Knicks sign Cheikh Samb to 10-day contract

The New York Knickerbockers President of Basketball Operations Donnie Walsh announced today that free agent center Cheikh Samb has been signed to a 10-day contract.

Samb, 7-1, 245-pounds was selected in the second round (51st overall) of the 2006 NBA Draft by the Los Angeles Lakers, before being traded to the Detroit Pistons on draft night. A native of Senegal, Samb has career averages of 1.1 points, 1.5 rebounds and 5.4 minutes in 20 career games over two seasons with Detroit, Denver and the Los Angeles Clippers. On Nov. 3, he was traded from Detroit to Denver, and on Jan. 5 from Denver to the L.A. Clippers. In 16 games this season with the Nuggets and Clippers, Samb averaged 0.9 points, 1.4 rebounds and 0.63 blocks over 4.7 minutes. He was waived by the Clippers on Feb. 16.

The Knicks roster now stands at 13 players.

InsideHoops.com editor says: He’s probably in for those 10 days and then out again.

Brian Scalabrine suffers third concussion in month

The Boston Globe (Frank Dell’Apa) reports: Celtics forward Brian Scalabrine is out indefinitely after being diagnosed with a third concussion in less than a month. Scalabrine sustained concussions while defending against Dallas’s Dirk Nowitzki Jan. 25 and during a practice session two days later, remaining out until a Feb. 19 visit to Utah. Scalabrine received a blow to the neck during a win over the Nuggets last week and was held out of action, the injury later determined to be a concussion. Scalabrine said he also had concussions while performing for Highline Community College in Washington and against Atlanta last year.

Rookie Russell Westbrook rocks

The Oklahoman reports: Thunder officials like to point out how Russell Westbrook’s averages of 15.8 points, 5.0 assists and 4.7 rebounds nearly place him among an elite list of players who are averaging at least 15 points, five rebounds and five assists — Miami’s Dwyane Wade, Cleveland’s LeBron James, New Orleans’ Chris Paul, the Los Angeles Lakers’ Kobe Bryant and Philadelphia’s Andre Iguodala. Since 1990, the only rookies to pull the feat have been James, Paul, Grant Hill, Steve Francis and Anfernee Hardaway. “Those are incredible numbers,” Brooks said. “We can’t expect him to be a 24-year-old point guard at age 20. He’s only 60 games into his career. And he’s improved a lot.”

JJ Redick ejected for first time

The Orlando Sentinel (Kyle Hightower) reports: Magic SG  J.J. Redick was ejected for the first time after being hit with back-to-back technicals with 3:40 left in the second quarter. Redick and Sixers F Reggie Evans had been hit with double techs as they jawed running up the court. Redick continued to plead his case and was tossed.

Kings waive Drew Gooden

The Sacramento Kings today requested waivers on forward-center Drew Gooden, according to Kings’ President of Basketball Operations Geoff Petrie.

Gooden was acquired on February 18, 2009 from the Chicago Bulls as part of a three-team, seven-player trade. He recorded 12 points (5-9 FG, 2-2 FT), 13 rebounds, and two assists in 26 minutes versus Charlotte on February 25th in his lone appearance for Sacramento.

The Kings roster now stands at 14.

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Ronnie Brewer shines, Jazz beat Warriors 112-104

The AP reports: Mehmet Okur scored 23 points, Deron Williams had a season-high 20 assists and the Utah Jazz won their eighth straight, beating the voluntarily short-handed Golden State Warriors 112-104 Sunday night. Ronnie Brewer scored 21 points one night after getting a career-high 26 for the Jazz, who moved within two games of Northwest Division-leading Denver…  Corey Maggette scored 27 points and rookie Anthony Randolph had a career-high 20 for the Warriors, who rested leading scorer Stephen Jackson as part of coach Don Nelson’s unorthodox plan to give more playing time to his youngsters…  Jamal Crawford, who wasn’t allowed to play in Golden State’s loss to Charlotte two nights earlier, scored 20 points in the Warriors’ fourth loss in five games.

Kidd hits milestone, Mavs beat Raptors 109-98

The AP reports: Jason Kidd handed out 15 assists to become the fourth player in NBA history with 10,000 for his career, Dirk Nowitzki had 24 points and 10 rebounds, and the Dallas Mavericks beat the Toronto Raptors 109-98 on Sunday night. Kidd reached the milestone with 1:04 left in the third quarter when he handed out his 13th of the night, passing to Brandon Bass for a 10-foot turnaround. Kidd received a standing ovation when the feat was announced to the sellout crowd… Josh Howard had 16 points and Antoine Wright added 15 for Dallas. James Singleton had a career-high 16 rebounds and scored 12 points. Former Dallas high school star Chris Bosh paced the Raptors with 28 points and 10 rebounds. Andrea Bargnani added 18 points.

Roy, Aldridge score 26 each, Blazers beat Spurs 102-84

The AP reports: Brandon Roy and LaMarcus Aldridge each scored 26 points to lead the Portland Trail Blazers to a 102-84 victory over San Antonio on Sunday night, spoiling the return of Tim Duncan to the Spurs. The Spurs didn’t even play Duncan in the fourth quarter after Portland led by as many as 29 points. The All-Star forward had missed the last three games with a right quad injury. Steve Blake added 15 for the Blazers, who won their ninth straight at the Rose Garden Arena. Portland is 24-5 at home this season… Duncan, who leads the Spurs with an average of 20.7 points and 10.7 rebounds, had 14 points in his return.

Key LeBron free throws, Cavs beat Hawks 88-87

The AP reports: LeBron James scored 26 points, including the winning free throw with 1.6 seconds left, and the Cleveland Cavaliers won for the seventh time in eight games, 88-87 over the Atlanta Hawks on Sunday night… Joe Johnson led the Hawks with 21 points… Mo Williams had 20 points for the Cleveland, while Zydrunas Ilgauskas had a double-double with 17 points and 11 rebounds. The Hawks had five players in double figures, including Murray and Marvin Williams with 14 apiece.

Jack, Murphy shine, Pacers beat Nuggets 100-94

The AP reports: The Indiana Pacers again have proven they can beat any team in the league on their home court. Jarrett Jack had 28 points and eight assists, Troy Murphy had 22 points and 18 rebounds and the Pacers beat the Denver Nuggets 100-94 on Sunday night… Chauncey Billups led the Nuggets with 27 points and seven assists. Carmelo Anthony scored 20 points, but was 8-for-24 from the field, and Nene added 12 points and 10 rebounds.