Associated Press
The NBA notebook …
DENVER ó Nuggets star Carmelo Anthony and Denver coach George Karl say they’ve moved on from the forward’s suspension for refusing to come out of a game.
Anthony sat out the Nuggets’ loss at Detroit on Tuesday night as punishment for his refusal to take a breather in the third quarter at Indiana on Sunday.
Karl said he felt he had to suspend Anthony for insubordination but that there was no anger in his decision and there’s no rift with his star player.
Anthony says he wishes Karl would have kept his insubordination a secret but promises next time his coach tries to sub for him, he’ll sprint right to the bench like a kid lunging for an empty seat at musical chairs.
“I’m going to run. I’m going to run to the bench. I’m going to run hard to the bench,” Anthony pledged Wednesday.
BOBCATS
CHARLOTTE ó The Charlotte Bobcats are hoping a couple days of rest will help heal guard Raja Bell’s painful right biceps strain.
Bell sat out practice on Wednesday and coach Larry Brown said his starting shooting guard would also likely miss today’s workout. Brown is hopeful Bell will be able to play Friday night against Atlanta.
SUNS
MIAMI ó Forward Stromile Swift signed a free-agent contract with Phoenix on Wednesday for the remainder of the season, giving the Suns another big man to replace the injured Amare Stoudemire.
ODEN UPDATE
PORTLAND, Ore. ó Portland Trail Blazers center Greg Oden is expected to miss at least another week because of a bone chip in his left knee.
IVERSON
AUBURN HILLS, Mich. ó Detroit Pistons star Allen Iverson will miss at least two weeks because of a sore back.
HEAD TO HEAT
MIAMI ó Seeking backcourt help going into the playoff run, the Miami Heat signed combo guard Luther Head for the remainder of the season.
SMITH TO CAVS
CLEVELAND ó The Cleveland Cavaliers agreed to terms on a one-year contract with Joe Smith, bringing the veteran forward back for another NBA title run.