Around the NBA

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Jimmer must be more vocal

» Golden State coach Keith Smart says Isaiah Thomas gets more minutes than Jimmer Fredette partly because of his leadership ability. Thomas is more demanding of his teammates, Smart explained, while Fredette must learn to “sometimes step out of his personality. Sometimes you can be a quiet guy and just play your game. But sometimes you have to be a more vocal — a little more demanding of others.”

Big men ‘punished’ by 3-point emphasis

» Denver coach George Karl believes low-post players in today’s NBA have been “punished” by the emphasis placed on the 3-point shot. “It’s harder for them to get the ball,” Karl said. “It’s harder for them to define their roles, especially the young ones. They come out of college, where they touch the ball all the time [and] are the centerpiece of offense. But, in pro ball, it just doesn’t go into the big guys any more.” — Steve Luhm