The Prudential Center in Newark, N.J., has been selected to host the 2011 NBA Draft, scheduled for June 23, 2011, NBA Commissioner David Stern, Chairman and Managing Partner, Devils Arena Entertainment, Jeff Vanderbeek, and the Honorable Cory A. Booker, Mayor for the City of Newark, announced today at the Prudential Center before the New Jersey Nets’ home opener against the Detroit Pistons.

This marks the second time the NBA Draft is being held in New Jersey.

“We are delighted to bring one of the NBA’s premier events to Newark,” said Stern. “The Prudential Center is a state-of-the-art, multi-purpose arena that will be a great host for another exciting NBA Draft.”

“Hosting the draft is further affirmation of Prudential Center as a home for the NBA," said Vanderbeek.  "In fact, this season the Rock will host more basketball games at the NBA, WNBA and college levels than all but two other arenas, Madison Square Garden and STAPLES Center.”

Avery Johnson is asked often about Carmelo Anthony, who has been linked to the Nets in recent months.

Johnson hinted on Friday afternoon before New Jersey lost to Chicago that many rumors involving the trade are false.

"That's kind of what you sign up for. You're always going to have rumors about something, especially with this new social media. A long time ago there was no e-mail, Twitter, texting – so, again, all the different media publications and outlets that have emerged over the years, there's always going to be some rumors, even if they're not accurate. We all know that's why we have so many radio talk shows and all these different outlets are involved in sports.
 
"So whether they're accurate or not, you're always going to have rumors. Meanwhile, the main thing is a lot of our young guys that we're trying to develop that are supposedly in these trade rumors, we got to just make sure we keep developing those guys."

Johnson was referring to rookie forward Derrick Favors.

Anderson Varejao will miss Cleveland's next two games with a broken cheekbone.

Varejao got hurt during Wednesday's loss at Charlotte and his face swelled up on the flight back home.

He will not travel with the team to Chicago for Saturday's game and will also miss Sunday's home game against the Mavericks.

Varejao will wear a mask when he returns.

LeBron James isn't sure it's a smart idea to enter this coming February's dunk contest at All-Star Weekend.

James admitted Friday that he often considers committing to the event, but he goes back-and-forth.

He said at some points he tells himself, "Yeah, I'm going to do it," but then he thinks about the wear and tear on his body.

This year's dunk contest is Feb. 19 in Los Angeles.

The Bobcats had been looking to trade D.J. Augustin, but owner Michael Jordan has backed off that stance, according to league sources.

Charlotte had discussions with the Clippers and Trail Blazers when Larry Brown was coach.

However, interim coach Paul Silas likes Augustin and will allow the team to play faster and looser, which suits the young point guard's style.

Corey Brewer has seen his playing time decrease as of late, something Timberwolves coach Kurt Rambis calls "circumstantial."

However, the return of Martell Webster from back surgery and the development of Wesley Johnson will likely keep Brewer's minutes down.

Minnesota chose not to negotiate a contract extension with the guard, who will become a restricted free agent next summer.

"I don't really want a trade," Brewer said. "I want to play more. I love Minnesota, been here four years. I don't really want to go anywhere, whatever they decide to do. If I'm not getting the minutes I'd like to get, I still feel I can help the team whenever I do get out there.

"As long as that's positive, everybody sees it here and other teams see it."

The 76ers will be without Andre Iguodala for five games as he recovers from Achilles tendonitis.

Iguodala won't resume on-court activity until Jan. 10.

He has been dealing with the injury for a majority of the season.

The earliest he will return to the court will be Jan. 11 against the Pacers.

Dwight Howard picked up his 12th technical foul of the season in Thursday night's win against the Knicks.

Per NBA rules, Howard will be suspended for one game when he reaches 16 technicals for the season.

Last season, Howard was whistled for his 16th technical foul in Orlando's 68th game of the season. The Magic have played just 33 contests this year.

Howard's father has been pleading with him to leave the referees only.

"He's 25," Howard Sr. said. "I can only say so much. Maybe it will get to the point his teammates will talk to him."

LeBron James has no regrets about the year 2010.

James says he will "absolutely" consider 2010 to be a great year, despite the negative backlash he faced when he left the Cavaliers for the Heat as a free agent in July.

He also says Miami is starting to feel more and more like home and that he's thrilled about the way the Heat have played the last month.

Miami has won 16 of their last 17 games.

There is a chance the Mavericks will be without Dirk Nowitzki this weekend.

Nowitzki will travel with the team to Milwaukee and Cleveland, but his return from a knee injury is questionable.

He has missed two games with a sprained right knee.

"It's already better than it was two days ago, but it wasn't good enough to play today," Nowitzki said Thursday night.

"I would have loved to have been out here in front of this crowd, but unfortunately it didn't work. Maybe this weekend, maybe early next week, that's what I'm looking at."

Dallas is 0-2 without Nowitzki.

"Dirk is smart about his body," owner Mark Cuban said. "He'll let us know. The MRIs will let us know. The doctors know what's at stake, so I'm not worried about it. We have a great medical staff, we have a great training staff. We'll do the right thing."