MIAMI — They’ve been teammates for only a week, and Dwyane Wade is already standing up for LeBron James.
Wade defended the NBA’s two-time reigning MVP on Thursday, saying James “didn’t quit” on Cleveland during the playoffs. That was the accusation made by Cavs owner Dan Gilbert last week.
“He’s not a quitter,” Wade said. “He didn’t quit.”
Earlier this month, Gilbert not only levied the quitting charge, but said James got “a free pass” for too long.
Wade said he watched every game of Cleveland’s second-round series against Boston, the team that eliminated the Heat in the opening round of the postseason. The Celtics used a similar defensive scheme against James as they did against Wade to open the playoffs, throwing a slew of challenges in the way of both.
“LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, Kobe Bryant, guys like that understand what Boston’s defense was about,” Wade said. “Their defense was built on not letting one player beat them. LeBron had one bad game in the playoffs. Other than that, he did what he could do with the defense all watching him.”
Rockets to re-sign Scola
HOUSTON — Free agent Luis Scola will return to the Houston Rockets after agreeing to terms on a new contract.
The Houston Chronicle and KRIV-TV reported that Scola agreed to a five-year deal worth $47 million.
The 6-foot-9 Scola started all 82 games for the Rockets last season and averaged 16.2 points and 8.6 rebounds.
Bell will rejoin Jazz
SALT LAKE CITY — Agent Herb Rudoy said Raja Bell and the Jazz agreed to a three-year deal worth around $10 million.
The 33-year-old shooting guard just needs to pass a physical, which probably won’t happen until next week. He spent last season with Charlotte and Golden State but played in just six games because of left wrist surgery.
Footnotes.
Warriors owner Chris Cohan reached an agreement to sell the franchise for $450 million to Celtics minority partner Joe Lacob and Mandalay Entertainment CEO Peter Guber.
• Hall of Famer Scottie Pippen is back with the Bulls, this time as an ambassador. Pippen will participate in various team events and attend most home games, interacting with fans and sponsors. He also will write a monthly column and appear on BullsTV for the team’s website.
• The Hornets said they decided not to sign free- agent guard Luther Head after their medical team felt it was not in the team’s best interest to add the veteran.
• Mike Miller, a 6-foot-8 sharpshooter, signed a five- year contract with the Heat.
• Celtics captain Paul Pierce has re-signed with the team, a four-year deal worth $61 million.
The Associated Press
