Non-News Odds and Ends

One. Deron made the All-Star team. I did not mention this when it happened because I don’t care about the All-Star Game.

Two. In other non-news, Jerry has signed an extension for next season but will, as usual, decide whether he will be back in the first weeks of the off-season.

Per nba.com, Jerry signed the extension around New Year’s Day, but it was never announced and didn’t become public until a national sportswriter asked him about it before @SAC.

Most are under the assumption that it’s Jerry’s idea to do it year-by-year and I believe he has even said so, but back in November, Jerry was asked about his contract situation and said, “Well, that’s the deal they wanted to do, and I didn’t have a problem with that. I’ve never been one to say, ‘I need a 10-year contract.'” (KFAN audio)

Three. When AK was asked by the beat writers today to imitate a Boozer yell, he replied, “Nah, I’m not really that good.”
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I remember reading an article about AK (back when he was new to the team) about how he did an uncanny imitation of Jerry’s voice–complete with gravel and country accent–even though his own English wasn’t that great at the time. Maybe he was just being modest.
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Speaking of Jerry and AK and their much-reported and much-evolved relationship, Jerry said after the Sacramento game:

So I found it funny when, later on in today’s interview with AK, they were talking about Fes having a big night last night and AK said that he always tells Fes, ‘Fes, you’re frickin 7’3″, play like you’re 7’3″. Don’t play like you’re 5’1″.” (KFAN audio)

AK and Jerry on the same page. Who would’ve thought?

Four. Deron, last night: “Fes, given the minutes, he always performs. He does a great job. He knows the game. He might make a few boneheaded plays a game, but who doesn’t? Coach has got to realize that and let him roll with it.” (sltrib)

I happen to agree with Deron, but this is the third or fourth time he’s talked to Jerry through the media this season (the other times, that I can remember, being about watching more film and practicing pick-and-roll defense). Perhaps I am making a mountain out of a molehill (and I hope I am), but this makes me cringe. Jerry says that his door is open if players want to suggest anything, but if Deron won’t or can’t go talk to him directly, we’ve got [more] rough waters ahead.

Five. I probably shouldn’t be posting this, but my friend forwarded this to me and I completely believe there is a direct relation between their inability to spell and/or intelligence, and their being Kobe fans.