"My left-hand floater is something serious right now," he said. "I can actually tie my shoe with one hand. My right hand, I'm 110 percent. No problems."
Bobcat attack
The Charlotte Bobcats have turned over a good portion of the roster with five new players they hope will change the franchise's losing culture - veterans Ben Gordon, Brendan Haywood and Ramon Sessions and draft picks Jeffery Taylor and South Jersey's Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, who was selected No. 2 overall, joining a nucleus returning of Gerald Henderson, Kemba Walker, Bismack Biyombo and Byron Mullens.
"We're going to play a different style, and I think it's a style guys are looking forward to," said Gerald Henderson (Episcopal), who led the team in scoring last year. "We want to attack the rim, attack the paint. That's how we feel like we can beat people. And on defense we have to be thinking the exact opposite."
Harden hopeful on a deal
NBA Sixth Man of the Year James Harden is holding out hope that he'll reach terms on a contract extension with the Oklahoma City Thunder by the end of the month.
Harden said at the team's media day that he's willing to sacrifice to make it work and he's focused on "hooping," and not on the contract negotiations.
Bulls extend Thibodeau
The Chicago Bulls have given coach Tom Thibodeau a four-year contract extension through the 2016-17 season.
The Bulls had exercised the team's option for next season this past spring. The new deal takes effect after this season.
The Bulls head into the season with star point guard Derrick Rose out until at least January as he recovers from left knee surgery.
Wall plans to heal fast
Washington Wizards point guard John Wall, set to miss the first month of the season with a left knee injury, hopes to return sooner than expected.
"Luckily, I'm young," said Wall, who turned 22 last month. "Hopefully, it'll heal quicker than what it takes older people."
- Staff and wire reports
