Gilbert Arenas is taking every opportunity he can to improve his play this season. Arenas told the media that his house was “converted to the Colorado altitude, so I am always above sea level,” and he will have portable tent to take with him on the road. The idea is that he will naturally improve his conditioning by living in thinner air. Arenas was offended after being left off of the USA Basketball team, and made it know he has taken it personal.

Shaquille O’Neal says he would have retired if Pat Riley hadn’t decided to remain on the sidelines. While this source is New York Daily News, rumors are he considered leaving the $80 million on his deal if Riley retired.
A quick roundup of signings around the NBA:

• The Minnesota Timberwolves signed veteran forward and former Seattle Sonics star Vin Baker.
• Melvin Ely has signed a one-year, $3 million qualifying offer with the Charlotte Bobcats.
• The New Orleans/Oklahoma City Hornets signed their second-round pick, Marcus Vinicius.
• The Houston Rockets are going to welcome Scott Padgett back to the team.
• The New York Knicks signed lottery bust Nikoloz Tskitishvilli.
• The New Jersey Nets signed Darvin Ham, among others.
• The Miami Heat signed Antonio Burks.

The list continues has pretty much every team in the league has signed multiple players (mostly rookies, international and veterans) to contracts extending at least through training camp.