Hooped Up

Warriors coach Don Nelson has pneumonia and will not be with the team for today’s game against the Dallas Mavericks and Wednesday’s game at San Antonio. He might miss Saturday’s game against the Los Angeles Lakers, as well.

“He’s sick as a dog,” general manager Larry Riley said. “He wasn’t doing well when we were playing Portland. He is really sick. He wanted to make the trip, but (team doctor Robert Albo) didn’t want to let him go. Of all the trips he would want to make, this would be one of them.”

A team source said Nelson was tested for swine flu, and the Warriors were waiting for results.

Assistant coach Keith Smart will take over as head coach until Nelson returns.
San Jose Mercury News

Tracy McGrady returned to practice with Houston on Monday for the first time since microfracture surgery in February, but the seven-time NBA All-Star doesn’t know when the Rockets will let him play.

McGrady believes he is ready to compete now, but Rockets coach Rick Adelman has said he’s not ready.

The 30-year-old McGrady said he doesn’t mind the difference of opinion, but he’s irked that people have faulted him for wanting to return.

“I’m ready to play basketball,” he said. “Everybody is making a big deal because I say I’m ready and GM and my coach say I’m not ready. Everybody wants to make a big deal that I’m this diva … It’s crazy.”
Manila Bulletin