Is Z-Bo on the Move?

- With Zach Randolph’s name swirling in trade winds, Knicks legend Willis Reed exhorted his former squad not to give up on the duo of Randolph and Curry. “I love Zach,” said Reed. “I was happy the Knicks were able to acquire him. I’d walk in the room and say, guys, don’t give up on yourselves. Eventually it will come. I would tell them to stop the reading the papers. Eddy is a very talented player and I hope he doesn’t get discouraged.”

- Perhaps Reed had a conversation with ‘Zeke, as he denied any rumor that would have Z-Bo packing his bags. “After yesterday’s practice, Isiah Thomas said there is ‘no truth’ to the rumor,” writes Alan Hahn. “Thomas recently said he has no plans to make any changes with the 9-25 team. Why? ‘Because that’s how I feel,’ Thomas replied.”

- Detroit overcame both the defending-champion Spurs 90-80 and some homer officiating last night, according to ‘Sheed. “I knew how (the officials) were going to do us,” Wallace said. “Any time we’re going against one of the darlings, I know how they’re going to try to treat us. Period.”

- Mehmet Okur (22 points, 17 boards) had a big night against the Nash-less, Hill-less, Marion-less Suns. When asked about a post-up dunk he had on Amare, Okur responded, “That was my brother.”

- If the Pistons had downed the Cavs in the Eastern Conference Finals, Tony Parker would not have been the Finals MVP, according to Buck Harvey.

- Boom describes the ‘07-08 season as a “turning point for this organization to figure out where they want to be, how they want to be seen in this league,” according to Ian Thomsen. This comes on the heels of his 14-minute, 1-6 shooting performance against the Blazers. Nellie recognized Davis’ off-night and kept him off the floor, adding thereafter, “Next time he can coach the —damn game,” according to one of Thomsen’s colleagues.

- Jay Mariotti writes that Bulls GM Jim Paxson needs to “survey the NBA trade landscape, compile a short list of credible coaching candidates on his speed dial and gradually pump new blood into his limp franchise,” especially in light of the fact that his former backcourt mate would still be the best player to suit up in a Chicago uni today. “If these Bulls played those Bulls, Jordan still would be the best player on the court at a cigar-smoking, lounge-lizarding, Charlotte-moonlighting 44,” writes Mariotti.

- T.J. Ford was cleared to resume working out and is expected to make a full recovery.

- John Salmons was apparently deciding between sitting on the bench in street clothes and taking a flight home because of serious flu-like symptoms. “I had a lot of meds in me,” Salmons said. “And that stuff knocks you out. I was dizzy before the game, weak, out of breath. I talked to the trainer, and he said I shouldn’t go.” He ended up with 28 points, 11 boards and helped bring the Kings back from a 10-point 4th quarter deficit for a 116-113 win over Memphis.

- To add salt to the wounds after beating the Knicks at the Garden on Wednesday, Rafer Alston blasted Steph and the Knicks backcourt. “Right now they have score-first guards – Crawford, Robinson, Marbury,” said Skip. “It’s unfortunate there’s nobody to give (Randolph, Curry) the ball.”