Warriors

Monta Ellis will log his first NBA minutes of the year tonight against LeBron James and the Cavaliers. Tim Kawakami writes, “Tonight will be about Ellis returning precisely when the Warriors needed a burst of hope and ticket-buying relevancy.” Friday night, Monta Ellis makes his debut against LeBron James, should be the loudest crowd of the season. Kawakami also links to a Sac Bee interview with Nelson by Scott-Howard Cooper.

Marcus Thompson covers all the important dates throughout the Monta Saga.

Bruce Jenkins thinks Rick Barry should have had a chance to coach the Warriors.

Giants

Jeff Kent announced his retirement earlier this week and John Shea looks at his role in the fight against steroids in MLB. Although Kent is a total red ass, what he’s saying is what fans want to hear from all the players. “The integrity of the game always needs to be in question…I'm completely embarrassed about the steroid era."

Kent smells like a hall of famer to Rob Neyer.

Andrew Baggerley checks in with Omar Vizquel and his new digs in Texas.

Sharks

Ray Ratto breaks down the options available to the Sharks before the trading deadline. They, like most other teams, will be looking to acquire a defenseman and the All-Star break is the time when phones start to ring and temperatures are taken.

A’s

Cam Inman has some positive news to marginally balance out the week for Mark McGwire. McGwire has been tutoring new Oakland A, Matt Holliday.

Chin Music has some quotes from Manager Bob Geren from the A’s annual preseason media luncheon.

Susan Slusser has notes on the A’s including that Bobby Crosby also worked out with Holliday and McGwire.

49ers

Matt Barrows at the Sac Bee says Ravens QB Coach Hue Jackson is interviewing for the vacant OC position. He also has an update about former 49er OC frontrunner, Scott Linehan.

The 49ers signed former Va Tech and Atlanta Falcon DB Jimmy Williams. I remember in 2006 Williams was mentioned as a possible pick for the 49ers. Now, they get him for free.

Maiocco also talks about Hue Jackson’s interview and lists other possible OC candidates and those who are out of the running. Plus, a follow up on Linehan and what his new job reveals about his motives for not accepting the 49ers offer.