NBA wants to form a minor league

COMBINED DISPATCHES
NEW YORK -- NBA commissioner David Stern is interested in creating a connection with its developmental league to form a minor league system comparable to the one major league baseball uses.
Any move would need approval from the players' association, which has in the past said it is opposed to the idea.
The NBA already runs the National Basketball Development League, but teams are only allowed to sign players from the NBDL. Creating a minor league system between the two would allow the swapping of players, which baseball does with its affiliates.
Stern addressed the topic Wednesday in New York, saying, "I'm for it if the coaches and general managers are for it."
"David is basically saying we would like to have some kind of connection between the NBA and NBDL, but it's a matter that's going to have to be collectively bargained," NBA spokesman Tim Frank said Friday. "I'm sure it will be a topic with the union in the next round of talks."
A message for the players' association was not immediately returned.
Carter on Canada
Vince Carter not only is the Toronto Raptors' best player, but he also serves as the team's top recruiter, seeking to convince free agents that moving to the Great White North isn't all that bad.
He will again strive this off-season to educate players regarding their misconceptions about Canada.
But here's something that's not a misconception -- and a negative to guys with television viewing habits forged in the States.
There's no ESPN in Canada.
"It's big when you're bored and have nothing to do," Carter told the Toronto Star. "You're looking for two things: music videos and "SportsCenter. Especially when guys are coming into a new team in a hotel, that's the first thing you look for.
"It's something you can't relate to until you familiarize yourself with the city. Rod Strickland says it kills him. He's never heard of curling."
Gee, that must make the folks at TSN -- Canada's all-sports cable channel -- feel great.
Warriors
The Golden State Warriors signed guard J.R. Bremer before Saturday night's game against the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Bremer had previously signed two 10-day contracts with the Warriors. He was released by the Cavaliers on March 3.
Bremer has appeared in five games with the Warriors, averaging 1.6 points and 2.4 assists.
Knicks
New York Knicks center Dikembe Mutombo was activated before Saturday's game in Philadelphia.
Mutombo missed the last 14 games following abdominal surgery on March 3. He had been expected to miss about five games. The 12-year veteran averaged 5.8 points and 6.7 rebounds in 60 games before his injury.
To make room on the roster for Mutombo, the Knicks placed forward Othella Harrington on the injured list because of back spasms.