NBA: News from around the Association

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Warriors' Lee deserves All-Star bid

Golden State forward David Lee belongs on the All-Star team, his coach says. "He puts in the extra time," said coach Mark Jackson. "He's been consistent rebounding the basketball. He's been consistent scoring on the block [and] playing pick-and-roll situations. Defensively, he takes pride in it. He's one of the guys that anchors our defense." Lee averages 20.1 points and 11.2 rebounds.

Jazz not panicking yet

Coach Tyrone Corbin knows the Jazz, 2-6 in their last eight games, are playing a dangerous game: "It's not a panic time, but we need to figure out what we're doing now because we're in such a tight race for playoff spots in the West. You can't afford to fall back too far — it can be a deep hole coming out of that."

Vaughn thanks Stockton and Malone

Orlando coach Jacque Vaughn credits ex-Jazz teammates John Stockton and Karl Malone for helping him learn what it takes to succeed in the NBA. "I had great veteran guys who I was able to sit next to every day and see their focus and their approach," Vaughn said. "… I owe those guys a lot for the position I'm in today."

D-Will: 'Nobody ever asked me'

Days after Deron Williams criticized the Nets' offense and one night after D-Will did not play in a loss at Milwaukee because of an injured wrist, coach Avery Johnson was fired. Williams told reporters: "I was shocked. I didn't expect it. … It caught me off guard." He added: "Nobody ever asked me what they should do with Avery."