NBA News and Notes - LeBron Released from Hospital

LeBron Has Growth Removed, Released From Hospital

NBA megastar LeBron James was released from hospital yesterday after having a benign growth removed from his jaw. James, who has been bothered by the problem and aware of it for several months, should not experience any further complications. The growth was removed from his parotid gland (a gland that produces saliva); the surgery was a very complex, five-hour procedure because that area of the jaw has many nerves and blood vessels.

James and his Cleveland Cavaliers were eliminated from playoff competition last Saturday in a Game 6 against Dwight Howard and the Orlando Magic. James has received flak for quickly leaving the arena after that game without congratulating the Magic or speaking with the media. LeBron averaged 38.5 points, 8.3 assists and 8.0 rebounds in a losing effort in the series.

Pietrus Goes From Kobe’s to Jordan’s—Shoes

Ever heard that old saying, you can’t defend a man until you walk a mile in his shoes? No wait, that’s not quite it. Well, in Pietrus’ case, you can’t defend a man when you’re wearing his shoes. Pietrus, who has worn Kobe’s signature Zoom IV’s this season, will switch it up when the NBA Finals start tonight. Instead, he’ll turn back the clock and don some Jordans.

Pietrus has had some tough covers this postseason, including LeBron in the Conference Finals. He did a better job on James than any other Magic player, so he’ll be lacing those Jordans up against Kobe for the majority of the minutes that he’s on the floor. Pietrus was making no bold claims about his chances of shutting down the Black Mamba, however: “The only thing I can do is try to minimize his touches in the fourth quarter. He’s a tremendous player and those guys, you cannot stop them. So maybe I can say, ‘Hey, stop, Kobe! Yo! Stop!’ Maybe that’s the only way I can stop him. ‘Stop for a minute!’”

Jameer Nelson’s Return Looking Like Real-life Magic

Both Jameer Nelson and Orlando Magic GM Otis Smith have repeatedly denied the possibility of Jameer’s return this postseason, yet the rumors of his reappearance on the court simply won’t die down. And now it appears as though they’ll come true. Nelson, who injured his shoulder (torn labrum) in February, was not expected to be able to return to full basketball activities for another two months. Jameer recently began practicing with the team, and could be activated for Game 1 tonight.

Coach Stan Van Gundy summed up the problem that Jameer’s availability brings with it, “It’s a tough decision on Jameer either way you go, because I think he is able to play right now. How much he can do, I don’t know.” Nelson’s teammates are equally convinced that he’s “ready to go,” and have spoken about his return with certainty. Even if Nelson is able to dress and go for the Magic, just how much can he really contribute to a team that has made it to the NBA Finals without him? Will his return disrupt the chemistry of the Magic backcourt?

It’s been almost four full months since Nelson last played a competitive game of basketball, and there’s no way that he’s in game shape, ready for extended minutes. The Magic may try to bring in him to replace Anthony Johnson as Rafer Alston’s backup. The experiment can’t really hurt, so long as the Magic are ready to pull the plug if Nelson isn’t able to contribute. One other thing to keep an eye on is Rafer Alston’s attitude and body-language with Nelson making a return to action. Rafer is known as a bit of a prima donna, and doesn’t like the challenge of another player at his position.