BOSTON -- Celtics point guard Rajon Rondo is expected to miss six to eight weeks after undergoing surgery for a broken finger.
Rondo broke a finger on his left hand in a fall at his home Thursday night, the club announced. It gave no further details.
The four-time All-Star has been the subject of trade speculation. Danny Ainge, Boston's president of basketball operations, has said he has no intention of trading Rondo but indicated the eight-year veteran can become a free agent after the coming season. Ainge also has said no one is untradeable.
Rondo missed the first 40 games last season, the third worst in Celtics history, following major knee surgery. He played 30 games, averaging 11.7 points, 5.5 rebounds and 33.3 minutes (see full story).
Hornets: Taylor banned from team activities
Hornets forward Jeffery Taylor will not be participating in any team-related activities during an NBA investigation into his arrest on domestic assault charges, the team announced Friday.
"As an organization, we understand and appreciate the seriousness of this matter, and will assist the NBA and law enforcement in any way we can until this comes to an acceptable resolution," the Hornets said in a statement Friday. "We have spoken with Jeffery and his representatives and they fully understand our position."
NBA spokesman Mike Bass said that the league supports "the Charlotte Hornets' decision to separate Jeffery Taylor from the team during the investigation."
NBA
East Lansing Police in Michigan said in a press release Thursday the 25-year-old Taylor has been charged with one count of domestic assault, one count of assault and one count of malicious destruction of property. According to the release, police officers responded to an incident at the East Lansing Marriott at University Place around 1 a.m. Thursday.
The Hornets open the preseason on Oct. 8 in Philadelphia, the same day Taylor has a pre-trial court date at East Lansing District Court (see full story).
Cavs: LeBron ready for Cavs reboot
INDEPENDENCE, Ohio -- LeBron James threw his right arm around Kevin Love and rested the other on Kyrie Irving's shoulder.
They laughed, smiled and posed for photos -- together.
And that's how they plan to win an NBA championship.
The trio of All-Stars, aligned this summer to bring a title to title-deprived Cleveland, took their first steps as new teammates Friday as the Cavs held their media day to tip off a season they hope ends with the city's first pro sports championship since 1964, when the Browns ruled the NFL.
Wearing a No. 23 wine-and-gold Cavs uniform again, a subdued James, much more mature and business-like than the player who left for Miami four years ago, talked about his focus in trying to add a third title to the two he won with the Heat.
And while the Cavs instantly became title favorites when James announced he was coming back in July, the four-time MVP understands there will be immense pressure on him to deliver -- and that nothing is guaranteed.
"I still have a lot to prove because of expectations I put on myself," James said. "I ask more of myself than anybody can ever ask of me. My expectations are still high, but I am more patient now than I was four years ago. I understand what it takes to win a championship. I understand winning a championship is the hardest thing you could ever do. I've been two up and two down in four years.
"I went from crying tears of joy to tears of frustration. I know it all. I know what it takes" (see full story).
Heat: Deng forgives Ferry for comments
MIAMI -- Miami Heat forward Luol Deng says he forgives Atlanta Hawks general manager Danny Ferry for making racially charged remarks about him.
Deng says he has spoken with Ferry about the comments and believes "he's really sorry for what he said."
On a conference call with members of the Hawks organization over the summer, Ferry referred to comments in a scouting report when he described Deng as someone who "has a little African in him."
Ferry is taking an indefinite leave from the Hawks, who are also now for sale after co-owner Bruce Levenson announced earlier this month that he will sell his controlling share of the team over other racially inflammatory comments.
Deng says, "I don't think Danny's racist. I really don't" (see full story).