Associated Press
The NBA notebook …
ATLANTA ó Marvin Williams says he is fully recovered from injuries which limited him in the playoffs, and the Atlanta Hawks’ newly re-signed forward says he’s already looking forward to camp.
Williams says he is “100 percent” recovered from back and wrist injuries. He says he’s ready for training camp.
Williams, who was a restricted free agent, signed a five-year, $37.5 million deal with the Hawks last week. He held a teleconference on Tuesday to discuss the deal.
He said he didn’t want to leave the Hawks because “we started something special here.”
Williams averaged 13.9 points in the regular season but, slowed by the sprained right wrist, only 5 points per game in the playoffs.
GASOL’S INJURY
MADRID ó Los Angeles Lakers center Pau Gasol had surgery on his left index finger after an injury during practice with Spain’s national team. He will be sidelined at least three weeks.
The Spanish basketball federation said Tuesday that Gasol damaged a ligament in his non-shooting hand Monday while blocking a shot. He will wear a splint for 20 days.
ZO HONORED
MIAMI ó Retired Miami Heat center Alonzo Mourning has been announced as one of three recipients of this year’s “Mannie Jackson Basketball’s Human Spirit Award” by the National Basketball Hall of Fame.
The award honors those who use basketball to help create changes in their communities. This year’s other honorees are NBA observer of officials Ken Hudson and eight-time NBA All-Star Bob Lanier.
Mourning runs Alonzo Mourning Charities, several community relations programs and serves as a spokesman for the National Kidney Foundation and Ronald McDonald House.