2015 NBA Draft

And-Ones: Payne, Rodriguez, Johnson

June 19th, 2015 at 10:35pm CST by Eddie Scarito

Potential lottery pick Cameron Payne suffered a non-displaced fracture in the ring finger of his right hand during a pre-draft workout for the Nuggets on Monday, Jonathan Givony of DraftExpress reports. The point guard visited a hand specialist, and it was determined that it was a clean fracture that will not require surgery, and the former Murray State player will sit out the next three weeks as a precautionary measure, Givony notes. “Cam continued to work out even after suffering the injury in Denver, and he could probably play in a meaningful game tomorrow if he needed to,” Payne’s agent Travis King told Givony.

Here’s more from around the league:

Former NBA coach Avery Johnson acknowledged earlier this week that if he had waited until after the NBA season ended, he would have likely landed a head coach position in the league, John Reid of The Times Picayune writes. ”I know without a shadow of a doubt, that if I had waited, there would have been a high probability I would have got an NBA job based upon the conversations my agent was having with some people,” Johnson told Reid. ”But the main thing is that there is no turning back. I’m here at the University of Alabama and this is the right situation.” Johnson has coached the Mavericks and the Nets, and he owns a career regular season record of 254-186.
Texas big man Myles Turner is scheduled to work out for the Pistons on Saturday, the Heat on Monday, and the Knicks on Tuesday, Dwain Price of The Star Telegram relays (Twitter link).
Real Madrid’s Sergio Rodriguez, who is considered the top point guard in Europe, plans to try and secure an NBA deal this summer, Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo! Sports reports. NBA front-office executives regard Rodriguez as an elite backup playmaker in the NBA, and his representatives at CAA began calling teams today to gauge initial market interest for Rodriguez, Wojnarowski adds. The 28-year-old’s contract with Real Madrid contains an NBA buyout provision that isn’t expected to become an obstacle, the Yahoo! scribe relays. Rodriguez last played in the NBA during the 2009/10 season, appearing in 66 contests split between the Knicks and the Kings.

Eastern Notes: Pierce, Gibson, Draft

June 19th, 2015 at 9:20pm CST by Eddie Scarito

The Wizards want Paul Pierce to return for the 2015/16 season, but could face competition from the Clippers if the veteran returns for his 18th season. Jorge Castillo of The Washington Post examines what Washington could do to replace the 37-year-old if he does not re-sign with the franchise. The team’s free agent options include Mike Dunleavy, Mirza Teletovic, and Tayshaun Prince, Castillo opines. The Wizards could also look to fill the void with their first round pick, and potential draftees include Rondae Hollis-Jefferson, Sam Dekker, and Justin Anderson, Castillo notes.

Here’s the latest out of the Eastern Conference:

The Nets have pre-draft workouts scheduled Monday for Olivier Hanlan (Boston College), Andrew Harrison (Kentucky), Sam Thompson (Ohio State), Pat Connaughton (Notre Dame), Branden Dawson (Michigan State), and Cliff Alexander (Kansas), the team announced.
Working out for the Pistons today were Treveon Graham (VCU), Hanlan, Trevor Lacey (NC State), Kelly Oubre (Kansas), Karrington Ward (Eastern Michigan), and Dez Wells (Maryland), the team announced (on Twitter).
Bulls forward Taj Gibson underwent an arthroscopic surgery on his left ankle on Tuesday, the team announced. The estimated recovery time before the forward can return to action is approximately four months, which could cost Gibson the bulk of the preseason.
The Hawks reached a summer league commitment with former Iowa State guard DeAndre Kane, and the team plans to discuss a free agent deal with the 26-year-old, Shams Charania of RealGM tweets. Kane spent last season with the Antwerp Giants of Belgium.
Atlanta brought in Penn State guard D.J. Newbill for a workout today Michael Scotto of RealGM relays (Twitter link).

Pacific Notes: Stephenson, Kings, Towns

June 19th, 2015 at 7:00pm CST by Eddie Scarito

The Clippers‘ newly acquired swingman Lance Stephenson is well aware of his negative locker room reputation around the league, and he intends to change that perception this season, Arash Markazi of ESPN.com writes. “I’m going to work hard this season to get those rumors out,” Stephenson said. “That’s not the issue. I’m very good in the locker room. You can ask all the players that I’ve played with. You can ask the coaches. I’m very good in the locker room. When I’m on the court I got that type of energy where it looks like I’m yelling at somebody. But when I talk to my teammates it amps them and makes them work harder. I want to take that [negative] title off my name because that’s not me. I’m a good locker room guy.” Stephenson also indicated that he would be fine with coming off the bench, something that coach/executive Doc Rivers has suggested would be the case.

Here’s more from the Pacific Division:

The Kings will host workouts on Monday for Askia Booker (Colorado), Frank Kaminsky (Wisconsin), T.J. McConnell (Arizona), and Brad Wadlow (St. Mary’s), the team announced. On Tuesday, the team will bring in Mike Caffey (Long Beach State), Sam Dekker (Wisconsin), Duje Dukan (Wisconsin), Rondae-Hollis Jefferson (Arizona), and Juwan Staten (West Virginia). Finally, Wednesday will see Willie Cauley-Stein (Kentucky) and Cameron Payne (Murray State) displaying their wares for Sacramento.
The Lakers have been unsuccessful thus far in getting Kentucky big man Karl-Anthony Towns in for a workout, and the team is doubtful that will change prior to the draft, Mark Medina of The Los Angeles Daily News tweets. This resistance from Towns to meet with the Lakers could be due to a draft promise from the Timberwolves, though that is merely my speculation.
The Lakers brought in Michael Frazier (Florida) as part of a group workout held today, Michael Scotto of SheridanHoops relays (Twitter link). Also part of today’s workout were Terry Rozier (Louisville), Andrew Harrison (Kentucky), Marcus Thornton (Georgia), Larry Nance Jr. (Wyoming), and Sir’Dominic Pointer (St. John’s), Eric Pincus of The Los Angeles Times notes.

Hoops Rumors 2015 NBA Mock Draft 3.0

June 19th, 2015 at 5:51pm CST by Eddie Scarito

With less than a week until the big night, teams are still scrambling to get their last looks at prospects as draft boards are being finalized. While the 2015 draft class doesn’t bring with it the same level of hype as last year’s, there are still a number of players who can change the face of a franchise and develop into tomorrow’s superstars. No draft pick is ever a sure thing, and careers will be made as well as broken based on the moves made on the night of June 25th. There should also be a significant amount of trade talk revolving around the draft, and there are quite a few teams that could end up dealing away draft picks in exchange for veteran players or future assets.

While I anticipate my mock draft to continue to change all the way up through draft night, this is my current read on whose name each team will likely have commissioner Adam Silver intone while on stage for the first round at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn. You can view the previous versions of my mock drafts here and here.

#1 Timberwolves — Karl-Anthony Towns F/C (Kentucky)

Height/Weight: 7’0″/250 pounds
Stats: 10.3 PPG, 6.7 RPG, and 2.3 BPG. .566/.250/.813.

There had been reports that have Minnesota leaning toward selecting Jahlil Okafor with the top pick. But I firmly believed that the Wolves would become increasingly enamored with Towns’ superior defense, athleticism, and upside as the pre-draft process wears on. That is now apparently the case, with the revelation that Wolves coach/executive Flip Saunders is now firmly in Towns’ camp after watching him work out last week. Towns would also be a better fit than Okafor alongside Nikola Pekovic, provided he recovers from his Achilles surgery. With Towns running the floor alongside Andrew Wiggins, Zach LaVine, and the rest of the young athletic talent on Minnesota’s roster, the team may not make the playoffs next season, but it should become a regular fixture on SportsCenter’s top plays.

#2 Lakers — Jahlil Okafor C (Duke)

Height/Weight: 6’11”/272 pounds
Stats: 17.3 PPG, 8.5 RPG, and 1.4 BPG. .664/.000/.510.

Okafor becomes the prize for the franchise moving up in the draft order on lottery night. Los Angeles could still throw a wrench in my mock draft by selecting a guard, but I think the idea of adding a potential franchise cornerstone like Okafor at the pivot will be too tempting to pass up. The Lakers can solidify the middle with this pick for years to come, and pairing Okafor alongside Julius Randle should make for a formidable frontcourt offensively.

#3 Sixers — D’Angelo Russell G (Ohio State)

Height/Weight: 6’5″/176 pounds
Stats: 19.3 PPG, 5.7 RPG, and 5.0 APG. .449/.411/.756.

Not landing the No. 1 overall pick this season is actually a blessing in disguise for the franchise. As long as the top two teams go big, Philadelphia will have no choice but to address its glaring hole in the backcourt, rather than stockpiling another big man to go alongside Joel Embiid and Nerlens Noel. Philadelphia could opt for Emmanuel Mudiay here, as well as Kristaps Porzingis, whom the team is reportedly high on. But Russell’s playmaking ability and versatility should get him the nod at pick No. 3.

#4 Knicks— Justise Winslow F (Duke)

Height/Weight: 6’6″/221 pounds
Stats: 12.6 PPG, 6.5 RPG, and 2.1 APG. .486/.418/.641.

This is one of the most difficult picks in the entire draft to try and predict. New York is very likely to try and trade this pick if Towns, Okafor, and Russell are off the board before the Knicks are on the clock. While Emmanuel Mudiay could very well be the choice here, he’s not an ideal fit for the triangle and isn’t as strong an outside shooter as the team would prefer from the one spot. I’m going with Winslow because of his upside and ability to defend multiple positions. The Knicks could very well trade down and still end up with Winslow.

#5 Magic — Kristaps Porzingis F (Latvia)

Height/Weight: 7’0″/220 pounds
Stats: 10.3 PPG, 4.5 RPG, and 0.9 BPG. .560/.328/.750.

While I’m not sold on Porzingis as a top five talent, scouts and front office types reportedly are. There’s no denying Porzingis’ athleticism and potential, but there have been far too many international lottery picks who have turned out to be busts for my comfort level. But Orlando needs to add some frontcourt scoring and outside shooting, and the young Latvian certainly has the potential to provide both. Winslow is a very real possibility at this spot if the Knicks bypass him.

#6 Kings — Emmanuel Mudiay G (China)

Height/Weight: 6’5″/200 pounds
Stats: 18.9 PPG, 6.6 RPG, and 6.3 APG. .493/.321/.586.

The Kings need a point guard in the worst way, and Mudiay falling to them at No. 6 is a gift. Willie Cauley-Stein is also very much in play with this pick, but I can’t see Sacramento passing on the chance to add a talent like Mudiay here.

#7 Nuggets — Mario Hezonja G/F (Croatia)

Height/Weight: 6’7″/200 pounds
Stats: 8.4 PPG, 2.0 RPG, and 1.1 APG. .475/.406/.739.

The Nuggets need help across the board, but a player who can light it up from the outside like Hezonja is too good to pass on. I will offer one caveat here. If Ty Lawson is dealt prior to the draft, then Cameron Payne is a very real possibility here, and would be an excellent replacement, though he’ll likely not be ready to be a full-time starter next season.

#8 Pistons — Stanley Johnson F (Arizona)

Height/Weight: 6’7″/237 pounds
Stats: 13.8 PPG, 6.5 RPG, and 1.5 SPG. .446/.371/.742.

The Pistons found their replacement for Greg Monroe with the trade for Ersan Ilyasova, so a small forward becomes the priority. Sam Dekker is an option here, but I don’t see Stan Van Gundy passing on a gritty two-way player like Johnson, though his outside game will need some work for him to be an effective pro.

#9 Hornets — Devin Booker G (Kentucky)

Height/Weight: 6’6″/195 pounds
Stats: 10.0 PPG, 2.0 RPG, and 1.1 APG. .470/.411/.828.

Charlotte desperately needs to add some outside shooting, and Booker may very well be the best in the entire draft from beyond the arc. He’s not as athletic as some teams might prefer, but he has the potential to become something special in the league in a few seasons.

#10 Heat — Frank Kaminsky F/C (Wisconsin)

Height/Weight: 7’0″/242 pounds
Stats: 18.8 PPG, 8.2 RPG, and 1.5 BPG. .547/.416/.780.

The signing of Josh McRoberts last offseason didn’t quite work out for the franchise, and thanks to injuries, “McBob” wasn’t able to be the stretch four that Pat Riley was seeking. Kaminsky has his athletic limitations, but he’s also a seven-footer who can shoot the ball with aplomb. The team snags a valuable role-player with this selection.

#11 Pacers — Willie Cauley-Stein C (Kentucky)

Height/Weight: 7’0″/244 pounds
Stats: 8.9 PPG, 6.4 RPG, and 1.7 BPG. .572/.000/.617.

President of basketball operations Larry Bird referred to Cauley-Stein as a max player, and he may end up regretting those words when negotiating the player’s second contract. Indiana needs a replacement for Roy Hibbert, whose days are numbered in Indiana. Cauley-Stein is as NBA-ready as any player in the draft, and would be an excellent addition. The team also needs a point guard, and Cameron Payne may prove too tempting to pass up here.

#12 Jazz — Myles Turner C (Texas)

Height/Weight: 6’11”/242 pounds
Stats: 10.1 PPG, 6.5 RPG, and 2.6 BPG. .455/.274/.839.

The Jazz are quietly building a competitive roster, and could use a stretch-four to help open up their offense. Turner has an extremely high upside, and would be a nice addition to the team’s rotation. Trey Lyles and Kelly Oubre are also possibilities at this slot, but Turner would fill an obvious need.

#13 Suns — Trey Lyles F (Kentucky)

Height/Weight: 6’10″/235 pounds
Stats: 8.7 PPG, 5.2 RPG, and 1.1 APG. .487/.138.735.

What Lyles’ NBA position will be is still up for debate. He has the size and ability to guard power forwards, but his best fit may be as a small forward for the long-term. Phoenix could use a boost at either spot, and Lyles could end up being one of the best players in the entire draft. He wasn’t given the opportunity to display his full range of skills at Kentucky because of that squad’s ridiculous depth. Those who haven’t seen him play will be in for a pleasant surprise.

#14 Thunder — Cameron Payne PG (Murray State)

Height/Weight: 6’2″/180 pounds
Stats: 20.2 PPG, 3.7 RPG, and 6.0 APG. .456/.377/.787.

The Thunder need a reliable backup for Russell Westbrook, as well as some more firepower off the bench. Payne can certainly fill both of those needs, though he’s a player who could creep into the top 10. If that ends up happening OKC could switch gears and nab Oubre here instead.

#15 Hawks (via Nets) — Kelly Oubre G/F (Kansas)

Height/Weight: 6’6″/204 pounds
Stats: 9.3 PPG, 5.0 RPG, and 0.8 APG. .444/.358/.718.

The Hawks are coming off a successful regular season, but injuries and lack of depth helped derail the team during the playoffs. Oubre would provide a nice building block for the future, as well as some immediate depth. Plus, if DeMarre Carroll departs the team will have a big hole to fill. Bobby Portis is also a big possibility here, especially if Atlanta gets the sense that Paul Millsap doesn’t intend to re-sign.

#16 Celtics — Bobby Portis F (Arkansas)

Height/Weight: 6’11″/242 pounds
Stats: 17.5 PPG, 8.9 RPG, and 1.4 BPG. .536/.467/.737.

Speaking of Portis…Boston could use some depth and athleticism from the four spot, and Portis can certainly provide both. The forward isn’t a stellar defender, so pairing him alongside center Kelly Olynyk could be a disaster for the team’s defensive ranking. But at pick No. 16, the former Arkansas player would provide excellent value, and be a solid addition to the Celtics’ rotation.

#17 Bucks — R.J. Hunter G (Georgia State)

Height/Weight: 6’5″/190 pounds
Stats: 19.7 PPG, 4.7 RPG, and 3.6 APG. .396/.307/.878.

I love what the Bucks have accomplished in adding a number of talented young players to their roster. One major need the team has is for a wing who can stretch the floor with his outside shooting. This will be especially important given point guard Michael Carter-Williams‘ shooting woes. Hunter is a long-range bomber without a conscience who I believe will be a better pro than collegiate player. He’ll be a nice addition to coach Jason Kidd‘s squad in Milwaukee.

#18 Rockets (via Pelicans) — Tyus Jones PG (Duke)

Height/Weight: 6’1″/184 pounds
Stats: 11.8 PPG, 3.5 RPG, and 5.6 APG. .417/.379/.889.

The Rockets need to improve at the point guard spot, and Jones is a pass-first playmaker who will pair nicely alongside James Harden and Dwight Howard. Jones is still a bit raw, and his athleticism leaves something to be desired. But his upside is higher than Delon Wright‘s or Jerian Grant‘s, so he gets the nod here.

#19 Wizards — Jerian Grant PG (Notre Dame)

Height/Weight: 6’5″/185 pounds
Stats: 16.5 PPG, 3.0 RPG, and 6.7 APG. .478/.316/.780.

The Wizards’ talented backcourt of John Wall and Bradley Beal have had their injury woes, and the team could use some insurance. Washington is a talented squad that has a very real shot to contend in the East in 2015/16. The team learned the hard way this past campaign that it needs to have solid depth at point guard. While Grant’s age, 22, has some scouts concerned that he’s already close to his ceiling, Grant is a solid two-way player who fills an obvious need for the Wizards. He would be an excellent pickup for the franchise here.

#20 Raptors — Rondae Hollis-Jefferson F (Arizona)

Height/Weight: 6’7″/215 pounds
Stats: 11.2 PPG, 6.8 RPG, and 1.6 APG. .502/.207/.707.

Toronto desperately needs to improve on the defensive end, and snagging Hollis-Jefferson, who is perhaps the best wing defender in the entire draft, would be a great start to correcting that deficiency. His outside game, or lack thereof, is what is preventing him from being a lottery pick. But in the open court he is exciting to watch, and with some hard work and serious gym time he could develop into a steal at this spot. If Toronto decides to add a more offensive-minded player, then UCLA’s Kevon Looney could be their man here.

#21 Mavs — Delon Wright G (Utah)

Height/Weight: 6’5″/178 pounds
Stats: 14.5 PPG, 4.9 RPG, and 5.1 APG. .509/.356/.836.

The Mavs need backcourt help in the worst way, with the likely departure of Rajon Rondo and the uncertainty regarding Monta Ellis. Wright is a versatile guard, and the best playmaker still available. He won’t be ready to start next season, but will be a solid addition to Dallas’ roster.

#22 Bulls — Rashad Vaughn G (UNLV)

Height/Weight: 6’6″/215 pounds
Stats: 17.8 PPG, 4.8 RPG, and 1.6 APG. .439/.383/.694.

The Bulls are likely hoping that either Grant or Wright is still available here, but Vaughn is a nice consolation prize. The young guard is extremely raw, but he has the potential to be a top 10 scorer in the NBA, and will provide the Bulls with backcourt depth next season.

#23 Trail Blazers — Justin Anderson G/F (Virginia)

Height/Weight: 6’6″/227 pounds.
Stats: 12.2 PPG, 4.0 RPG, and 1.7 APG. .466/.452/.780.

The Blazers may have two significant holes to fill, depending on whether or not the franchise retains LaMarcus Aldridge and Wesley Matthews. Anderson would be a nice insurance policy in the event that Matthews didn’t return, or is slow in recovering from his Achilles surgery. Looney is another possibility here.

#24 Cavaliers — Montrezl Harrell F (Louisville)

Height/Weight: 6’8″/243 pounds
Stats: 15.7 PPG, 9.2 RPG, and 1.4 APG. .566/.243/.597.

The Cavs need to add frontcourt depth, and possibly a replacement for Kevin Love. Harrell’s game has a number of offensive similarities to Love’s, and he can also chase down his fair share of rebounds. He’d be a good fit in Cleveland, and a good value pickup this late in the first round.

#25 Grizzlies — Sam Dekker F (Wisconsin)

Height/Weight: 6’9″/230 pounds
Stats: 13.9 PPG, 5.5 RPG, and 1.2 APG. .525/.331/.708.

The Grizzlies have a dire need for a small forward who can score. Dekker could end up going much higher than this, but he reportedly hasn’t shot the ball well in a number of his workouts. The former Wisconsin forward had gathered quite a bit of momentum with his stellar play during this year’s NCAA tournament, but a bit of his luster has faded in the interim. He’s a versatile player who can help out at multiple positions, which makes him a good fit it Memphis, though I believe the team would prefer if Justin Anderson fell to them here.

#26 Spurs — Christian Wood F (UNLV)

Height/Weight: 6’11″/220 pounds
Stats: 15.7 PPG, 10.0 RPG, and 2.7 BPG. .497/.284/.736.

The Spurs have a number of needs as the roster continues to age. Wood is a raw player with a high upside who would be a nice addition to San Antonio’s frontcourt, though he’ll require some significant D-League time his first season. Hopefully Tim Duncan will return for another year, which would take the pressure off of Wood to produce immediately.

#27 Lakers (via Rockets) — Joseph Young G (Oregon)

Height/Weight: 6’2″/185 pounds.
Stats: 20.7 PPG, 4.4 RPG, and 3.8 APG. .448/.357/.925.

Young reportedly has secured a first round draft promise, and my bet is that it’s from the Lakers. He’s a bit undersized, but his speed and excellent outside shooting will be assets to a rebuilding Los Angeles squad.

#28 Celtics (via Clippers) — Kevon Looney F (UCLA)

Height/Weight: 6’9″/220 pounds
Stats: 11.6 PPG, 9.2 RPG, and 0.9 BPG. .470/.415/.626.

If the Celtics don’t trade this pick, which I think they will, adding another frontcourt player will likely be the play here. I was conflicted about placing Looney near the bottom of the first round, but he drops more because of the needs of the teams picking in the early 20s than due to any lack of talent and potential. I like Looney’s upside, though he bears the dreaded tweener tag, and may not have a defined position in the NBA. The Celtics could certainly use more versatility on offense, and Looney has the potential to provide it.

#29 Nets (via Hawks) — Terry Rozier G (Louisville)

Height/Weight: 6’1″/190 pounds
Stats: 17.1 PPG, 5.6 RPG, and 3.0 APG. .411/.306/.790.

With the health and production level of Deron Williams a concern, Brooklyn could certainly use an insurance policy at the point guard spot. Rozier has been impressing teams during his pre-draft workouts, and has likely earned himself a first round selection. The Nets land a solid backup and insurance policy.

#30 Warriors — Jarell Martin F (LSU)

Height/Weight: 6’10″/236 pounds
Stats: 16.9 PPG, 9.2 RPG, and 1.8 APG. .509/.269/.690.

The Warriors don’t have many needs, but could stand to add depth in the frontcourt, especially if David Lee is dealt. Martin has a strong, NBA-ready frame, and is a tenacious rebounder who can score both facing the basket and with his back to it. A nice pickup at the end of the first round.

Southwest Notes: Green, Villanueva, Hunt

June 19th, 2015 at 1:41pm CST by Chuck Myron

Jeff Green, who picked up his player option with the Grizzlies, will represent a cap hold of $9.45MM rather than $9.2MM for 2015/16 because he triggered a $250K bonus this season, according to Eric Pincus of Basketball Insiders (Twitter links). The incentive clause kicked in when Memphis picked up its 55th win, and he was in line for an additional $200K if the Grizzlies, who finished 55-27, had won 56 games, Pincus explains. The cap hit applies for next season because the league now considers it likely that Memphis will again win 55 games, though he won’t get the money if they don’t again hit that threshold. Here’s more from around the Southwest Division.

Charlie Villanueva would like to re-sign with the Mavericks, and while the team would welcome that, Dallas isn’t willing to pay more than the minimum, writes Tim MacMahon of ESPNDallas.com.
The Mavs are close to a deal with former Nuggets interim coach Melvin Hunt that would make him the top assistant in Dallas to head coach Rick Carlisle, reports Marc Stein of ESPN.com. The Pelicans have also been interested in Hunt as an assistant, Stein reported earlier.
Shooting guards Norman Powell of UCLA, Josh Richardson of Tennessee and Tyler Harvey of Eastern Washington are working out for the Mavs today, reports Michael Scotto of SheridanHoops (on Twitter).
The Grizzlies will work out Southeast Missouri State forward Nino Johnson on Monday, sources tell Sportando’s Emiliano Carchia.

Western Notes: Lawson, Jazz, Gordon

June 18th, 2015 at 10:35pm CST by Eddie Scarito

If new Nuggets coach Michael Malone is to succeed in Denver, the team will need to part ways with point guard Ty Lawson, Mark Kiszla of The Denver Post writes. “My question to all these guys is going to be: How serious are you about winning? Do you like to win? Or do you hate to lose?” Malone said during his introductory press conference. Lawson doesn’t quite fit the mold of a player who’s truly serious about winning, Kiszla opines, and Malone won’t abide having to coax effort out of his players, which is an issue with the talented point guard. The Mavs are reportedly interested in Lawson, though he’s not at the top of the franchise’s priorities this offseason.

Here’s more from the Western Conference:

DeMarcus Cousins, one of Malone’s former players with the Kings, is thrilled that his former coach was hired by the Nuggets, Jason Jones of The Sacramento Bee relays in a series of tweets. “I was extremely happy. I think he’s one of the better coaches in the league. He’s a great man,” Cousins said. “I learned a lot from him, and I’m just happy he’s getting an opportunity to do what he loves. Like I said, you can’t keep a good man down.”
The Jazz have workouts scheduled Friday for Janis Berzins (Latvia), Sam Dekker (Wisconsin), Terrence Drisdom (Cal Poly Pomona), Skyler Halford (BYU), Rondae Hollis-Jefferson (Arizona), and Rashad Madden (Arkansas), the team announced (on Twitter).
There was no way that Pelicans guard Eric Gordon would have landed a deal that would pay him more than the value of his $15,514,031 player option for 2015/16, so opting in was his only rational choice, Jimmy Smith of The Times Picayune opines.
Thunder coach Billy Donovan thinks that Kentucky forward Trey Lyles‘ versatility will pose a major matchup problem for defenders when he arrives in the NBA next season, Darnell Mayberry of The Oklahoman writes. Lyles is a possibility for Oklahoma City, who own the No. 14 overall pick in this year’s NBA Draft.

Eastern Notes: Russell, Porzingis, Raptors

June 18th, 2015 at 9:27pm CST by Eddie Scarito

Ohio State playmaker D’Angelo Russell had an under-the-radar workout with the Knicks back on June 11th, shortly before he pulled out of a scheduled workout with the Sixers due to an undisclosed illness, Marc Berman of The New York Post writes. There are rumblings that Philadelphia has become enamored with forward Kristaps Porzingis, and Jonathan Givony of DraftExpress has Philly taking the Latvian with the No. 3 overall pick in his latest mock draft. However, a league source insists the Sixers taking Porzingis over Russell is a reach and they are after the best available player regardless of position, Berman notes. “If you’re basing taking him [Porzingis] because of last week’s workout, you should be fired,’’ the league source told Berman.

Here’s the latest from the East:

Porzingis met with representatives from the Magic today in Orlando, but did not work out for the team, Michael Scotto of SheridanHoops relays (Twitter link).
Texas big man Myles Turner has an individual workout scheduled Friday morning with the Hornets, Rick Bonnell of The Charlotte Observer relays (on Twitter). The majority of mock drafts predict that Charlotte will select a wing who can score from deep, and though Turner does have the ability to stretch defenses, selecting him could prove redundant in the wake of the team’s acquisition of Spencer Hawes from the Clippers.
The Raptors held pre-draft workouts today for Terry Rozier (Louisville), R.J. Hunter (Georgia State), J.P. Tokoto (North Carolina), Phil Greene (St. John’s), Tekele Cotton (Wichita State), and Jarekious Bradley (Southeast Missouri State), the team announced.
Michael Qualls (Arizona), Rashad Vaughn (UNLV), Richaun Holmes (Bowling Green), and Josh Smith (Georgetown) all pulled out of their scheduled workouts with the Nets today, The Brooklyn Game relays (Twitter link). The reason for Qualls’ withdrawal is obvious, with the player having suffered a torn ACL, but it is unclear why the other players declined to attend the showcase.

Pacific Notes: Clippers, Lakers, Stephenson

June 18th, 2015 at 7:06pm CST by Eddie Scarito

The Clippers‘ roster could have been a markedly different one from today’s if not for former team owner Donald Sterling nixing a number of potential franchise-altering deals, James Herbert of CBSSports.com writes. “This is really only my third year but you can make a case this is our second year if you know what I’m saying,” coach/executive Doc Rivers told Beast 980’s Fred Roggin during a radio appearance. “If I someday wrote a book and told you a couple of the trades we had in the first year that we didn’t do because of other reasons, you would fall off your chair.” While Clippers fans ponder what might have been, here’s more from the NBA’s Pacific Division:

The Kings are bringing in Sam Dekker (Wisconsin), Rondae Hollis-Jefferson (Arizona), Mike Caffey (Long Beach State), Duje Dukan (Wisconsin), and Juwan Staten (West Virginia) for a group workout this Sunday, the team announced.
The Lakers brought in Emmanuel Mudiay (Guangdong) today for a second workout, Mark Medina of The Los Angeles Daily News relays (Twitter link).
The Lakers also have second workouts scheduled for Jahlil Okafor (Duke) on Friday, and D’Angelo Russell (Ohio State) on Saturday, Chad Ford of ESPN.com relays (on Twitter).
Lance Stephenson‘s failure in Charlotte should make him hungry to rebuild his value while with the Clippers, and trading for Stephenson was a wise move for the team since its salary cap situation makes adding impact players extremely difficult, Kevin Ding of Bleacher Report writes. Ding also notes that there is only one fully guaranteed year left on Stephenson’s deal, which will dampen any financial risk, as well as provide added motivation for the mercurial swingman to perform. Stephenson’s contract includes a team option worth $9.405MM for 2016/17.

Central Notes: Blatt, Bucks, Love

June 18th, 2015 at 5:45pm CST by Eddie Scarito

LeBron James‘ attitude and demeanor toward Cavaliers coach David Blatt during the NBA Finals was unbecoming and inappropriate, Marc Stein of ESPN.com writes. Stein references LeBron essentially calling his own timeouts and making substitutions, as well as eschewing Blatt for assistant coach Tyronn Lue. James also nixed a number of plays that Blatt had drawn up during timeouts, which only served to undermine the coach in the eyes of the rest of the team, Stein notes.

Here’s more out of the Central Division:

While some have speculated that Cavs owner Dan Gilbert might make a play for former Bulls coach Tom Thibodeau, a number of Cleveland’s front office personnel insist that Gilbert is Blatt’s biggest supporter, Zach Lowe of Grantland tweets. GM David Griffin downplayed any issues between Blatt and James in today’s season-ending news conference, saying, “Sensationalism sells. LeBron said David’s a hell of a coach,” Sam Amico of FOX Sports.com relays (Twitter link).
Griffin said that he expects James and Kevin Love to both opt out of their deals this summer, but he anticipates that both will re-sign with the Cavs, Chris Haynes of The Northeast Ohio Media Group tweets. While this news isn’t a surprise as far as LeBron is concerned, it does run counter to what Love told Haynes back in January that he planned to do.
The Bucks held workouts today for Josh Gasser (Wisconsin), Keifer Sykes (Wisconsin-Green Bay), Olivier Hanlan (Boston College), Cady Lalanne (Massachusetts), Amere May (Delaware State), and TaShawn Thomas (Oklahoma), the team announced (via Twitter).
Cavs veteran forward Shawn Marion confirmed today that he is indeed retiring after 16 years in the league, Stein relays in a separate article. “I wanted to go out on my terms,” Marion said. “The biggest thing is having a son. I got attached to him. Seeing him periodically is hard. Watching him grow up on pictures and videos is hard.” The Matrix’s final career numbers through 1163 contests are 15.2 points, 8.7 rebounds, and 1.9 assists per game.
Bucks coach Jason Kidd is excited about the team’s possibilities for tweaking its roster this offseason, Genaro C. Armas of The Associated Press writes. “Yeah, I like what [GM John] Hammond has done, the position he has put us in pre-draft,” Kidd said. “We’ll see what happens,” Kidd continued. ”You’ve got a lot of different things, possibilities that you’re not landlocked to get better, and that means not moving a major piece.”

Northwest Notes: Malone, Russell, Bjelica

June 18th, 2015 at 2:49pm CST by Chuck Myron

Michael Malone sought Wednesday to dismiss the idea that he and Pete D’Alessandro had a poor relationship during their time as coach and GM, respectively, of the Kings, as Christopher Dempsey of The Denver Post writes from Malone’s introductory press conference as coach of the Nuggets. D’Alessandro, whom the Nuggets hired to a front office position shortly before they hired the coach, and Malone reportedly weren’t on speaking terms before Malone’s firing in Sacramento, but Malone insists they’ve maintained a consistent dialogue, as Dempsey relays.

“Pete and I have always respected each other, have always gotten along,” Malone said. “It was just that sometimes, the environment that we were working in was not conducive to a healthy relationship.”

That apparent jab at the Kings aside, there’s more on the Nuggets amid the latest from around the Northwest Division:

Ohio State playmaker D’Angelo Russell is working out for the Timberwolves today, a visit that the team pushed for as its maintained that he’s a consideration for them with the No. 1 overall pick, reports Chad Ford of ESPN.com (Twitter link).
Wolves draft-and-stash prospect Nemanja Bjelica has told the manager of his Turkish team that he wants to head to the NBA, and the Fenerbahce Ulker team official assumes that Bjelica, the Euroleague MVP, won’t be back with the club (video link; translation via Sportando’s Emiliano Carchia).
Joel Freeland doesn’t expect the Blazers to tender him the nearly $3.767MM qualifying offer it would take for the club to make him a restricted free agent this summer, as Chris Haynes of the Northeast Ohio Media Group hears (Twitter link). If that’s the case, he’d become an unrestricted free agent, but while the native of England is reportedly drawing interest from overseas, he’s said he’d prefer to stay in the NBA.
Nuggets team president Josh Kroenke, with duties that entail the work of ownership as well as those usually assigned to a GM, is clearly the man who calls the shots in Denver, as Mark Kiszla of The Denver Post observes.

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