2015 September | Hoops Rumors

Jazz Notes: Favors, Burks, Booker

September 20th, 2015 at 3:16pm CST by Will Joseph

Four years after the trade that sent Deron Williams from the Jazz to the Nets in exchange for Derrick Favors, Devin Harris, draft picks and cash considerations, it’s Favors who has emerged as the top player, Stefan Bondy of the New York Daily News writes.

Favors, who averaged a career-high 16 points per game last season along with 8.2 rebounds per game and 1.7 blocks per game, said his goal is to make the All-Star team this year for Utah. Meanwhile, the Nets waived Williams in a buyout agreement during the summer.

“I thought about the trade for the first couple of years and what might’ve been if I stayed on [with the Nets],” Favors told Bondy. “But obviously it worked out for me.”

Here’s more out of Utah:

Alec Burks, who had left shoulder surgery in January, can be looked at as the best addition to the Jazz because he missed the majority of last season and Utah did not make any splashy signings in the summer, Ben Dowsett of Basketball Insiders writes in a preview of the team. Burks, who was a breakout player in his last full season, has some work to do defensively, as Dowsett adds. The Jazz signed Burks to a four-year extension worth $42MM plus incentives, so the 24-year-old is a cornerstone for the team.
Trevor Booker said surgery to repair a nasal fracture went well and he’ll start playing basketball next week, Andy Larsen of Saltcityhoops.com tweets. Booker’s salary for this season is fully guaranteed for $4.775MM.

Southwest Notes: Pelicans, Davis, Mavs

September 20th, 2015 at 2:00pm CST by Will Joseph

When the Pelicans signed Anthony Davis to a max extension, the move put the franchise in win-now mode for five years, writes Shaun Powell in his 30 teams in 30 days series for NBA.com. The Pelicans, Powell adds, are anticipating a better record than last year’s with Alvin Gentry as the new coach. That’s partially why the franchise decided to stand pat this summer. Another reason for not making a move, as Powell points out, is because the contracts of Eric Gordon and Ryan Anderson expire after this season. Seemingly being counterproductive, however, the Pelicans decided to spend a lot of money to re-sign Omer Asik and re-sign Alexis Ajinca, Powell adds.

Here’s more from around the Southwest Division:

Speaking of Gentry, the Pelicans coach said on SiriusXM NBA Radio (Twitter link) that he would not hesitate to rest players like Davis, and Jrue Holiday during the season.
The Mavs should be better in the backcourt with new starters Wesley Matthews and Deron Williams taking over for Monta Ellis and Rajon Rondo, Eddie Sefko of the Dallas Morning News writes, but overall, the team does not seem improved enough to be a lock for the playoffs. The team is expected have several position battles during camp, so the Mavs should nonetheless be a fun team to keep an eye on, Sefko adds.
In the same piece, Sefko elaborates on the Mavs‘ bench and writes that Dallas added young players with upside, but the unit isn’t necessarily any better than last year’s group. The Mavs added Jeremy Evans and John Jenkins. Former Dallas bench players Al-Farouq Aminu, Amar’e Stoudemire, Richard Jefferson each bolted elsewhere during the summer.

Central Notes: Thomas, Thompson, Williams

September 20th, 2015 at 12:55pm CST by Arthur Hill

The Pistons will give Adonis Thomas a “real chance” to beat out Reggie Bullock for a roster spot, according to David Mayo of MLive. Thomas signed a training camp deal with Detroit in July, receiving a $60K guarantee. He won’t become fully guaranteed until January, so Mayo speculates the Pistons may keep him on the roster until midseason to see if he can outplay Bullock. If it doesn’t work out, the team could drop Thomas and seek help through 10-day contracts. Mayo says Brandon Jennings‘ lingering Achilles injury — which will require the Pistons to keep four point guards at the start of the season — probably killed any chance of Thomas and Bullock both earning long-term roster spots.

There’s more news from the Central Division:

Tristan Thompson‘s salary dispute with the Cavaliers appears ready to carry into training camp, writes Gary Washburn of The Boston Globe. The two sides have been in an impasse since negotiations began in July, with Thompson seeking a max deal and the team offering somewhat less. The rebounding specialist appears headed toward signing the Cavs’ qualifying offer and entering unrestricted free agency next summer. The deadline to accept the offer is October 1st. Washburn notes that Thompson did not attend a recent players workout organized by LeBron James, as Chris Haynes of the Northeast Ohio Media Group and the Cleveland Plain Dealer first reported.
Hornets coach Steve Clifford admits that he ran Mo Williams “into the ground” last season, writes Scott Fowler of The Charlotte Observer. The intense playing time could account for Williams’ drop in production as the season wore on. Williams signed with the Cavaliers over the summer as a backup to Kyrie Irving.
The signing of Greg Monroe will give the Bucks credibility when pursuing future free agents, according to Shaun Powell of NBA.com. The former Piston accepted a three-year max deal from Milwaukee, passing on similar offers from the Lakers, Knicks and Blazers. In his season preview, Powell also credits the Bucks for keeping their own high-profile free agent in Khris Middleton, who received $70MM over five years.

Heat Rumors: Crawford, Richadson, Ennis, Haslem

September 20th, 2015 at 11:30am CST by Arthur Hill

With a roster stuffed with expiring contracts, there is pressure on the Heat to win right away, according to Ira Winderman of The Sun Sentinel. Projected starters Hassan Whiteside, Luol Deng and Dwyane Wade will all enter free agency next summer, as will reserves Amar’e Stoudemire, Gerald Green, Mario Chalmers, Chris Andersen, Udonis Haslem and Tyler Johnson. “We have a lot of guys on one-year deals this season, and that’s something we have to acknowledge,” said Chris Bosh, one of the few Miami players with a long-term contract. “… The main challenge for us will be coming together as a team and making sure we define our roles and play our roles to perfection.”

There’s more today out of Miami:

Clippers coach Doc Rivers may have killed the Jamal Crawford to Miami rumors with his declaration this week, Winderman writes in the same piece. In an interview with host Fred Roggin on The Beast 980 radio in Southern California, Rivers said Crawford will probably remain with the team through the end of the season, competing for playing time in a crowded rotation that now includes Paul Pierce, Wesley Johnson, Lance Stephenson and Pablo Prigioni. There had been rumors that the Clippers wanted to move Crawford’s $5.675MM salary to ease their luxury tax bill.
Barring any trades or injuries, Josh Richardson and James Ennis will probably rotate between being inactive on game nights, Winderman speculates in a separate story. The columnist says Richardson would be more valuable in games where the Heat need better perimeter defense, and Ennis can be used against small-ball teams when Miami won’t need both Andersen and Haslem.
The Heat have the luxury of keeping Haslem on the roster as mainly a mentor, Winderman contends in another column. The 35-year-old, now entering his 13th season in Miami, won’t be part of the rotation but will be counted on to teach the game to young players such as first-round pick Justise Winslow, along with Johnson, Richardson and Ennis. Haslem will make more than $2.85MM in the final year of his contract.

Pacific Notes: Babb, Crawford, Morris, Cauley-Stein

September 20th, 2015 at 10:18am CST by Arthur Hill

The Warriors intend to keep Chris Babb and evaluate him in training camp, according to Gary Washburn of The Boston Globe. The 6’5″ guard, who spent most of last season with the Celtics’ D-League affiliate in Maine, was acquired in the July 27th deal that sent David Lee to Boston. Babb signed a multi-year deal with the Celtics in April, and Washburn writes that the organization liked the effort he gave. Babb, who participated in the D-League All-Star Game, was recalled in April but didn’t appear in any games with the Celtics. He played 14 games with the team during the 2013/14 season, averaging 1.6 points.

There’s more news from the Pacific Division:

The Clippers‘ best move may be to trade Jamal Crawford for a big man to back up DeAndre Jordan, writes Jesse Blancarte of Basketball Insiders. Crawford, who will make $5.675MM this season in the final year of his contract, has been the subject of trade rumors, although coach Doc Rivers said recently that he is unlikely to be dealt. Blancarte contends that Cole Aldrich doesn’t give the Clippers enough insurance off the bench and thinks the team should combine Crawford’s contract with C.J. Wilcox‘s and pursue another frontcourt player like the Heat’s Chris Andersen or Josh McRoberts, the Blazers’ Chris Kaman, the Bulls’ Taj Gibson or the Suns‘ Markieff Morris.
Despite repeated trade demands, Morris will likely remain in Phoenix until at least Christmas, according to Doug Smith of The Toronto Star. In his weekly mailbag column, Smith also says native Canadian Steve Nash is unlikely to ever join the Raptors organization. The columnist points out that Nash, who is rumored to be in line for a part-time player development consultant position with the Warriors, is pretty established in Southern California.
Despite his “raw” offensive skills, Willie Cauley-Stein is rated as the Kings‘ best offseason addition by Eric Pincus of Basketball Insiders. In the site’s season preview for Sacramento, Pincus says the rookie center out of Kentucky can became an important part of the Kings’ lineup if he reaches his defensive potential.

Southeast Notes: Jefferson, Batum, Marble, Wizards

September 20th, 2015 at 9:01am CST by Arthur Hill

Al Jefferson believes several offseason moves will help the Hornets forget about last year’s disappointment and make a return to the Eastern Conference playoffs, according to Rick Bonnell of The Charlotte Observer. “I’ve been a big fan of Nic Batum since I was in Utah,” Jefferson said. “He’s a very skilled player who can pass, shoot, do it all. Jeremy Lin and Jeremy Lamb are guys who can shoot the ball and move the ball. Spencer Hawes is one of my favorite guys in the world. Only time I don’t like him is when I have to play against him because I don’t want to guard anybody out to the 3-point line.” Batum, Hawes and Lamb were acquired in offseason trades, while Lin signed as a free agent. Jefferson, who missed 17 games last season with calf and knee problems, has lost more than 20 pounds over the summer in an effort to become more durable.

There’s more this morning from the Southeast Division:

Batum is rated as Charlotte’s best offseason acquisition by Lang Greene of Basketball Insiders. In the site’s season preview of the Hornets, Greene praises Batum’s versatility, saying he will help the team with his scoring, rebounding, passing and defense. He identifies Lamb as the Hornets’ top unheralded player, claiming the young guard should improve with increased playing time.
After appearing in just 16 games during his rookie season, the Magic’s Devyn Marble can probably expect more time in the D-League, writes Brian Schmitz of The Orlando Sentinel. The second-round pick, who was acquired in a 2014 deal with the Nuggets, had his season end in March because of a detached retina in his left eye. He started seven consecutive games in midseason when Tobias Harris was injured and impressed the Orlando coaching staff with his defense. However, the Magic are loaded with wing players, and it could be difficult once again for Marble to earn playing time.
Training camp invitees Toure’ Murry and Josh Harrellson are among the players participating in the Wizards‘ pre-camp workouts, according to Ben Standig of CSNWashington.com. Also in the group are newcomers Gary Neal and Alan Anderson.

Hoops Rumors Community Shootaround 9/19/15

September 19th, 2015 at 10:51pm CST by ChrisCrouse

The Kings made several moves to improve the team around their star center DeMarcus Cousins with an eye on making the playoffs this season. After signing a one-year, $9.5MM deal with Sacramento, Rajon Rondo will look to lead this team to the postseason, something that hasn’t been accomplished since the 2005/06 campaign. The Kings added a pair of centers with in order to aid their 27th ranked defense and added veterans Marco Belinelli and Caron Butler with the hopes of improving their outside shooting.

Sacramento also made news this summer for the rift between Cousins and coach George Karl, which caused owner Vivek Ranadive to consider firing Karl. Karl signed a four-year pact last February and he’ll be in town to at least start the second year of that pact. He’s had a history of rocky starts with franchises, as Sam Amico of Hoops Rumors detailed in his weekly column, but he has also had success at pretty much every stop in his career.

So here’s tonight’s topic: How many games will the Kings win this season and do you think they can achieve their goal of making the playoffs?

Take to the comments section below to share your thoughts and opinions on the subject. We look forward to what you have to say!

Celtics Notes: Sullinger, Zeller, Lee, Smart

September 19th, 2015 at 10:43pm CST by ChrisCrouse

Jessica Camerato of Basketball Insiders is optimistic about Jared Sullinger and Tyler Zeller heading into the 2015/16 season. Both players are eligible for rookie scale extensions and they both have between now and November 2nd to come to terms with the Celtics. It may not be wise to extend Sullinger now due to health concerns, Will Joseph of Hoops Rumors opined in his extension candidate piece. Zeller, who I examined as an extension candidate last week, is more likely to reach an agreement with the team.

Here’s more from Boston:

David Lee is the team’s best new addition, Camerato opines in the same piece. Lee is entering the final season of his current deal, which will pay him slightly under $15.5MM, and Camerato believes the big man will elevate his game and emerge as a contributor for Boston.
A. Sherrod Blakely of CSNNE.com examines the Celtics‘ roster and wonders who could be the most improved. Blakely names Marcus Smart, Kelly Olynyk and James Young as likely candidates and believes the progress of Smart is the most important for the team as it will go far in determining how good Boston will be next season.

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Boston Celtics

Texas Notes: Williams, Mavs, Fredette

September 19th, 2015 at 9:40pm CST by ChrisCrouse

Deron Williams‘ falling from the elite point guard ranks in Brooklyn was a result of his injuries as well as his mental state, dialed in league sources told Ken Berger of CBS Sports. Another obstacle was the coaching changes during his time with the team. “The coaching rotating door really hurt him,” a person close to Williams said. “You had a different style offense and defense every year.”

Williams signed a two-year deal worth $10MM with the Mavs this summer and he shouldn’t have to deal with that particular problem in Dallas. The team employs Rick Carlisle, who is the third longest-tenured NBA coach, as Chuck Myron of Hoops Rumors examined last month.

Here’s more from the Southwest Division:

Williams will look to rebound from a dismal stint with the Nets, but not everyone is overly optimistic about his chances of recapturing the success he had earlier in his career, Berger writes in the same piece. “I don’t think he’ll be an All-Star again because of how good the West guards are,” one longtime executive told Berger. “I don’t think he’s a top-15 point guard right now, but I think he can eventually get there.”
Jimmer Fredette believes he fits the system in San Antonio and is eager to earn a role on the team, Dick Harmon of the Deseret News writes. “I’m very excited about the upcoming season,” said Fredette. “I’m coming in with the expectation that I’m going to have to work as hard as I can to get playing time and work my way in the rotation. One thing I do know, if I’m on the team, they do give guys rests. So, I will have the opportunity to play and I think it is my type of basketball. I think I fit in the system really well, and I love the guys. They are really competitive, but they want to help you help them win games. I’m excited to be part of that kind of culture. I couldn’t ask for a better situation and I hope I can continue to work hard and play well.”

Nets Notes: Johnson, Sixth Man, Ellington

September 19th, 2015 at 8:16pm CST by ChrisCrouse

The Nets will likely be entertaining trade offers for Joe Johnson up until the trade deadline, Joel Brigham of Basketball Insiders opines in a collaborative piece. Johnson will make slightly under $23.2MM this season and will become a free agent next summer.

Here’s more from Brooklyn:

In the same piece, the writers at Basketball Insiders gave their predictions for Brooklyn this season, with no writer having the team finishing higher than third place in the Atlantic Division. The Nets received praise for getting younger in the offseason, but the team’s lack of depth was a reason for pessimism.
Anthony Puccio of SB Nation wonders who will take on the sixth man role for the Nets. Puccio identifies Andrea Bargnani, who signed a two-year deal worth the veteran’s minimum this offseason, as the likeliest candidate to take on the role. The scribe also names Rondae Hollis-Jefferson as someone who could have a sixth man-like impact off the bench.
Wayne Ellington is excited about his decision to sign with Brooklyn and the 27-year-old sees the team as a great fit, Kathryn Przybyla of NBA.com writes. “I had a lot of conversations with my agent, weighing options out, but this was just the perfect spot for me, on the court obviously and off the court as well. I’m from the Philadelphia area so I’m from right down the street. This is a lovely spot for me and I’m very happy,” Ellington said.

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