After spending time with Ty Lawson, the Rockets‘ James Harden is confident that his new teammate can overcome his alcohol-related issues, writes Jonathan Feigen of The Houston Chronicle. Lawson, who recently completed a 30-day rehab program in the wake of his second DUI of the year, was shipped from Denver to Houston last month in a five-player deal. Harden said he is “not at all” worried that Lawson’s alcohol problems will affect his play with the Rockets. “He’s out in California right now working out,” Harden said. “We’re happy to have him. He’s going to be a great addition to our team. I’ve been with him these last couple weeks. He’s more focused than ever. He has a great opportunity with a really good team to showcase his talents and help us with that push that we need.”
There’s more out of the Southwest Division:
- LaMarcus Aldridge has been studying film of the Spurs since he signed with San Antonio in July, tweets Dan McCarney of The San Antonio Express-News. Aldridge expects “a lot of easy shots” in the team’s offense.
- San Antonio’s Kyle Anderson, who spent most of his rookie season in the D-League, is trying to adjust to the pace of the NBA game, according to Gary Washburn of the Boston Globe. A 6’9″ swingman, Anderson shined in the summer league after appearing in just 33 games with the Spurs last season. “I do try to speed it up a little bit because that’s what they asked me for in San Antonio,” Anderson said, “but I just play my game, just be unselfish.”
- Bryce Dejean-Jones, who signed a partially guaranteed three-year deal with the Pelicans Friday, made an impression on the team during summer league, writes Scott Kushner of the Baton Rouge Advocate. “I think he’s showing us he can play in this league,” said New Orleans assistant coach Darren Erman. “He has a lot of NBA skills and he’s tough and has good size. I’ve really like what he’s been able to do for us.”
The Spurs aren’t deep on the wing. I think we’ll see more minutes for Kyle Anderson this year.
The Spurs must feel very confident in Anderson or jonathon Simmons because as much as they like to rest players, like you said are very thin on the wing. Obviously the Spurs aren’t ones to rush or force things. But I think they make a move during the year to bolster wing depth.
Green, Kawhi, Anderson, Simmons are only ones that can guard 3s and the latter are unproven.
Think they cut Reggie Williams to preserve flexibility and then pickup a Evan Turner or someone similar at the deadline. Spurs going all in this year, luxury tax won’t be an issue.
I’d love to see what the Spurs could do with Evan Turner. I think there’s something there with Turner that hasn’t been tapped in the NBA.