the record books, we all know that, something we don’t want to be a part of, but you can’t go back and turn back the hands of time,” forward Antawn Jamison said. “We’ve got to worry about moving forward. The most important thing is getting a win.” …

Since starting 7-9, the Cavs are 1-35. Their last win was on Dec. 18, more than seven weeks ago. Their only glimmer of hope is that the next seven games are at home, where their .227 winning percentage is more than double their success rate on the road.

“The guys are upset and rightfully so,” coach Byron Scott said. “I like that fact that guys are caring about the fact that we’re losing some close games.”

LaMarcus Aldridge scores 42 in win over Bulls

The AP reports:

LaMarcus Aldridge scored so easily against Chicago that he allowed himself a broad smile and a few high-fives from teammates before the game was even over.

“It was fun,” he said after putting up a career-high 42 points Monday night in the Portland Trail Blazers’ 109-103 victory over the Bulls.

So was there a little I-told-you-so feeling after not being selected for the All-Star game? No, Aldridge insisted.

“Me getting 42 tonight isn’t going to change their mind, so what is it going to do for me?” he said. “I thought tonight I just came out and got those easy dunks early and that was my big thing that got me going.”

Derrick Rose had 36 points for the Bulls, who lost their second straight.

Carmelo Anthony Scores 50 in loss to Rockets

The AP reports:

Kevin Martin scored 37 points and the Houston Rockets took advantage of Nene’s absence and Chauncey Billups’ early exit to beat the Denver Nuggets 108-103 Monday night despite Carmelo Anthony’s 50-point effort that tied his career high.

Martin, who had just eight points in his previous trip to Denver, scored 18 in the decisive third quarter, half of them during a 13-0 run the Rockets used to grab control at 71-56. He started and ended the run with buckets to go with a fast-break basket and a 3-pointer.

Luis Scola chipped in 25 points for the Rockets, who handed Denver its seventh loss in 28 home games…

The Nuggets started the game without Nene (flu), and Billups left after straining his left knee in the first quarter. He was replaced by Ty Lawson, who underwent an MRI on Monday on his strained left knee and scored 19 points.

InsideHoops.com editor says: Melo shot 16-of-24 with two three-pointers and hit 16-of-18 free throws for 50 points, 11 rebounds and three blocks. He had no assists and four turnovers.

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Spurs assign James Anderson to D-League

The San Antonio Spurs today announced that they have assigned rookie James Anderson to the Austin Toros of the NBA Development League. This is Anderson’s second assignment to the Toros this season while rehabbing from a stress fracture in the fifth metatarsal of his right foot which he was diagnosed with on November 11.

Anderson, a 6-6, 215-pound guard, was originally assigned to Austin on January 26. He appeared in two games for the Toros, averaging 14.5 points and 2.0 rebounds in 14.0 minutes. He shot .556 (10-18) from the field, .444 (4-9) from three-point territory and .714 (5-7) from the free throw line. Anderson was recalled by the Spurs on January 29 and saw limited action in three games.

Before the injury, Anderson appeared in six games for the Spurs, averaging 7.0 points and 1.5 assists in 17.7 minutes.

For the season he has appeared in nine games, averaging 5.2 points and 1.1 assists in 13.0 minutes. He is shooting .432 (16-37) from the field and .500 (11-22) from three-point land.

Rockets recall Ishmael Smith from D-League

Houston Rockets General Manager Daryl Morey announced today that the team has recalled guard Ishmael Smith from Houston’s single-affiliation NBA D-League partner Rio Grande Valley. Smith, who had been re-assigned to the Vipers on Feb. 1, is expected to join the Rockets for tonight’s game in Denver.

Smith (6-0, 175, Wake Forest) has averaged 12.5 points, 7.9 assists, 4.3 rebounds and 1.50 steals over eight games (five starts) in a pair of stints with the Vipers this season. He was originally assigned to Rio Grande Valley on Jan. 17 and recalled by Houston on Jan. 24. With the Rockets, the undrafted rookie free agent has averaged 2.8 points and 2.2 assists in 26 games (three starts).

Sixers recall Craig Brackins from D-League

The Philadelphia 76ers announced today that they have recalled rookie forward Craig Brackins from their NBA Development League affiliate, the Springfield Armor. Brackins was assigned to the Armor on January 15. His first assignment was from November 30 through December 12.

In 14 games for Springfield, Brackins averaged 19.9 points, 9.1 rebounds, 1.7 assists and 1.00 blocks in 37.2 minutes per game. Over his final three games with the Armor, Brackins averaged 24.7 points and 11.3 rebounds. He leaves the D-League tied for the seventh-highest scoring average of any player this season.

Grizzlies set ticket prices for 2011-12 season

The Memphis Grizzlies have announced their pricing structure for the 2011-12 season, and as a way to thank MVP Season Ticket Holders for their dedication over the last 10 years there will be no increase in ticket prices, with price cuts set for over 2,000 seats in the Plaza Level, 600 of which will be lowered to $25 per game per seat.

In addition to a freeze in ticket prices for the sixth straight season, MVP Season Ticket Holders will also receive 2011 Playoff Priority and incredible “Early Bird Rebate Rewards” for renewing their Season Ticket Plans. Rebate Reward No. 1 gives fans that renew and pay in full by March 11, 10 percent off their total Season Ticket purchase. Those who renew by March 11, 2011 and pay in full by April 10, 2011 will get five percent off the cost their total Season Tickets as part of Rebate Reward No. 2. A two percent discount will be taken off Season Tickets purchases that are renewed by March 11 and paid in full by June 15 as part of Rebate Reward No. 3.

Fans who make their initial renewal payment prior to March 11 but would prefer to pay in three installments or on a 10-month plan will be entered to win one of dozens of great prizes in the annual Reward Lottery. The first reward lottery drawing deadline on Feb. 11 gives fans the opportunity to win two floor seats for the remainder of the 2010-11 season. The second reward lottery deadline on Feb. 15 includes the opportunity to win a Hospitality Suite for the March 9 game vs. the Knicks and $200 in Grizz Bucks. Free parking in the Toyota Garage for the 2011-12 season highlights the second reward lottery deadline. The reward lottery deadline on March 1 includes a one price code upgrade on 2011-12 Season Tickets and the chance to win a $200 Ashley Furniture HomeStore Gift Certificate.

With twice as many chances to win, the fifth reward lottery deadline on March 4 includes at 32-inch Sharp Television and a $200 Kroger Gift Certificate. Fans who renew by March 7 will be in the sixth reward lottery drawing that will include the chance to win $200 in Malco Theater Movie Tickets and lunch for four with Grizzlies’ General Manager Chris Wallace. The final drawing on March 9 will end the reward lotteries with a bang, as fans will have a chance to win 50 percent off a 2011-12 Season Ticket package, a $200 Jason’s Deli Gift Certificate, a $200 Neely’s Gift Certificate or a $200 Gould’s Day Spa Gift Certificate.

“With almost a decade under our belts in this great city of Memphis, we understand now more than ever that our Season Ticket Holders are the pulse of our organization. Every day that we step into FedExForum we strive to give them the rewards that they deserve,” said Greg Campbell, Memphis Grizzlies President of Business Operations. “Each year we try to add more rewards for our Season Ticket Holders to help represent the growing relationship amongst organization, Grizzlies fans and the city of Memphis.”

While purchasing tickets by the March 11 deadline offers a host of rewards as the team looks forward to the 2011-12 season, renewing season ticket purchasers also gives the members of Grizz Nation a big incentive this season. All renewing Season Ticket Holders will continue to receive MVP Express concession lines, MVP entrance, MVP only events and recognition and more.

Raptors sign Trey Johnson to second 10-day contract

The Toronto Raptors announced Monday they have signed guard Trey Johnson to a second 10-day contract.

Johnson was signed to his original 10-day contract on January 26. He has appeared in five games with Toronto averaging 4.0 points, 1.6 assists and 12.6 minutes. He totaled a high of 10 points in Friday’s victory versus Minnesota.

Johnson, 6-foot-5, 215 pounds is the leading scorer in the D-League this season averaging 25.8 points for the Bakersfield Jam. He has scored in double-digits in each of his 26 games, posting 20 or more points on 22 occasions and 30 or more in five games and a season-best 43 on December 15 at Austin. Johnson is also averaging 4.3 rebounds and 4.3 assists while shooting .510 percent from the field.

Johnson is in his fourth season with the Jam. He owns career D-League averages of 20.2 points, 3.8 rebounds and 4.7 assists in 36.2 minutes. His head coach during the 2007-08 season was current Raptors assistant coach Scott Roth.

A product of Jackson State in Mississippi, Johnson played four games with the Cleveland Cavaliers in the 2008-09 campaign totaling four points and one rebound. In October he went to training camp with the Los Angeles Lakers.