NBA Notes: Larry Sanders ‘ecstatic' for New Chance With Cavs

CLEVELAND -- A long journey back to the court could lead Larry Sanders to a championship.

Sanders, who hasn't played in the NBA in two years, signed with the Cleveland Cavaliers on Monday and is ready to help his new team defend its title.

"I'm ecstatic," he said. "Playing with these guys, it's a great group of guys, a great organization. I'll give my all out there and hopefully contribute to a winner."

Sanders' contract was bought out by the Milwaukee Bucks in February 2015 after a suspension for marijuana use and his apparent lack of commitment to professional basketball.

Sanders said before a game Tuesday night against Detroit that being away from basketball helped him mature and gave him time "to focus on myself. I relied on my family. I feel confident coming back to the game."

LeBron James encouraged the Cavaliers to sign the 28-year-old Sanders, who averaged 6.5 points and 5.8 rebounds in five seasons with Milwaukee.

"It means a lot coming from him to have faith in me," Sanders said (see full story).

Cavaliers: Team anticipates Love's return during trip
CLEVELAND -- Cleveland Cavaliers general manager David Griffin anticipates forward Kevin Love will return during the team's trip that begins Saturday.

Love had surgery on his left knee Feb. 14. The defending NBA champions are 7-6 since he was injured and have been plagued by defensive and rebounding issues without the four-time All-Star.

Love is having his best season since joining the Cavaliers in 2014, averaging 20 points and 11.1 rebounds. Cleveland was outrebounded 52-38 in Sunday's loss to Houston.

Griffin said Love participated in 3-on-3 drills Tuesday and the team will monitor how he responds before deciding on the next step. The nine-year veteran posted a photo of his uniform hanging in his locker before the Cavaliers' game against the Detroit Pistons.

Cleveland, which had lost four of five, begins a four-game trip Saturday against the Los Angeles Clippers. The Cavaliers lead Boston by two games for the top spot in the Eastern Conference.

Trail Blazers: Former Blazer Robinson discloses brain hemorrhage
PORTLAND, Ore. -- Former Trail Blazer Cliff Robinson says he is recovering from a "minor brain hemorrhage."

Last week, Robinson's family disclosed that the 50-year-old former forward was being treated at Providence St. Vincent Medical Center.

Robinson issued a statement on Tuesday saying he's in the "process of getting better."

"My family and I appreciate the prayers and well-wishes for my recovery," he said. "I had an unfortunate incident with a minor brain hemorrhage which means I'll be in rehabilitation for a while. But I'm excited about trying to get past this speed bump. I'm improving every day."

Robinson was the 36th overall pick in 1989 by the Blazers and he spent eight years with the team. He also played for the Phoenix Suns, Detroit Pistons, Golden State Warriors and New Jersey Nets during his 18-year NBA career.

He averaged 14.2 points and 4.6 rebounds and 2.2 assists.