Month: November 2024

Prospect Profile: Jamal Murray (Part One)

OVERVIEW: Jamal Murray was the 45th best player of his high school class, according to RSCI’s rankings last year. Murray, an Ontario native, spent part of his summer playing for the Canadian national team and he helped bring home a silver medal to his country during the 2015 Pan American Games. After that experience, and a freshman campaign at Kentucky, in which he averaged 20.0 points, 5.2 rebounds and 2.2 assists, Murray finds himself near the top of most draft boards.

Jim Brown / USA TODAY Sports Images

Jim Brown / USA TODAY Sports Images

STRENGTHS: Murray served as Kentucky’s go-to scorer during his lone season playing for John Calipari. His 538 shot attempts were the most in the SEC last season and the 10th most in the nation. His impressive shooting was a major reason why he was able to dominate that role.  Murray shot 50.2% from the field and 40.8% from behind the arc. He was particularly effective coming off screens, shooting 56.0%, as Jonathan Givony of Draft Express details.

He dazzled teams with strong showings during workouts. During a recent workout, in which Chad Ford of ESPN.com attended, he made 25 3-pointers from various spots on the court during a two minute drill. That’s a testament to his shooting accuracy and his sneaky quick release. Don’t be surprised if he wins a 3-point contest over the course of his NBA career.

Murray has the ability to constantly get to the basket and once he’s there, he finds ways to score. He’s not the most athletic prospect, so you won’t see him posturing many defenders as he scores. Instead, he uses a variety of crafty moves to get his shot off. He possesses a nice floater and he used the backboard at Tim Duncan-like rates during his time in college.

The jury is still out on whether he can play point guard full-time in the NBA. Murray believes he can and there’s no reason he couldn’t lead a second unit at the point given his tremendous ball-handling skills. He’s drawn comparisons to Brandon Roy and C.J. McCollum and if he reaches his potential, he can be the type of player that a team can build around.

WEAKNESSES: 

His court-vision and decision making are areas of concern and improvement in those areas will likely dictate whether or not he can develop into a starting point guard in the league over the long-term. He struggled with setting up teammates in college, netting only 2.5 assists per 40 minutes, and his 2.7 turnovers per 40 minutes should be alarming to NBA front offices. He didn’t start at point guard at Kentucky, but those figures suggest he will have issues should he be placed into that role.

Murray has some work to do on the defensive end. Even with a 6’7″ wingspan, he doesn’t project to be a lockdown defender. He’ll likely need to be paired with a strong defender in the backcourt for a team to form a winning combination at the top of the key. That’ll be an easier feat if he can develop into a starting-caliber point guard given that shooting guards typically carry more size and should have the ability to cover the opposition’s best guard.

(For Part Two of our Jamal Murray Prospect Profile, click here)

And-Ones: Zanik, Kidd, Brown, Cousins

The Bucks will hire Justin Zanik as GM-in-waiting and are working on a contract extension for coach Jason Kidd, reports Adrian Wojnarowski of The Vertical. Currently an assistant GM in Utah, Zanik will have a similar title with the Bucks. A provision of the move is that Zanik will eventually take over for Milwaukee GM John Hammond, although it’s uncertain when that will happen. Hammond has been GM of the Bucks since 2008 and has one year left on his contract.

There’s more from around the basketball world:

  • California forward Jaylen Brown worked out for the Bucks, Raptors and Sixers today, tweets Marc J. Spears of The Undefeated. A source told Spears that Brown was in “great shape” and “super explosive.” He is expected to be a top 10 pick and could be in the running for the No. 3 choice. New Timberwolves GM Scott Layden also traveled to California to see Brown and came away impressed, tweets Darren Wolfson of 1500 ESPN Twin Cities.
  • Oklahoma point guard Isaiah Cousins worked out for the Suns on Friday, and has upcoming sessions with the Raptors on Tuesday and the Hawks on Thursday, tweets Adam Zagoria of SNY.tv.
  • Anthony Bennett and Quinn Cook were the most recognizable players invited to a Nets mini-camp this week, according to NetsDaily. Bennett, the No. 1 pick in the 2013 draft, played 19 games with the Raptors last season. Cook, the point guard on Duke’s 2015 NCAA title team, was cut by the Cavaliers in training camp. Also receiving invitations were Alex Stepheson, Scotty Hopson, Alex KirkJerrelle BenimonFuquan Edwin, D.J. Newbill, Will CummingsJarrid Famous, Victor Rudd, Josh Magette and Joel Wright. International journalist David Pick says the Nets are planning another session.

Bryce Dejean-Jones Dies At 23

Matt Bush / USA TODAY Sports Images

Matt Bush / USA TODAY Sports Images

8:58pm: An NBA security report states that Dejean-Jones was calling for his girlfriend when he was shot through the bedroom door, tweets Marc J. Spears of The Undefeated. A portion of the report tweeted by Justin Verrier of ESPN.com says an autopsy is being conducted, and toxicology reports won’t be returned for “a couple weeks.”

5:18pm: NBA Commissioner Adam Silver has released a statement on the death of Dejean-Jones. “The NBA family mourns the tragic loss of New Orleans Pelicans point guard Bryce Dejean-Jones,” Silver said. “Bryce inspired countless people with his hard work and perseverance on his way to the NBA, and he had a bright future in our league. Our thoughts and sympathies are with Bryce’s family and the entire Pelicans organization during this difficult time.”

4:51pm: Pelicans coach Alvin Gentry offered condolences on hearing of Dejean-Jones’ death, tweets Brett Dawson of The Advocate. “I have all the respect for Bryce,” Gentry said. “I just had a real soft spot in my heart for him because I just felt like he was headed in the right direction. I thought he was ready to blossom as a player. I really did.”

3:55pm: An email from the apartment manager says Dejean-Jones tried to enter the residence of “an estranged acquaintance,” but went to the wrong place, tweets Justin W. Waldrop of Fox 4 in Dallas.

3:45pm: Dejean-Jones went to the wrong floor of his girlfriend’s apartment, tweets international journalist David Pick. He found himself locked out and pounded on the door several times before entering. Police say it doesn’t appear that Dejean-Jones and the apartment resident knew each other before the shooting, according to Justin Verrier of ESPN.com.

SATURDAY: 2:08pm: Pelicans rookie Bryce Dejean-Jones has died at age 23, reports Travis Hines of The Ames Tribune. Dejean-Jones was shot in the abdomen and bled to death, tweets Shams Charania of The Vertical. His death has been confirmed by the Dallas County (Texas) coroner’s office.

Dejean-Jones was allegedly involved in an early-morning break-in at a Dallas residence when the shooting took place, according to Sarah Mervosh of The Dallas Morning News. The person who lives at the residence told police that he shot Dejean-Jones after the player kicked down his bedroom door at 3:20 a.m. today. Dejean-Jones was taken to a hospital, where he died from the bullet wound. Dallas Police Homicide is conducting an investigation. Texas law permits people to use deadly force to protect themselves and their homes, Mervosh notes.

Dejean-Jones signed with New Orleans in midseason after going undrafted out of Iowa State. He inked 10-day deals in January and Feburary and played his way into a three-year contract. He averaged 5.6 points and 3.4 rebounds in 14 games before being sidelined with a broken right wrist.

The Pelicans have released a statement on Dejean-Jones’ death, saying, “It is with deep sadness that the Pelicans organization acknowledges the sudden passing of Bryce Dejean-Jones. We are devastated at the loss of this young man’s life who had such a promising future ahead of him. Our thoughts and prayers are with Bryce’s family at this difficult time.” 

Offseason Outlook: San Antonio Spurs

Hoops Rumors is looking ahead to offseason moves for all 30 teams. We’ll examine free agency, the draft, trades and other key storylines for each franchise as the summer approaches.

State of the Franchise

Courtesy of USA Today Sports Images

Courtesy of USA Today Sports Images

The NBA’s most reliable franchise over the past two decades may be heading into a summer of change. The Spurs have reached the playoffs in 19 straight seasons, and while no one expects that streak to end with Kawhi Leonard and LaMarcus Aldridge as team leaders, there’s a chance that franchise cornerstones Tim Duncan and Manu Ginobili could retire, and Tony Parker could find himself in a reduced role or traded away.

The Spurs put together a historically great regular season that was only overshadowed because the Warriors broke a league record at 73-9. San Antonio won 67 regular-season games and posted a 40-1 mark at home. But Gregg Popovich’s crew suffered an early playoff exit for the second straight year, this time falling to the Thunder in six games in the Western Conference semifinals.

End of the line?

The 40-year-old Duncan has a player option for 2016/17 worth close to $6.4MM with incentives added in. He appeared in 61 games in his just-completed 19th NBA season, averaging career lows in both scoring and rebounding. His scoring average dipped below double figures for the first time as Popovich limited his minutes to barely more than half a game.

Ginobili will turn 38 this summer and has a player option for next season at slightly more than $2.9MM. He averaged less than 20 minutes per game this year and had a scoring average below double digits for the first time since his rookie season. The Argentinian star said he intends to meet with Duncan and Popovich at some point this summer before deciding whether to play another year.

Roster decisions

Veteran power forward David West also has a player option for next season worth $1.552MM. Considering that West sacrificed about $11MM to join the Spurs and get a chance at a ring, he may want to fatten up his bank account this summer. If Duncan, Ginobili and West all opt in, the Spurs are looking at a little more than $84.5MM in guaranteed salary against a cap projected at about $92MM. If they all opt out, San Antonio will have about $10MM more to fill out its roster. In addition, Boris Diaw is scheduled to make $6.5MM next season, but only $3MM of that is guaranteed if he is released by June 30.

A huge decision could be made involving Parker, who recently turned 34. Parker has two years remaining on his current deal at $14,445,313 and $15,453,126, but the Spurs may view this offseason as a chance to get younger and faster. There have been reports that they are interested in Memphis point guard Mike Conley in free agency, and if he comes to San Antonio, Parker will likely be on the way out.

If the Spurs decide to go younger, they will presumably cut ties with veteran free agents Andre Miller and Kevin Martin. At 36, Matt Bonner is also a free agent, but he seems content to sign one-year deals as long as San Antonio will give him a roster spot. The most interesting free agent is 7’3″ rookie center Boban Marjanovic, who could get a nice raise from the $1.2MM he made this season.

Free agent targets

Conley seems like a perfect candidate to run the Spurs’ offense if this summer results in a partial youth movement. He will turn 29 in October and has already been in the league nine years — all with Memphis, where he has led the Grizzlies to the playoffs six straight times. Conley scores, rebounds, distributes the ball and limits turnovers. San Antonio would need about $26MM in cap room to offer him a max deal, but it would be a huge coup for the organization if Conley comes to town.

Any other free agent signings will depend on how the roster decisions shake out and how much cap room the Spurs have left. As West showed a year ago, some veteran players are willing to take discounts to play for San Antonio.

Draft outlook

The Spurs’ lone pick this year is No. 29 in the first round. ESPN’s Chad Ford has San Antonio taking Louisville center Chinanu Onuaku with that selection, while Jonathan Givony of DraftExpress expects it to be Zhou Qi of China. The Spurs often use late first-round picks to stash players overseas for the future, so keep an eye on international talent. San Antonio’s second-round pick was traded to Sacramento in a 2015 deal involving Ray McCallum.

Final take

The Spurs are still a great team and likely will remain one as long as Leonard and Aldridge are productive. They were good enough to win 67 games this season, but the series with Oklahoma City raised questions about their depth and their age.

San Antonio GM R.C. Buford was the big winner of last season’s free agent sweepstakes when he landed Aldridge and West. He won’t have to do nearly as much this summer, but there will be some holes on the roster to fill, and it may be late June before he knows what Duncan, Ginobili and West will do about their player options.

There’s no doubt that San Antonio will remain one of the NBA’s elite teams next season, and a 20th consecutive playoff trip seems certain. But Buford’s offseason moves will determine if a sixth title comes along with it.

Guaranteed Salary

Player Options

Team Options

  • None

Non-Guaranteed Salary

Restricted Free Agents (Qualifying Offers/Cap Holds)

Unrestricted Free Agents (Cap Holds)

Other Cap Holds

Projected Salary Cap: $92,000,000

Footnotes:

  1. Diaw’s full $7,000,000 salary would become guaranteed on June 30th.

The Basketball Insiders salary pages were used in the creation of this post.

Community Shootarond: Bismack Biyombo

Since the playoffs began back in mid-April, no player has done more to help himself in free agency than Raptors center Bismack Biyombo.

Stuck in a back-up role behind Jonas Valanciunas, Biyombo averaged 5.5 points and 8.0 rebounds during the regular season. But Valanciunas’ badly sprained ankle and Biyombo’s huge performance in his place have made the 6’9″ native of the Congo one of this summer’s most talked-about free agents.

Two months ago, the Raptors were hoping Biyombo would waive his player option and accept a $2.94MM contract for next season. But he demolished any chance of that with a 26-rebound, four-block performance in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference finals. On the heels of a 17-point, 16-rebound effort in Game 7 against Miami, it established Biyombo as a dominant paint presence who was at his best when the games mattered most.

After Toronto’s season ended Friday, Biyombo announced his intention to opt out, a decision that could earn him more than five times the salary that he leaves behind. With a rising cap and a shortage of quality big men, it won’t be surprising if a team offers him a deal that starts at more than $16MM per year.

The situation was unthinkable when Biyombo signed with Toronto last summer. He was close to being a bust during his four seasons in Charlotte, averaging more than 27 minutes per game just once and topping 5 points per game only in his rookie season. That’s why the Raptors were able to get him cheaply, giving him about $3MM for this season, plus next year’s player option.

Biyombo’s sudden good fortune has put Toronto in a bind. Because his contract was so short, the Raptors don’t own Biyombo’s Bird rights, which means whatever money they offer him has to come out of cap room. Assuming DeMar DeRozan opts out, Toronto will have a little more than $70MM in salary for next season against an estimated $92MM cap. Unless they renounce DeRozan or gut the roster through trades, it’s hard to see how the Raptors get close to a $16MM offer.

Earlier today, Biyombo said he prefers to stay with in Toronto, but that might change once he studies the economic realities of the situation. No matter what personal feelings Biyombo may have for the city and the organization, he’s likely to end up with the highest bidder.

That brings us to tonight’s question, which is a two-parter: Where do you expect to see Biyombo playing next season and will he be able to live up to a giant contract? No matter how much the NBA moves to smaller lineups and 3-point shooting, there will always be a demand for rebounders and shot blockers. And with the cap soaring this summer, almost every team will have the money to offer at least one max contract.

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

Rockets Notes: Free Agency, Beasley, D’Antoni

The Rockets should concentrate on shooters in free agency if their primary targets don’t work out, recommends Kevin P. Smith of Real GM. Houston is hoping to meet with Kevin Durant and Al Horford, two of the top names in the free agent class, but if neither player comes to Houston, Smith believes 3-point marksmen should be the priority in new coach Mike D’Antoni’s offense. The writer mentions Brandon Jennings and Jerryd Bayless as possible backups to Patrick Beverley, and suggests Ryan Anderson and Mirza Teletovic as potential front court prospects. Smith also says the Rockets could have interest in Marvin Williams, Jeff GreenDerrick Williams, Marreese Speights and Al Jefferson.

  • Two late-season additions, Michael Beasley and Andrew Goudelock, are likely to stay in Houston for another season, Smith says in the same piece. Beasley, who played most of last season in China, averaged 12.8 points per night in 20 games after joining the Rockets. Houston has a $1.4MM team option on Beasley for 2016/17. Goudelock only made it into eight games after signing with the Rockets in March, but a $1,015,696 team option gives him a chance to stick around. 
  • Rockets owner Leslie Alexander chose the “big, splashy name” when he hired D’Antoni this week, charges Brian T. Smith of The Houston Chronicle. Smith writes that the Rockets should have hired Hornets assistant Stephen Silas, and that D’Antoni is the wrong choice to bring the discipline and emphasis on defense that the Rockets need to improve on a 41-41 season.
  • Free agents will be more likely to consider Houston because of D’Antoni’s history of helping his players land big contracts, writes J.A. Adande of ESPN.com. Adande lists Joe Johnson, Shawn Marion, Amar’e Stoudemire and Jodie Meeks as players who struck it big in free agency after playing in D’Antoni’s up-tempo system.

Sixers Notes: Noel, Okafor, Simmons, Ingram

The Sixers’ need at point guard and the Celtics’ desire for help in the front court make them natural trading partners, says Jessica Camerato of CSNPhilly. In a TV interview, she addressed rumors of a possible swap between the teams that would include Boston’s No. 3 pick and one of Philadelphia’s young big men, Jahlil Okafor or Nerlens Noel. Camerato thinks the Celtics would have to throw in a player — someone like Marcus Smart or Avery Bradley — and it would be a fair exchange because Boston would be getting a recent draftee who already has NBA experience. The Sixers would probably target Kris Dunn of Providence or Jamal Murray of Kentucky with that third pick.

There’s more out of Philadelphia:

  • If the Celtics have a choice in the deal, they should take Noel, opines Josue Pavon of WEEI. Pavon believes the 22-year-old Noel would be the rim protector that Boston needs and would be a better alternative than chasing Hassan Whiteside or Bismack Biyombo in free agency. Pavon speculates that the Sixers would ask less for Noel than for Okafor, and that the Celtics might be able to obtain him for the No. 3 pick, multiple second-round choices and a prospect such as Terry Rozier or James Young.
  • The Celtics shouldn’t give up too much for either Noel or Okafor, says A. Sherrod Blakely of CSNNE. Blakely notes that Boston has been slowly working its way into contender status, and he doesn’t believe either player significantly accelerates that process.
  • Ben Simmons hasn’t made a public comment since the Sixers won the draft lottery last week, writes John Smallwood of The Philadelphia Daily News. Smallwood says he can’t find a statement from Simmons on anything since he signed with the Klutch firm in March. In contrast, Duke’s Brandon Ingram, considered the other top candidate for Philly’s No. 1 choice, interviewed with the Sixers at the draft combine earlier this month. Smallwood says Simmons’ actions add to the perception that he wants Philadelphia to bypass him so he can go to the Lakers with the second pick. Still, the Sixers have a “strong preference” for Simmons, tweets Derek Bodner of PhillyMag.com, and he should be considered a heavy favorite to go at No. 1.

Raptors Notes: DeRozan, Biyombo, Lowry, Cousins

The Raptors’ top two impending free agents offered clues to their future as they cleared out their lockers this morning. In the wake of Friday’s Game 6 loss to the Cavaliers, shooting guard DeMar DeRozan sounded like he has made up his mind to stay in Toronto, tweets Josh Lewenberg of TSN.ca. “I don’t think so,” DeRozan said when asked if he thought he could find a better situation in free agency. “My mindset has always been Toronto. … I don’t want to switch it up now.” In response to a question about playing his entire career with one organization, DeRozan replied, “I think that’s the most incredible thing you can do. … That’s awesome.” (Twitter link). DeRozan, 26, has spent seven years with the Raptors, who took him ninth overall in the 2009 draft. He is expected to turn down a $9.5MM option for next season and become an unrestricted free agent. Toronto can offer a five-year deal worth $144.6MM, while other teams will be limited to four years and $107.4MM. DeRozan also seemed to dismiss rumors that he might be interested in returning to his hometown of Los Angeles and signing with the Lakers. “Only thing appealing to me is the things I’ve done in this organization and the things I can do,” he said. (Twitter link).

Bismack Biyombo also expressed a preference for staying in Toronto, and said he has overheard GM Masai Ujiri state that he will do “whatever it takes” to keep the big man (Twitter link). “I love it up here and I would love to be back,” said Biyombo, who has a shot at getting maximum offers after his playoff performance. Biyombo, who has already decided to opt out of his $2.9MM deal for next season, adds that he would be willing to remain in a reserve role behind Jonas Valanciunas if necessary. “For me it’s about winning,” Biyombo said. “Starting or not starting, it doesn’t matter.” (Twitter link).

There’s more out of Toronto:

  • Kyle Lowry will undergo a physical later today, and the Raptors will determine whether the point guard needs surgery on his right elbow, Lewenberg tweets. Lowry offered support to coach Dwane Casey, saying, “That man is the all-time winningest coach here. He’s been great. … He’s grown every year since I’ve been here.” Casey is expected to receive an extension after being on shaky ground heading into the playoffs.
  • James Johnson and Jason Thompson won’t be back in Toronto, and Luis Scola and Biyombo could be leaving as well, opines Ryan Wolstat of The Toronto Sun. Wolstat writes that the Raptors’ biggest offseason challenge will be to add more shooting to the lineup without breaking up the current core. He also expects turnover on the Toronto bench, where Andy Greer, Rex Kalamian and Nick Nurse have all been rumored for other jobs.
  • Oklahoma point guard Isaiah Cousins will work out for the Raptors on Tuesday, tweets Adam Zagoria of SNY.tv.

Hoops Rumors Originals 5/22/16-5/28/16

Here’s a look back at the original analysis generated by the Hoops Rumors staff this past week.

Week In Review 5/22/16-5/28/16

Spurs forward Kawhi Leonard and Warriors forward Draymond Green were the leading vote-getters for the NBA’s All-Defensive teams for the 2015/16 season, with Leonard earning first-team votes from all 130 respondents. Leonard and Green were joined on the NBA All-Defensive first team by center DeAndre Jordan, along with guards Chris Paul and Avery Bradley.

The league also announced its three All-NBA teams for the 2015/16 season, with unanimous MVP Stephen Curry also leading the way in first-team nods (129) and overall points (645). After Curry, LeBron James and Russell Westbrook were the leading vote-getters, followed by Leonard. Jordan also earned a spot on the All-NBA first team.

Here’s more from the week that was:


NBA Draft News

Withdrawals

Workouts

  • Wade Baldwin: Worked out for the Nuggets and Suns.
  • DeAndre’ Bembry: Worked out for the Suns.
  • Ben Bentil: Worked out for the Pacers and Nuggets.
  • Jaron Blossomgame: Worked out for the Suns.
  • Joel Bolomboy: Worked out for the Hawks and Bucks.
  • Isaiah Briscoe: Worked out for the Hawks and Wolves.
  • Malcolm Brogdon: Worked out for the Clippers and Suns.
  • Michael Bryson: Worked out for the Suns.
  • Kyle Collinsworth: Worked out for the Wolves.
  • Stacy Davis: Worked out for the Suns.
  • Majok Deng: Worked out for the Wolves.
  • Cheick Diallo: Worked out for the Hawks.
  • Tyler Dorsey: Worked out for the Jazz.
  • A.J. English: Worked out for the Clippers.
  • Kay Felder: Worked out for the Pacers.
  • Yogi Ferrell: Worked out for the Jazz
  • Dorian Finney-Smith: Worked out for Jazz, Suns and Wolves.
  • Anthony Gill: Worked out for the Nuggets
  • Josh Hart: Worked out for the Hawks.
  • Nigel Hayes: Worked out for the  Jazz
  • Danuel House: Worked out for the Clippers.
  • Demetrius Jackson: Worked out for the Suns.
  • Venky Jois: Worked out for the Kings.
  • Damion Lee: Worked out for the Suns.
  • Shawn Long: Worked out for the Bucks.
  • Thon Maker: Worked out for the Jazz.
  • Armani Moore: Worked out for the Pacers.
  • Malik Newman: Worked out for the Knicks.
  • Retin Obasohan: Worked out for the Suns. 
  • Gary Payton II: Worked out for the Hawks and Clippers.
  • Marshall Plumlee: Worked out for the Clippers.
  • Taurean Prince: Worked out for the Suns.
  • Jalen Reynolds: Worked out for the Jazz
  • Diamond Stone: Worked out for the Hawks.
  • Rasheed Sulaimon: Worked out for the Pacers.
  • Caleb Swanigan: Worked out for the Pacers.
  • Mike Tobey: Worked out for the Kings and Jazz.
  • Jarrod Uthoff: Worked out for the Suns.
  • Fred VanVleet: Worked out for the Wolves.
  • Gavin Ware: Worked out for the Jazz
  • James Webb III: Worked out for the Suns.

Miscellaneous News