Associated Press
The NBA notebook …
HONG KONG ó Chris Paul and Carmelo Anthony say they will consider offers to play professional basketball in China if there is no resolution to the NBA lockout.
Both players are on a promotional tour of China while monitoring news from home about the NBAís labor impasse.
With Kobe Bryant reportedly negotiating a deal to play in Turkey, New Orleans Hornetsí Paul and New York Knicks forward Anthony said they were also considering overseas moves.
Asked by SNTV where they would go, Anthony replied ěChina.î Paul said ěSame, no question.î
The answers may have been designed to compliment their hosts, but Anthony added ěitís a lot of history here, the fans are great; why not, why not try it out?î
Meanwhile, Portland Trail Blazers point guard Patty Mills says he is looking into a move back to his native Australia to play in the National Basketball League as long as the NBA lockout continues.
ěThe most important thing for me is to find somewhere to play,î Mills told Australian Associated Press. ěDefinitely NBL teams have reached out. I am looking at that, but also teams in Europe and other options. But right now there is no rush in making a decision; it will come over the next couple of months.î
Anthony and Paul, both members of the U.S. squad which won the 2008 Olympic gold medal in Beijing, continued their Hong Kong visit Wednesday before moving on to mainland China.
WHITE IN TROUBLE
STATESVILLEó A former college basketball star has been arrested and accused of operating a sophisticated marijuana growing operation from his North Carolina home.
Thirty-one-year-old Rodney White was scheduled to be arraigned Wednesday in Iredell County. White is facing conspiracy to manufacture marijuana and other charges. He was arrested this week at his home with Nicole Jackson, who also is also facing drug charges. Investigators did not say what her relationship was to White.
Sheriffís Capt. Darren Campbell said police found an elaborate underground bunker for growing pot at Whiteís home.