2015 July | Hoops Rumors

Knicks Waive Ricky Ledo

July 30th, 2015 at 3:42pm CST by Zachary Links

The Knicks announced (on Twitter) that they have waived Ricky Ledo. The guard would have had $100K of his salary guaranteed had he remained on the roster beyond Saturday.

Ledo was set to earn the minimum salary for 2015/16 and he had two key dates in his contract – one being August 1st and the other being opening night of the season. On each of those dates, Ledo would have secured separate $100K guarantees. Now that the Knicks have shed Ledo in July, they’re not on the hook for anything.

The Knicks signed Ledo to a pair of 10-day contracts last season before signing him to a deal that covered the remainder of the year. In 12 appearances for the Knicks, Ledo averaged 7.4 points and 2.8 rebounds in 19.4 minutes per game. Ledo was waived by the Mavs around the trade deadline last year to make room for Amar’e Stoudemire. Prior to that, he spent the bulk of the year with the Texas Legends, the club’s D-League affiliate

Texas Notes: Spurs, Mavs, Matthews

July 30th, 2015 at 3:40pm CST by Zachary Links

Malik Rose swears he’s happy in retirement, but he saw the offseason moves the Spurs made, he wished that he could make a comeback, Lorne Chan of Spurs.com writes.

“I still feel like I can get out there and play, but I know I can’t,” Rose said. “I see guys out there that I played with still going strong, and I live through them. Especially Tim [Duncan].”

Rose was elated to see LaMarcus Aldridge land in San Antonio, but he wasn’t surprised, calling the current team “talented guys with the right mindset.” Here’s more from the Lone Star state..

Wesley Matthews is determined to prove that the Mavericks made the right decision when they signed him to a five-year, $70MM deal and silence the critics who say that he won’t be the same after his Achilles injury. “Maybe this [injury] happened to continue my push, continue my drive,” Matthews told Jason Quick of The Oregonian. “Maybe I was getting too content. Maybe I was resting on everything that I had done. I felt myself getting to the point of being entitled.” Matthews reportedly turned down a four year, $64MM offer from the Kings and had interest from other clubs this summer before landing in Dallas. Last year he averaged 15.9 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 2.3 assists in an injury-shortened season.
In an interview with Grantland.com’s Zach Lowe, Mavericks owner Mark Cuban stuck up for Rajon Rondo, who disappointed in his time in Dallas. Cuban also explained that the front office was split on whether or not to trade for the guard and ultimately “it came down to a coin flip” that resulted in them pulling the trigger.
The Spurs are nurturing their D-League affiliate, the Austin Spurs, as Dan McCarney of the San Antonio Express-News writes. In recent years, the Spurs have used the D-League as a way to help their end-of-the-bench players improve. In fact, Cory Joseph actually asked the club to go to Austin in 2012/13. “I could be sitting on the bench in San Antonio,” Joseph reasoned at the time, “or I could be getting better. I needed to play. I was learning and trying to simulate the stuff they wanted me to do [with the Spurs] in Austin. The coaching staff there did a great job of helping me.”

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Lakers To Guarantee Jordan Clarkson’s Contract

July 30th, 2015 at 2:39pm CST by Zachary Links

No surprise here, but the Lakers will keep Jordan Clarkson and allow his contract to become guaranteed for a year, a team spokesman confirmed to Eric Pincus of the Los Angeles Times. Contractually, the Lakers had the option of waiving Clarkson on or by August 1st (Saturday) without penalty before his deal was locked in. Because Clarkson played with the Lakers’ summer league team, the guarantee date of his contract moved up from around Halloween to the first day of August, Pincus explains.

Clarkson became the team’s primary point guard for most of the second half last season. In that time, the guard averaged 15.8 PPG, five APG, and 4.2 RPG, earning a spot on the NBA’s all-rookie first team. Pincus notes that this season, Clarkson may slide over to the two next to rookie D’Angelo Russell, with veteran Kobe Bryant moving to the three, though Byron Scott recently said his rotation will be determined in training camp.

Back in May, Lakers GM Mitch Kupchak opined that Clarkson compares similarly in terms of athleticism and style of play to Russell Westbrook.

“If there’s a player in the league that plays like him, it’s Russell Westbrook,” Kupchak said. “Now, I’m not saying for a second that Jordan Clarkson is the next Russell Westbrook, but he’s that kind of a ball-handling guard.”

Wolves’ Flip Saunders On Love, Garnett, Bennett

July 30th, 2015 at 1:19pm CST by Zachary Links

Before the D-League, there was the Continental Basketball Association. Like the D-League, the CBA gave a platform to some of the less-heralded players out there to show their stuff and earn NBA deals. In the case of Flip Saunders, the CBA was a springboard to a successful NBA coaching career. This week, the head coach/president of basketball operations/part owner of the Timberwolves spoke with Zach Lowe of Grantland about Kevin Love, Kevin Garnett, his journey, and much more. Here’s a look at some of the highlights..

On Kevin Love:

I didn’t have a problem keeping Kevin into the final year of his deal and coaching him. Guys just don’t turn down the extra year and $30MM. Even though he maybe wanted to leave, I thought we still had an opportunity to re-sign him. When you are patient, you can say, ‘This is what we need to get something done, and if we don’t get it, we’re keeping him.’

Then things kind of fell into place, with LeBron going to Cleveland and [Andrew] Wiggins becoming available…People thought it was [bluster when I said I wanted to keep him]. Thoughts might have changed when I announced I would coach. Because what coach wouldn’t want to coach a guy who was All-NBA? Coaches want to win that night. I’m in a unique situation, because as the coach, I live in the present, but as the GM, I look into the future. I try to steer both courses. But people believed I would coach the guy.

On balancing roles and whether he watches college game film to scout draft prospects:

I do watch a lot, actually. You also have to trust people you hire. I’ve been in the league for 18 years. I have an understanding of players. I have a wide base of college coaches I talk to, so I know a lot about guys before they even come into the league. Look, there are positives and negatives to it. You need checks and balances. You can’t make snap decisions. What helps is, I came up in the CBA, where you did everything. I was president, GM, coach, everything, for seven years there. You get to understand the intermingling of the business and basketball sides, because they both have to be successful. You learn how to deal with agents. Building trust with agents is as important as anything in our league now.

On Kevin Garnett‘s role:

He’s gonna start. That’s who he is. KG is a starter. He’s the best power forward on our team, actually. No one rebounds better. He’s the best help defender. No one communicates better. He knows the offense, and he can pass it.

On whether he’ll exercise Anthony Bennett‘s fourth-year option:

We’re going to evaluate him over the summer. He played a good Pan American Games. There is no question about his talent. It’s about getting in shape. He’s in shape now. But it’s going to be competitive with all those guys, and also Nemanja Bjelica, who no one talks about.

DeAndre Kane Signs In Germany

July 30th, 2015 at 12:14pm CST by Zachary Links

Germany’s Ratiopharm Ulm announced the signing of guard DeAndre Kane, as writes. The Hawks had Kane on their Summer League team this year and had plans to discuss a free agent deal with the 26-year-old, but that apparently won’t be taking place.

The Celtics, Kings, and Jazz all had their eyes on Kane back in January while he was playing for the Antwerp Giants in Belgium. However, due to a contract that ran through the remainder of the NBA season, he wasn’t eligible to come over as an in-season addition.

In his senior season at Iowa State, Kane averaged 17.1 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 5.9 assists across 36 games. After helping to vault the Cyclones to the Sweet Sixteen, Kane hit the workout circuit hard and auditioned for a number of teams, including the Kings and Jazz.

Kane first established himself as an intriguing prospect at Marshall, where he played his first three seasons of collegiate ball. He also made a transfer of sorts in his first year overseas – Kane signed on with Russia’s Krasny Oktyabr but joined up with Antwerp following his November release.

Kane averaged 14.4 PPG, 7.4 RPG, and 5.4 APG in the EuroChallenge last season.

Marcelo Huertas Still Eyeing NBA Deal

July 30th, 2015 at 11:15am CST by Zachary Links

It appears that Brazilian point guard Marcelo Huertas (also known as Marcelinho Huertas) does not have a deal with Galatasaray, despite reports to the contrary by Turkish media. Agent Gerard Darnes of Octagon Basketball took to Twitter (h/t Sportando) to declare that Huertas is focused on the NBA and he added that agent Alex Saratsis is still talking with some NBA clubs.

In late April, we heard that the guard was looking to make the jump to the NBA in 2015/16. Then, a May report indicated that Huertas would remain with his Spanish club, FC Barcelona. For the time being, it appears that Huertas will resist overtures from overseas clubs with the intent of signing with an NBA team.

“This is the right time,” the 31-year-old told Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo Sports back in April. “[Rockets guard] Pablo Prigioni is the guy most likely to get compared to me, because our career trajectory had been similar in Europe. And like him, I can run a team without worrying about scoring.”

Huertas was effectively blocked from coming to the United States in the past because his contracts contained exorbitant buyouts. In 29 games for FC Barcelona this past season, the 6’3″ Huertas averaged 7.4 points, 2.3 rebounds, and 4.4 assists in 21.7 minutes per contest. As Huertas told Wojnarowski, he’s anxious to bring his dynamic playmaking and leadership abilities to the Association.

“If you look at NBA rosters, there are unbelievable starting point guards, but maybe not as many guys who can come off the bench able to run the team, score the ball – as well as being able to be a leader for young players,” Huertas said in the spring. “Those are things I know I’ll be able to bring with me.”

David Pick of Eurobasket.com (Twitter link) first reported Huertas’ NBA aspirations back in April.

Marcelo Huertas

Knicks Sign Kristaps Porzingis, Jerian Grant

July 30th, 2015 at 9:56am CST by Zachary Links

The Knicks announced (via Twitter) that they have officially signed first-round picks Kristaps Porzingis and Jerian Grant. The Knicks selected Porzingis No. 4 overall and selected Grant with their other first-round selection at No. 19.

Courtesy of USA Today Sports Images.

The selection of Porzingis was panned by many Knicks fans who were hoping for a more familiar name, but he has since silenced critics with some impressive performances in Summer League action. Recently, Knicks GM Steve Mills said that scout Clarence Gaines believed the Knicks should have taken Porzingis first overall if they had won the draft lottery. The Knicks weren’t ready to go quite that far, but they were happy to have the forward fall to them at No. 4. Porzingis, who turns 20 on Sunday, was praised by DraftExpress for his fundamentally sound shooting and high-level mobility for a 7-footer.

On draft night, the Knicks shipped Tim Hardaway Jr. to the Hawks to secure the No. 19 pick, which they used to select Grant. The Notre Dame standout spent five years – including a redshirt season – in South Bend, and has shown tremendous poise for a player his age. Prior to the draft, I spoke with Grant about why he didn’t declare for the draft earlier and the progress he made as a senior last season. Grant also told Hoops Rumors that he was hearing he would not slip past No. 22 in the draft and he was proven right in June.

Porzingis is slated to earn $18.65MM over the next four years, according to the 2015 rookie scale. Grant, meanwhile, will earn $7.568MM over that period of time.

Knicks Re-Sign Louis Amundson

July 30th, 2015 at 8:44am CST by Eddie Scarito

JULY 30TH: The Knicks announced that they have officially re-signed Amundson, Ian Begley of ESPN.com tweets.

JULY 11TH: The Knicks have reached an agreement with unrestricted free agent Louis Amundson, Al Iannazzone of Newsday reports (Twitter link). It is a one-year, $1.65MM arrangement, adds the Newsday scribe.

Amundson appeared in 41 games for New York last season, averaging 6.0 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 1.6 assists in 20.9 minutes per contest, with a slash line of .432/.000/.463. His career numbers through nine NBA campaigns are 3.8 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 0.4 assists, with a shooting line of .478/.000/.441.

The 32-year-old had previously indicated that he would consider playing in Europe if he wasn’t re-signed by New York. “I would like to play. I’ve been in this league, so I know what that’s like,” Amundson said. “So, I think going overseas would be a new experience for me I think I’d enjoy. I’d get an opportunity to play. So yeah, everything’s on the table.’’

Hoops Rumors Community Shootaround 7/29/15

July 29th, 2015 at 11:00pm CST by Chuck Myron

The Thunder will almost certainly be better than they were last season, provided Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook and Serge Ibaka miss fewer than the 88 combined games they sat out because of injury in 2014/15. They’ll have Enes Kanter for a full season after matching a max offer sheet from the Blazers this month, and their supporting cast looks strong, with Steven Adams, Dion Waiters, Anthony Morrow, D.J. Augustin, Nick Collison and the newly re-signed Kyle Singler, among others vying for minutes.

Still, the top of the Western Conference appears even more monstrous than usual this season. The Warriors, Spurs, Clippers, Rockets and Grizzlies all seem to have decent chances to win the title. Thus, our question(s) of the day: Do you think the Thunder are the favorites? If not, what do they need to do to change that?

Oklahoma City is more than $10MM over the $84.74MM tax threshold but only has 14 guaranteed contracts, and the $3.376MM taxpayer’s mid-level exception is still available. That doesn’t provide much flexibility, but it’s more recourse than many teams have, and the right role player can swing a postseason series. The Thunder can’t take in a player via sign-and-trade, but they’re otherwise free to explore the trade market. Of course, their roster isn’t exactly ridden with holes.

So, tell us what you think about Oklahoma City’s chances this year. To comment, simply enter your name and email address, write what you want to say, and submit it; there’s no need to become a registered user. Just make sure you comply with our commenting policy.

Central Notes: Pacers, Allen, Bucks

July 29th, 2015 at 10:47pm CST by Zachary Links

Earlier this month, the Pacers and Lavoy Allen reached agreement on deal that will keep the big man in Indiana for next season and beyond. Indiana shelled out the money to keep Allen, in part, because they want to pick up the pace on offense.

“That’s one of the main reasons they brought me back was the talk about playing more uptempo,” Allen told Scott Agness of Vigilant Sports. “I think that will really benefit us with the people we have — the shooters and bigs who can run.”

Still, Allen is one of six bigs – or seven, counting Paul George at power forward – on the Pacers and it’s not clear how much time he’ll see on the court. Allen, like the Pacers’ fans, says he’s curious to see how it all shakes out. Here’s more from the Central Division..

Rising sophomore Shayne Whittington envisions the recently re-signed Allen as having a breakout year for the Pacers, Candace Buckner of the Indy Star writes. “I know we brought Lavoy in for a reason, he’s a great rebounder. He’s a great offensive presence, he can shoot the ball very well. Ian is one of our best defensive assets that we have. I personally think that he’s going to blow up this year if he gets that starting spot. His confidence will skyrocket if he gets that.“
Between the success of the arena plan and the team’s basketball moves, Bucks owner Wes Edens said, “I think our offseason was a 10. We’re undefeated in the offseason,” Charles F. Gardner of the Journal-Sentinel tweets. On Tuesday, the Bucks’ arena plan cleared a major hurdle.
Eric Pincus of Basketball Insiders (on Twitter) has the details on Rakeem Christmas‘s deal with the Pacers. Christmas’ deal is fully guaranteed for two years with a $50K guarantee in year three and a team option on year four. If that fourth-year option is exercised, then he’ll have a $52K guarantee.

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