Sacramento Kings big man DeMarcus Cousins was ejected after a shoving match with members of the Minnesota Timberwolves. Posted by Ben Golliver.

Water is wet, the sky is blue and Sacramento Kings rookie big man DeMarcus Cousins can't control his emotions. 

Cousins' latest display of immaturity came on Sunday in a game against the Minnesota Timberwolves. With the Kings leading 77-62 near the end of the third quarter, Cousins couldn't keep his cool after being pushed by pesky Timberwolves point guard Luke Ridnour. 

Standing off the ball, Cousins took a two-arms shoved from Ridnour. The foul was obvious, completely unnecessary and immediately whistled. Cousins, however, couldn't let it go at that, stomping towards Ridnour and bumping bodies while the two jawed. Timberwolves center Nikola Pekovic intervened, lightly restraining Cousins, which led the Sacramento big man to shove out with both of his arms, an act that Pekovic reciprocated.  

But, wait, there's more. Timberwolves guard Martell Webster then attempted to play peacemaker, putting his left arm into Cousins' chest, an act that again led Cousins to shove Webster away with both of his arms, tossing Webster into teammate Jason Thompson. At that point, Cousins was immediately booted from the game by multiple officials.

Here's a look at the sequence courtesy of YouTube user Kingsflix.



Cousins and Kings fans will likely feel as if he got the raw end of this deal given that his actions were mostly in response or retaliation to Minnesota's actions, but at some point he will need to come to terms with the fact that his size and track record make him an easy mark for officials. 

So, Luke Ridnour shoved you. Who cares? Set up the side out of bounds play and nail him with a good, solid pick. Cousins stepped to Ridnour with something to prove, but he only proved how easily he is mentally manipulated.

The Kings held on for the victory over the Timberwolves, 127-95.

The Minnesota Timberwolves are reportedly considering a push to trade for Memphis Grizzlies guard O.J. Mayo. Posted by Ben Golliver. 
CBSSports.com's Ken Berger reports that the Minnesota Timberwolves are considering trading for Memphis Grizzlies guard O.J. Mayo.

CBSSports.com has learned that the Wolves plan to make a push to acquire Memphis guard O.J. Mayo, whose rights they traded to the Grizzlies on draft night in 2008 in the deal that brought Love to Minnesota. Mayo is frustrated coming off the bench in Memphis and "needs a change," according to one person familiar with the situation. The Wolves envision Mayo playing in the backcourt next season alongside Rubio, who according to a person familiar with the situation has given team officials his word that he will join the Wolves next season. The buyout that Minnesota must pay FC Barcelona is down to $1 million, but it's not clear how Rubio's decision could be affected by a lockout. Even if Rubio comes to Minnesota, there's no guarantee he'll thrive immediately.

On the night of the 2008 NBA Draft, the Timberwolves swapped Mayo, who they selected No. 3 overall, to the Memphis Grizzlies for power forward Kevin Love, the No. 5 overall selection as part of a larger 8-player trade . Mayo was one of the most highly-touted high school players of the past decade, but has so far failed to live up to those monstrous expectations as an NBA player. Still, he's a physical, skilled guard who is still on his rookie deal, an intriguing trade target because of his reasonable contract number ($4.5 million this season) and his ability to score and defend two positions in the backcourt.  While Mayo started every game during his first two years in the NBA, he has been used off the bench by the Grizzlies this season. His minutes have taken a big hit -- down from 38 per game in his first two years to 28.8 per game this season -- and his numbers, as you might expect, have dropped across the board. He is averaging 13.1 points, 2.5 assists, 1.8 assists and shooting 42.1% from the field, off his career averages of 17.2 points, 3.6 rebounds, 2.9 assists and 44.4% shooting. To be frank, the Timberwolves need all the help they can get. At 8-24, they sit in last place in the Northwest Division, and own the second worst record in the Western Conference. They rate 21st in offensive efficiency and 29th in defensive efficiency, and they have a gaping hole at two guard. Forward Michael Beasley has added a scoring punch since the Timberwolves traded for him this summer, but it hasn't been enough to compensate for the team's pathetic backcourt. Mayo would theoretically add a much-needed talent infusion over the team's only true off guard, Wayne Ellington. Minnesota doesn't have much talent or much hope this season, but they do have flexibility to take on salary at the deadline, an uncommon commodity in the NBA that has been exploited well by teams like the Oklahoma City Thunder in recent years. The Timberwolves are in the unique position of not having a single contract over $5 million on their books. (Indeed, the Timberwolves are the only team in the NBA not to carry a single contract over $10 million this seaso n, let alone $5 million.) And, since Minnesota is well under the cap, a trade for Mayo could happen in a variety of ways, including a trade that sends back only future draft considerations rather than a player (and his salary). The Timberwolves also have a glut on the wings, including Corey Brewer, Martell Webster and rookie Wesley Johnson, so if they do make a trade deadline deal(s) it wouldn't be surprising to see one of those guys moved. Here's more from Berger on this week's CBSSports.com's NBA Drive . "I'm told, very interestingly, that the Minnesota Timberwolves that have kind of been in stabilization mode in evaluating the roster are going to explore trading for O.J. Mayo," Berger says. "He's a player they drafted originally in 2008 and sent him to Memphis in the trade that sent Kevin Love to Minnesota. That's something they are going to explore. They are in a little bit of a process now evaluating their roster, but that's a move that they have in mind and that they are going to pursue."

Posted by Royce Young

• John Krolik of Cavs The Blog: "These were the Heat we all feared. When the Heat play like this, no team can beat them, especially if they have the kind of limited talent the Cavs do. This was also the first night the Heat really played like this, and they still have to prove themselves with another win over a plus – .500 team. This was the night Miami said “enough with the excuses, we are too good to do anything other than embarrass teams like this,” and that started with LeBron."

• A big list of Twitter zingers about last night's "game".

• Israel Gutierrez of The Miami Herald: "The Heat played with a purpose. A playoff-like purpose. This historic return home for one of the NBA's greatest might have become his biggest victory to date. He came out of this not only with the reassurance that he made the right choice, but he left more confident about it than ever. He came out of it knowing that Wade isn't a player with whom he's competing for touches, but possibly the best teammate he could have in moments like this. He came out of it knowing that, just days after he reportedly turned on his head coach, the Heat would still come together to support him. ... Now LeBron can move on."

• The NBA beat the NFL last night with a 5.0 rating.

• Terry Pluto of The Plain Dealer: "Northeast Ohio can be proud of its fans, but the Cavs were horrible. After jumping to a 17-12 lead, they were overwhelmed by James and the Heat. By the end of the first quarter, they were behind, 31-23. At the half, it was 59-40. It just kept getting worse. As the Cavs crumbled, the Heat united around James, who had an MVP-type game with 38 points, five rebounds and eight assists. Who knows if Miami (12-8) uses this game -- its third victory in a row -- to help turn its season around? Frankly, who in Northeast Ohio cares? The Cavaliers were chastised by coach Byron Scott for a lazy approach. During the game as he was pouring in the points, James walked over to the bench a few times and chatted with some of his former teammates. The Cavaliers should be embarrassed by their lack of effort. But not the fans. They were at their best when so many people expected the worst."

• The Pistons are old. And for some reason Joe Dumars likes to keep them that way.

• Milwaukee released Darrington Hobson.

• John Rohde of The Oklahoman: "Last season, Thunder starters missed a total of six games, all by center Nenad Krstic. So far this season, starters have missed 10 games. The Thunder is a combined 8-2 without its usual starting lineup of Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook, Jeff Green, Thabo Sefolosha and Krstic, and 5-4 with the starting lineup intact."

• Martell Webster is back to practicing with the Wolves.

• Why are the Hornets have such bad attendence issues?

Posted by Royce Young

Save your David Kahn jokes for the end of this. I know I'll try to. But according to Jerry Zgoda of the Star Tribune, the Timberwolves have requested the league investigate whether the Blazers knowingly dealt them an injured player.

The player in question is Martell Webster who was acquired on draft night for the 16th overall pick from the Portland Trail Blazers. Webster on Monday underwent surgery to repair a disk in his back and is expected to miss about 4-6 weeks. Webster said the injury dates to last spring's playoffs, when he was undercut and fell hard in a game against Phoenix.

Busss-ted.

Now of course that doesn't mean the Blazers knew this would require surgery and that they knew he was hurt when they traded him. So maybe not busted. But isn't it just like the Wolves to get a player and one that happens to be like the sixth at that position on the roster, find out he's hurt and then say, "Wait, you guys knew he was hurt when you traded him to us. Not fair!" Isn't that just so Wolves?

Zgoda says the Wolves are likely looking for a draft pick as compensation.

I just find the whole thing pretty funny. If this were a big trade, one that involved a key player, it would make more sense. But Martell Webster? Just have Anthony Tolliver, or Michael Beasley or Wesley Johnson or Lazar Hayward or Corey Brewer or Maurice Ager fill in at small forward. Good thing you've got that depth, Minnesota!

Now as for proving the charge, it won't be easy. Webster played in six preseason games for Minnesota, averaged 26 minutes and 12 points per game. Sure the Blazers may have known he was potentially injured, but that doesn't mean they did anything wrong.

Wolves wing out 4-6 weeks with herniated disk in back. Posted by Matt Moore

Well, then. What a fine way to start the season in Minny. Minnesota Timberwolves wing Martell Webster, acquired in a trade with Portland which netted them rookie Luke Babbitt, will miss 4-6 weeks after undergoing surgery to repair a herniated disk in his back. The 23-year-old guard averaged 9.4 points and 3.3 rebounds (13.8 and 4.0 per 36 minutes) last season for the Blazers and shot 37% from the arc. He was expected to help tremendously with the Wolves' perimeter shooting and desperate wing situation. Without him, Corey Brewer and rookie Wesley Johnson will get most of the minutes, which should be entertaining, either way.

Brewer actually shot considerably well from the arc towards the end of last year, and with Michael Beasley on board, this doesn't hurt as much as it did. Well, for the Wolves, I mean. Must hurt pretty bad for Webster. Ouch.

Rejoice! The NBA season starts tomorrow. As the league's 30 teams make final cuts and set their rosters, here's a first look around the NBA at this week's happenings. Magic talks contraction, Delonte dances, Steve Nash gripes, Jeff Green stays focused, Shelden Williams and Jason Terry start, plus a whole lot more.  
Posted by Ben Golliver. 

• Los Angeles Lakers legend Magic Johnson tells NaplesNews.com he would be in favor of contraction in the NBA. “How much would it hurt the league if we lost teams? It wouldn’t hurt it. It might make it better,” Johnson said. “… I think if you take away a couple teams, the talent level goes up and the league will only benefit, so I don’t see a problem with that. We just hope that we put a good product out on the court, and that’s the key.”

• HoopsNotes.com found video of Celtics Delonte West and Glen Davis dancing at the team's annual Shamrock Gala.

• John Hollinger writes that Portland's trade of Jerryd Bayless for a first round pick gives them a solid asset to include in a package trade for a big name.

• Phoenix Suns all star point guard Steve Nash tells Seth Pollack of SB Nation Arizona that he wouldn't bet on the Suns to make the playoffs in the Western Conference and that the team has chemistry question marks. "To be honest, if I was outside this picture and a betting man, I would probably pick us to be outside of the playoffs considering all the changes and the new guys."

• Eddie Sefko of the Dallas Morning News writes  that perennial sixth man of the year candidate Jason Terry will open the season starting for the Mavericks. "Terry started at shooting guard Friday in a 97-96 win over Houston in the preseason finale. Coach Rick Carlisle has kept a tight lip on who will start the opener against Charlotte. But it appears Terry has the inside track, at least until Roddy Beaubois returns from left foot surgery."

• Benjamin Hochman of the Denver Post reports that Shelden Williams, aka Mr. Candace Parker, will start at power forward for the Denver Nuggets to open the season, as Kenyon Martin and free agent acquisition Al Harrington get healthy.

• It's a contract year for both forward Jeff Green and guard Russell Westbrook in Oklahoma City, but Thunder coach Scott Brooks tells Darnell Mayberry of The Oklahoman that he's not worried about Green putting his own interests above the team. "Maybe because I know him,” Brooks said. "I know who he was when he came into the league, and he hasn't changed. He still works every day in practice. He still tries to get better. He still tries to make the right play. He's not forcing shots. He's not taking bad shots … He hasn't forced anything in camp. He's a pro and he likes being on this team.”

• ESPN.com's Michael Wallace quotes LeBron James on Celtics fans in advance of tomorrow's season opener between Boston and Miami. "They bleed green; that’s all they care about,” James said. “We have to be mentally focused and mentally prepared. Some arenas believe and love basketball more than others. Sometimes, more history adds more intimidation. Not saying it’s an intimidation factor for me. It’s never been an intimidation factor for me. But as far as the crowd and as far as the team, Boston is one of those hostile environments to play.” 
• Minnesota Timberwolves wing Martell Webster, acquired in a draft night trade from the Portland Trail Blazers, will find out if he needs surgery on an ailing back today. Jerry Zgoda of StarTribune.com quotes Webster: "It's just one of those things that starts to nag and you don't want to make it worse."

• Posting and Toasting.com writes  that Patrick Ewing Jr. was cut by the New York Knicks; Shawne Williams surprised some people by apparently making that team.

Sasha Vujacic gets engaged to Maria Sharapova, the Bulls need to get engaged with one another off the floor, Mike Miller is disengaged for several weeks, and Dwight Howard is engaged on the microphone, all in today's Shootaround.
Posted by Matt Moore

Remember that thumb injury for Mike Miller we shared with you yesterday? Yeah. So, Brian Windhorst is reporting that it's going to be "several weeks" on that . The new Era d' Heat is starting off swimmingly. All they need is an outbreak of cholera and a bus accident.

May the Fates bless you in your travels, Darius Miles. Miles was cut from the Bobcats yesterday , in what could be the nail in the coffin on his "career." Pay attention, Blake Griffin. This is what happens to Clippers.

Sam Amico of NBA.com and FSN Ohio says the Blazers, Rockets, and Spurs, but especially Blazers, are also interested in Anderson Varejao. We continue to be perplexed as to why .

Martell Webster will have an MRI on his back and miss the Wolves' preseason finale. The Wolves will just have to turn to the other 700 wings they picked up in the offseason.

Dwight Howard told the Orlando Sentinel that a lot of NBA stars get the kinds of Tweets LeBron freaked out about . “All of us get those kinds of Tweets,” Howard said. “People just feel that they can say whatever they want to say to us, and I don’t respond. People are going to talk when they’re hiding behind a computer or a cell phone. What’s the purpose of letting that affect what we do?” Anyone else get the impression Howard's got a serious beef with everything LeBron does? He's one of the few guys to call out James on things. He's more vocal than Boston. Oh, and Heat play Orlando in a preseason game tonight.

The Bulls' chemistry isn't really so much where it needs to be , via the Chicago Tribune talking to Derrick Rose: ""I wouldn't say it's all the way there," Derrick Rose said. "But being on the court with the guys, I definitely know what their strengths are, where to give them the ball in certain situations, just the way they play."At practices, our second team beat (the starters) four or five days in a row. That competing will make us better and help the team gel quickly." It's interesting to hear that, but part of that is probably the disconnect with the departures of players who were closer last year. Something to watch as the Bulls go forward.

So here's the Flex offense . No, seriously, here's the Flex offense.

Sasha Vujacic is now engaged to Maria Sharapova, in case you needed further proof the universe is cruel and unfair.

Ron Artest has been given a "Year in Sanity" award by Salon.com. So if the apocalypse shows up soon, don't say we didn't warn you.

Hear Dwight Howard. Hear Dwight Howard sing. Hear Dwight Howard sing "All-Star" by Smashmouth .

Portland loathes expectations. Expected to compete for the West title? Down in a burning wreckage of knee bones and perimeter shooting. Unable to hold on to the playoffs? Say hi to a massive winning streak to glide into the playoffs. They are never predictable, that's for certain. As we continue our Preseason Primers , we take a look at the noble hope of the Northwest, and if this is finally the season when things don't go wrong for the Blazers.

Portland Trailblazers

Training camp site: Portland, OR

Training camp starts:   Sept. 28 

Key additions:  Wesley  Matthews (free agent)

Key subtractions:   Juwan Howard (free agent), Martell Webster (trade), Luke Babbitt, Armon Johnson (free agent)

Likely starting lineup: Andre Miller, PG; Brandon Roy, SG; Nicolas Batum, SF, LaMarcus Aldridge, PF, Marcus Camby, C 

Player to watch:   Greg Oden. Guy's gotta get healthy sometime, right? Oden has been and remains the missing piece of the puzzle for the Blazers, even with the addition of Marcus Camby. If Oden can reach a significant portion of his massive untapped potential, he could be a difference maker for the Blazers, completing the team that's been constructed over the past five years. It's unknown if Oden will even be available for camp, or how much he'll be participating. But even that says something. Oden's got to bounce back hard, and get back to where he showed flashes last year prior to the injury. That's the only way the Blazers can make the jump they need to this year. 

Chemistry quiz:   Who's the ticking time bomb? That's the question, and it's multiple choice, with several "A and B and C" type choices. Last year, Andre Miller and Nat McMillan blew up at one another during a low point. The two reconciled things and seem to be on better ground, but there's been consistent trade chatter involving Miller since he was signed as a marquee free agent in 2009. And that's just the start! Travis Outlaw and Steve Blake, two longtime Blazers were traded last year, along with Martell Webster before this year's draft. And, oh, yeah, Rudy Fernandez is involved in a messy, gross situation where he's demanding a trade and talking about sitting out the next season , even after rejecting a trade to New Orleans. This is all before we get into LaMarcus Aldridge's longterm problems with the club, and the attention showered on Greg Oden constantly. That said, McMillan has done a tremendous job keeping the team together and helped lead them to the playoffs last year. If he can keep them together this year, it'll be another award-worthy performance.

Injury watch:   Ha. Ha ha ha. Hahahahahaha. Sorry. That's mean.

Well, let's see. Brandon Roy struggled with an ankle towards the end of last year, but that should be fine. Greg Oden is recovering from a broken patella, slowly. Joel Przybilla also broke his patella and tore ligaments, then reinjued it in the shower. Marcus Camby is no spring chicken. This team is one bad turn, a helicopter and a few tents from becoming a M*A*S*H* unit. If any team is worthy of karmic bonuses resulting in a clean bill of health this year, it's Portland.

Camp battles:   Center's going to be a big one throughout the year, but with Oden not near 100% by any stretch of the imagination, Camby has it on lockdown. Nicolas Batum continues to be one of the better developing small forwards in the league, and his overall play should keep him locked in above the rookie Babbitt. An interesting one? Point guard. Miller was terrific at points last year for the Blazers, but when he wasn't, Jerryd Bayless was increasingly better. Bayless is a fierce competitor. If he were to make a significant jump, that one could get ugly really quick.

Biggest strength:   Depth and Brandon Roy. That's the formula, which is why the injuries const them so much last year. Additionally, Brandon Roy's going to have to climb back out of the pool and onto the pavement of great players after a downturn last season. The Blazers absolutely must have Roy as a top ten player in the league if they're going to compete for the Western Conference Finals, along with all the other things they need to happen. But Roy has shown he can do it, and they still have considerable depth, arguably more, with Matthews to give Roy a breather, and young talent mixed in with the vets.

Glaring weakness:   You mean, besides spending more times on their backs than Luke Walton? (You thought I was going for a sex joke there, didn't you?) The team's gotta stay healthy, which isn't something they can avoid, outside of moving to Phoenix and hiring their training staff. On the floor, the offense can stagnate considerably when Roy's not on the floor outside of the handful of nights where Miller goes nova. The other players need to develop into go-to scorers, at least a few. LaMarcus Aldridge in particular has had low expectations which he's exceeded yet not received credit for the last few years, but now he's going to have to be a big-time power forward for the Blazers. If he doesn't show he can get to the next level, he may find himself on the block as the Blazers look for the missing piece.