"He's a fine player," Rick Carlisle said, "physical presence, athleticism, toughness, a guy that goes and gets the ball. He's played well so far. He's going to be a good player for a long time."

--Mark Cuban said there is "no substance" to a report out of Los Angeles naming him a potential buyer of the Dodgers. The team isn't currently for sale, but there's been speculation that the divorce of Frank and Jamie McCourt could change that situation.

Cuban, who tried to buy the Chicago Cubs, said only a unique set of conditions would lead to his interest in the Dodgers.

In an e-mail to the Los Angeles Times, Cuban is quoted as saying: "I'm not a fan of debt-driven acquisitions. If a unique situation came up where I could contribute capital to buy out a majority shareholder and gain control, with existing shareholders or note holders staying in place, I would consider it."

QUOTE TO NOTE: "Life in the Southwest Division in the NBA is one of the most challenging things you can be involved with. I love it. I love the challenge. I think our players do, too, but we know we have to get better." -- Coach Rick Carlisle, on facing in-state rivals Houston and San Antonio back-to-back.