NUMBERS GAME

46 was the age of Nat Hickey when he finished his career with Providence in 1947-48, and he remains the oldest player in NBA history. Kevin Willis, being considered for a Dallas roster spot, is 44, and would unseat Robert Parish, 43, as second-oldest if signed.

COUP IN PHOENIX?

To win tonight at Phoenix, the Nuggets might need to dethrone "Little Tyrant." With Thursday's announcement the Cleveland Cavaliers and Orlando Magic will head to China next preseason, the NBA offered what some top players are nicknamed in China.

Phoenix's Amare Stoudemire is "Little Tyrant." The Suns tonight will try to stop "Sweet Melon," nickname of the Nuggets' Carmelo Anthony because it is similar to Melo and because of his "sweet and cute appearance."

Other nicknames include "Africa's Big Mountain"(Houston's Dikembe Mutombo), "Little Flying Mouse" (Memphis' Damon Stoudemire) and "Stone Buddha" (San Antonio's Tim Duncan).

HE SAID IT

"He tells me what socks to buy and I tell him what stocks to pick."

Warren Buffett, the second-richest man in the world, who has become friendly with James and watched him play Sunday against the Nuggets.