Steve Luhm's NBA Four-Point Play | The Salt Lake Tribune

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Still no Motta in the HOF?

The Basketball Hall of Fame announces its Class of 2013 on Monday. According to reports, however, coaches Jerry Tarkanian, Guy Lewis and Rick Pitino will be enshrined. All are probably deserving, but more so than Dick Motta? He was a finalist the last two years but failed to be elected despite credentials which — at the very least — are equal to those of Tarkanian, Lewis and Pitino.

Koufos a much-improved player

Denver's Kosta Koufos won't win the Most Improved Player award, but he should probably be considered. As the starting center on a 50-win team, he averages 8.1 points and 6.9 rebounds. "Just very blessed and fortunate," he says. "Just trying to make the most out the opportunity. I'm just trying to work my butt off, rebound, block shots. That's my role and I want to do my best in that role."

Lillard: Always bet on Kobe

Portland's Damian Lillard will be a near-unanimous pick as Rookie of the Year. He's is honest, too. After the Jazz beat the Trail Blazers on Monday night, Lillard was asked whether Utah or the Lakers will be the No. 8 seed in the Western Conference. He replied, "I think they both have a good chance. They both have good teams. But the Lakers have Kobe Bryant so … they might be the ones to get in."

Miller still getting it done

Fifteen years ago, Andre Miller led Utah to the NCAA championship game. Today, at the age of 37, Miller continues to impress everyone, including Denver coach George Karl. "He'll go in the gym and take the four worst players and beat the five best players. Then he'll talk trash," Karl said. "… He just believes in the team. He believes in himself, but he also believes [in] team basketball."