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Yes, I know, even on the West Coast you're probably on the third cup by now. There have been some technical difficulties here the last couple of days. It seems we're back on track now. And in the meantime, somewhere in Hawaii it is a great time for a first cup of coffee.

• Kerry Eggers of The Portland Tribune: "Rick Adelman's voice reflected plenty of emotion as he spoke about Monday's death of Kevin Duckworth. 'It's a sad day for anyone who knew Kevin, just because of the type of person he was,' said Adelman, who coached Duckworth during the center's seven seasons in a Trail Blazer uniform. 'When someone that genuine, with such an honest personality, leaves us so early, it's a tragedy.'"
• Mike Wells of The Indianapolis Star: "Training camp is seven weeks away, but Jeff Foster started noticing a change shortly after the Pacers acquired seven players in a two-day span in late June. Even the tone of fans' questions has improved. Instead of asking about Pacers' questionable actions off the court, they're asking about playoff seeding. Foster isn't calling the Pacers contenders, but he likes the motivation. Players such as T.J. Ford and Roy Hibbert have something to prove. Mike Dunleavy and Troy Murphy are trying to show they can lead a playoff team. 'There are a lot of guys that are new to this and want to be part of the culture change,' Foster said. 'You have holdovers that are hungry ... There's been a black cloud over us the last few years. We're ready to have a nice sunny day.'"
• Pacer GM David Morway writes about improving the team's financial as well as physical outlook on the team's official website: "Because the majority of teams in the NBA typically operate at or over the luxury tax threshold, long term multi million dollar players' contracts are not the most desirable assets. On the other hand, one year contracts are extremely desirable and have the potential for creating the type of flexibility I mentioned above. Through the moves we have made thus far this off season we were able to acquire several of these valuable one year contracts. In addition, we were able to acquire a trade exception of approximately $2.8 million which is also an extremely valuable commodity ..."
• Michael Wallace of The Miami Herald: "The Heat, as it stands exactly one month before training camp opens, has more than $40 million of its 2008-09 salary cap committed to shooting guards (2s) and small forwards (3s). As a result, the team is left with what appears to be a carb-conscious approach at the most difficult spot on the court to fill. Mark Blount is 7 feet. But he's defensively-challenged, to say the least. Joel Anthony is on the come. But the raw, 6-9 shot-blocker still has quite a ways to go to be the reliable inside presence the Heat needs in the middle. And that's what makes the Heat's recent flirtations with the Jamaal Magloires, D.J. Mbengas and Lorenzen Wrights of the world so painfully necessary for Miami."
• Richard Justice of the Houston Chronicle: "I had a creepy feeling watching Ron Artest get that wild ovation when the Rockets introduced him Monday. It just doesn't seem right. This guy has been a poster boy for bad behavior, with everything from domestic violence to animal neglect to punching out a fan. He has been suspended 10 times. Yet he's our guy now, and because he might help the Rockets get out of the first round of the playoffs, let's let the good times roll. I'm know I'm out of step on this. I know most of you would be happy to have O.J. Simpson if he could still be productive."
• Paul Coro of The Arizona Republic: "Sean Singletary has tasted much of pro life already. Being traded twice in a month would sour any rookie's outlook, but his deals went down sweet when he wound up with Phoenix. Singletary, who turns 23 in 10 days, once revered new teammates Grant Hill, Steve Nash and Shaquille O'Neal. Just check the basement of his Philadelphia home, where a 'Shaq Attack' pinball machine sits. 'It's kind of surreal,' Singletary said. After four years at Virginia with more ACC losses than wins, joining Phoenix's title quest is a throwback thrill. 'I haven't been on an elite team since I was 12,' he said."
• Ryan Pretzer for Pistons.com: "Gal Neuvirth, like a lot of 13-year-olds, is an avid Pistons fan. His loyalty has no boundaries. And he has the passport to prove it. Gal (pronounced like ball) visited Michigan this summer with his father, Michael, from Israel for a Pistons-themed bar mitzvah celebration. He attended the camp of his favorite Piston, Rip Hamilton, at Detroit Country Day, and spent another week at The Palace of Auburn Hills at the Pistons' Youth Training Camp. The Neuvirths have gone to extraordinary lengths, proving they're among the most devoted Pistons fans. But according to Michael, they're hardly the only ones in Israel. 'The funny thing is, there are a lot more Pistons fans in Israel than you might think,' he said, noting that several questions in the Pistons.com Mailbag often come from there."