Iverson “50/50” to Sign with the Knicks

The Knicks sound interested in signing Allen Iverson and one team official said it was 50-50 that the team would pursue the aging and seemingly mentally ill guard. And as news keeps trickling out of the Garden (well, actually, Indianapolis, where the Knicks are playing on Wednesday night), it does sound like there’s a decent chance the New York Knicks will attempt to sign him. In retrospect, the Knicks are so bad Iverson might be able to help the team.

Elsewhere around the NBA:

Philadelphia According to Sixers beat writer Kate Fagan, Elton Brand will stay in the starting lineup for now. Coach Eddie Jordan says the potential benching of Brand is a “sensitive issue” and that after discussing it with his staff, they’ve decided to leave him in the starting five

Los Angeles: Lakers PF Pau Gasol is expected to go through a full practice on Wednesday and should make his season debut on Thursday from a hamstring injury. Gasol, who has yet to play a game this season, will probably be worked back into the rotation slowly.

Milwaukee: Milwaukee Bucks F Ersan Ilyasova will start over Hakim Warrick in Wednesday’s game against the Nets. With Ilyasova tallying 19 points, 12 boards, four 3-pointers and two steals in his last game, this move appears to be permanent.

Phoenix: Suns C Robin Lopez is expected to start practicing with the Suns this weekend after missing the preseason with a broken foot. Jarron Collins has been filling in at center while Lopez was out.

Utah: According to Utah Jazz beat reporter Ross Siler, Kyle Korver (knee) could return to action in about two weeks. This would escalate Korver’s timetable by a couple weeks, as he was originally targeting a return date of mid-December.

Portland: Blazers F Travis Outlaw is expected to miss 3-5 months after undergoing foot surgery on Wednesday. Initial reports had him returning sometime in January, but this updated timetable changes things dramatically. Rudy Fernandez is expected to get extra minutes in Outlaw’s absence.

Memphis: Grizzlies G Jamaal Tinsley is expected to make his debut for the Grizzlies on Wednesday.
He’ll back up starting point guard Mike Conley, but if he’s in shape and healthy, the two could be in store for a timeshare.

Oakland: Warriors G Monta Ellis has not yet asked for a trade, and we are placing a heavy emphasis on yet.
His agent, Jeff Fried, is in Oakland to promote a boxing match and it appears quite possible that he could meet with the Oakland Warriors in hopes of getting Monta traded. The Warriors don’t necessarily want to move him, but probably would if they could get a star player in return.