Associated Press
ORLANDO, Fla. ó Hedo Turkoglu, whose 19 points, five rebounds and five assists per game helped the Orlando Magic win their first division title in 12 years, was selected as the NBAís most improved player Monday.
Turkogluís numbers marked career highs in each category, and dramatic improvements from 13 points, four rebounds and three assists last season.
n NEW ORLEANS ó New Orleans coach Byron Scott, who led the Hornets to their first playoff appearance in four years this season, has been chosen as the NBA coach of the year, The Associated Press has learned.
A person with knowledge of the award spoke with the AP on condition of anonymity because the league had not yet announced it.
OBIT
AUBURN HILLS, Mich. ó Will Robinson, the first black basketball coach at a Division I school and a Detroit Pistons scout who discovered Joe Dumars and Dennis Rodman, died Monday. He was 96.
Robinson broke a racial barrier in the 1970s when he coached Illinois State.
PLAYOFFS
DALLAS ó Jason Kidd wonít be suspended for his flagrant foul on New Orleansí Jannero Pargo, meaning the Mavericks will have their starting point guard Tuesday night when they try to avoid elimination tonight in Game 5.
NFL
ALAMEDA, Calif. ó The Oakland Raiders released running back Dominic Rhodes on Monday, two days after using their top draft pick to take big-play back Darren McFadden.
n PHILADELPHIA ó The Philadelphia Eagles have sued their former wide receiver Terrell Owens for bonus money he has not repaid the team.