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Mavs Sign C.J. Williams, Finalize Camp Roster

September 19th, 2016 at 10:59am CST by Luke Adams

The Mavericks have filled up their offseason roster, finalizing their 20-man unit for training camp, the team announced today in a press release. According to the release, the Mavs used their final open roster spot to sign free agent guard C.J. Williams.

Williams, who played his college ball at North Carolina State from 2008 to 2012, has spent time in various international leagues over the last several seasons, playing for teams in France, Italy, and Cyprus. The 26-year-old also had a stint with the D-League’s Los Angeles D-Fenders in 2013/14. Playing for JDA Dijon Bourgogne last season, Williams averaged 11.9 PPG, 27. RPG, and 1.5 APG in 34 French League contests.

Exact terms of Williams’ deal aren’t yet known, but it figures to be a non-guaranteed, minimum-salary pact. Assuming that’s the case, it would give Dallas six players without fully guaranteed salaries for 2016/17, with those six players likely competing for the 15th and final spot on the Mavs’ regular-season roster.

For the full breakdown of the other 19 players on the Mavs’ training camp roster, be sure to check out the club’s depth chart at RosterResource.com.

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Talks Between Cavs, J.R. Smith Remain At Impasse

September 19th, 2016 at 10:26am CST by Luke Adams

J.R. Smith won’t attend the Cavaliers’ minicamp in California this week, since he and the team remain at an impasse in contract talks, reports Brian Windhorst of ESPN.com. Sources tell Windhorst that no recent progress has been made in contract discussions between the two sides.

Training camp won’t officially get underway for the Cavaliers until next week, but players and coaches are meeting in Santa Barbara this week for workouts. While Smith and the Cavs would both like to get something done within the next several days to ensure that the veteran guard is in attendance when training camp begins, Smith will likely be willing to miss part of camp if necessary, says Windhorst.

According to Windhorst, Smith is seeking a multiyear deal, which doesn’t come as a surprise. Last summer, the 31-year-old inked a two-year contract with a player option for year two, which he declined. This time around, he’s probably looking for a three- or four-year pact. Reports have indicated that Smith’s initial asking price was in the $15MM-per-year range, with the Cavs preferring something in the $10-12MM neighborhood. Last week, the former first-round pick suggested that he didn’t want to feel like he was “taking advantage” of the team in negotiations.

“Obviously we’re not where we want to be at from a personal standpoint,” Smith said. “But it’s more than just numbers. I don’t want to feel like I’m taking advantage of the Cavs for everything they’ve done for me, and I don’t want them to feel like I’m taking advantage of them. It’s more of a mutual respect thing.

Smith, who turned 31 this month, started a career-high 77 games for the Cavs during the 2015/16 season, and also started all 21 of the team’s playoff games. During the season, he averaged 12.4 PPG and shot 40.0% from long distance, making 2.6 threes per game. He increased those three-point numbers to 43.0% and 3.1 per game during the postseason.

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Atlantic Notes: Noel, Sixers, Jennings, Rozier

September 19th, 2016 at 8:59am CST by Luke Adams

After passing along a few items from out of the Atlantic division on Sunday afternoon, we’ve got a few more notes to round up this morning, so let’s dive in…

  • Nerlens Noel remains a trade candidate for the Sixers, but if the 22-year-old remains in Philadelphia for the final year of his rookie contract, head coach Brett Brown wants to see him emulate another big man who just parlayed a breakout contract year into a big new contract: Bismack Biyombo. As Keith Pompey of The Philadelphia Inquirer details, Brown compared Noel to Biyombo and Hall-of-Fame center Dikembe Mutombo, praising his physical gifts. “Do your job and we will help you,” Brown said. “The league will reward that. The 76ers will reward that. He will be rewarded for playing like that.”
  • Given the massive rebuild undertaken by the franchise, Brett Brown‘s record during his first three seasons with the Sixers can’t really be held against him. However, with excitement and expectations increasing in Philadelphia, the job Brown does with this year’s roster may go a long way to determining whether he’ll be the team’s long-term coach, suggests Bob Cooney of The Philadelphia Daily News.
  • Having signed a one-year deal with the Knicks this summer, Brandon Jennings recently said on The Stashed’s 33rd & 7th podcast with Anthony Donahue that he’s “more hungry than ever” to prove what he can do on the court (link via Ian Begley of ESPN.com).
  • A. Sherrod Blakely of CSNNE.com identifies Terry Rozier as a Celtics player worth keeping an eye on in camp. Rozier is one of 16 players with guaranteed contracts heading into camp, and Blakely thinks Rozier may be a potential trade candidate if the C’s don’t plan on having him get regular playing time this season.
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Weekly Mailbag: 9/12/16-9/18/16

September 18th, 2016 at 9:59pm CST by Arthur Hill

We have an opportunity for you to hit us up with your questions in this, our weekly mailbag feature. Have a question regarding player movement, the salary cap or the NBA draft? Drop us a line at HoopsRumorsMailbag@Gmail.com. Here are this week’s inquiries:

Will Kevin Garnett be back with the up-and-coming Timberwolves for a NBA record 22nd season? One would think Garnett’s decision should be easy with the longevity milestone within reach and $8MM on the table. Is there any truth to the rumor that there was a falling out between him and new Minnesota coach Tom Thibodeau when they were together in Boston? Is it possible that KG plays for someone other than the T’Wolves this year? — Matt Trapp

The Wolves are still waiting for a definite answer from Garnett, but the record and the money are strong incentives to return for another year. It’s not like Garnett played all that much last season. He averaged 14.6 minutes per night for 38 games until injuries knocked him out of action. There’s no reason he can’t handle a limited workload. There were reports after Thibodeau was hired that he and Garnett maintained a good relationship and having him as coach might be enough to make Garnett continue as an active player. Garnett reportedly wants to transition into an ownership role with Minnesota, so there’s almost no chance he winds up with another team.

I thought the Bucks might move Greg Monroe after the free agent dust settled in July, but obviously that didn’t happen. Do you see them making a move before the season starts? — Brad Polczynski

The Monroe trade rumors have dragged out all summer, and it’s easy to understand why. After being heralded as a rare big-name free agent who chose the Bucks, he turned out to be a poor fit. Plus, he still has two years and $35MM left on his contract. There have been rumors that the Pelicans are interested, but this is historically a difficult time to make a trade. Maybe once we get to December 15th and offseason signees are eligible to be dealt, the trade market for Monroe will heat up.

Do the NBA draftees and veteran players invited to training camps get paid even if they don’t make the final cut? — Greg Dizon

It depends on the team, the player and his agent, but many camp invitees get some kind of guarantee. It’s not a way to get rich, but it gives the player an incentive to join an NBA team’s camp rather than signing overseas.

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Poll: 2008 NBA Draft Take Two (Pick No. 28)

September 18th, 2016 at 8:38pm CST by Arthur Hill

Scouting players and predicting how their skills will translate to the NBA is one of the more difficult tasks front offices have on their plates. Looking back over past drafts and how many lottery picks never evolved into stars, or even made a significant impact in the league, illustrates just how often stats, combine numbers and pure gut instinct often come up short.

Of course, we get the opportunity to critique these moves with the benefit of hindsight — a luxury that GMs don’t have on draft night. Having said that, it’s still fun to go back in time and take a theoretical look at how these drafts should have/could have gone.

We’ve been revisiting the 2008 draft, which had a number of players who have gone on to post big numbers in the league. This was the year of Derrick Rose (No. 1 overall), Russell Westbrook (No. 4), Kevin Love (No. 5), Brook Lopez (No. 10) and Nicolas Batum (No. 25). Over the next few weeks, we’ll be posting a series of polls asking readers to vote on whom teams should have selected in each spot.

We’ve arrived at the No. 28 overall pick, which was held by Memphis. In the “real world” draft, the Grizzlies selected Donte Greene and shipped him to Houston in a three-team deal on draft night. Greene is still around in our re-draft, but so are some other players who have had NBA success. So cast your vote for who Memphis selects and check back on Monday to see the results, as well as to vote on whom the Pistons take with the No. 29 pick.

Also, don’t limit yourself to a simple button click. Take to the comments section below and share your thoughts on the pick and why you voted the way that you did. If we fail to list a player who you think should be selected, feel free to post that in the comments section and we’ll be certain to tally those votes as well.

  1. Bulls — Russell Westbrook [Actual Pick — Derrick Rose]
  2. Heat — Kevin Love [Actual Pick — Michael Beasley]
  3. Wolves — Derrick Rose [Actual Pick — O.J. Mayo]
  4. Sonics/Thunder — DeAndre Jordan [Actual Pick — Russell Westbrook]
  5. Grizzlies — Brook Lopez [Actual Pick — Kevin Love]
  6. Knicks — Serge Ibaka  [Actual Pick — Danilo Gallinari]
  7. Clippers — Nicolas Batum [Actual Pick — Eric Gordon]
  8. Bucks — Goran Dragic [Actual Pick — Joe Alexander]
  9. Bobcats/Hornets — Danilo Gallinari [Actual Pick — D.J. Augustin]
  10. Nets — Ryan Anderson [Actual Pick — Brook Lopez]
  11. Blazers (from Pacers) — Eric Gordon [Actual Pick — Jerryd Bayless]
  12. Kings — George Hill  [Actual Pick — Jason Thompson]
  13. Pacers (from Blazers) — Robin Lopez [Actual Pick — Brandon Rush]
  14. Warriors — Courtney Lee [Actual Pick — Anthony Randolph]
  15. Suns — Roy Hibbert [Actual Pick — Robin Lopez]
  16. Sixers— Nikola Pekovic [Actual Pick  — Marreese Speights]
  17. Raptors — O.J. Mayo [Actual Pick — Roy Hibbert]
  18. Wizards — Mario Chalmers [Actual Pick — JaVale McGee]
  19. Cavaliers — Timofey Mozgov [Actual Pick  — J.J. Hickson]
  20. Bobcats/Hornets (from Nuggets) — Michael Beasley [Actual Pick — Alexis Ajinca]
  21. Nets (from Mavs) — Omer Asik [Actual Pick — Ryan Anderson]
  22. Magic  — D.J. Augustin [Actual Pick — Courtney Lee]
  23. Jazz — Marreese Speights [Actual Pick — Kosta Koufos]
  24. Sonics/Thunder (from Suns) — Jerryd Bayless [Actual Pick — Serge Ibaka]
  25. Rockets — Kosta Koufos [Actual Pick — Nicolas Batum]
  26. Spurs — JaVale McGee [Actual Pick — George Hill]
  27. Hornets — J.J. Hickson [Actual Pick — Darrell Arthur]
  28. Grizzlies — ?? [Actual Pick — Donte Greene]

If you’re a Trade Rumors app user, click here to vote.

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Thunder Notes: Presti, Westbrook, Huestis, Christon

September 18th, 2016 at 7:22pm CST by Arthur Hill

The Thunder never gave much consideration to trading Russell Westbrook after Kevin Durant announced he was leaving for the Warriors, relays Gary Washburn of The Boston Globe. Because Westbrook was headed for free agency next summer, there was speculation that Oklahoma City might try to move him instead of risking another huge loss. Instead, Westbrook agreed to a three-year extension and will try to lead the Thunder into a new era without Durant or Serge Ibaka. “The first thing is Russell is a tremendous competitor but also highly intelligent,” said GM Sam Presti. “He understands that the approach that we have to take in order to maximize ourselves is going to be one first, making sure we’re sound fundamentally and we’re continually growing through the season. That’s always kind of been a staple of the organization.”

There’s more news out of Oklahoma City:

  • The departure of Durant and Ibaka may open some opportunities for Josh Huestis, according to Erik Horne of The Oklahoman. The 6’7″ power forward has seen almost no NBA action since being drafted 29th overall by Oklahoma City in 2014. He has spent most of his career in the D-League, logging just 55 minutes in five games with the Thunder last season. “Of course we’re gonna miss those guys on and off the court,” Huestis said of Durant and Ibaka, “but it is, it’s exciting. It’s a new look for us. A lot of new players. But it’s still exciting to see what everything is going to be like, how everybody’s going to work together when it all gets started.”
  • Semaj Christon is facing long odds to make the Thunder roster once again, Horne writes in a separate piece. A second-round pick in 2014, Oklahoma City thought Christon might be ready last year after a strong showing in summer league, but he opted to play in Italy instead. With D.J. Augustin traded and Randy Foye leaving in free agency, it appeared an opportunity might be created for the 23-year-old Christon, but this summer’s signing of Ronnie Price may have changed that. Still, Christon remains optimistic as he prepares for his first training camp with the Thunder. “I don’t have to score the ball or do a lot of different things … just getting guys open and getting them in the right position where they’re comfortable,” Christon said. “That was the biggest thing for me, and playing defense, being a lockdown defender.”
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Alex Davis Will Return To D-League

September 18th, 2016 at 6:02pm CST by Arthur Hill

Alex Davis, who played for one of the Magic’s summer league teams, has committed to return to the D-League this season, tweets international basketball writer David Pick. Davis will join Orlando’s D-League affiliate, the Erie Bay Hawks.

The 6’9″ forward appeared in 50 games for Erie last season, averaging 8.6 points and 5.3 rebounds per night.

The 24-year-old, who played college ball at Fresno State, was part of the Orlando White team in the Orlando Summer League. He averaged 5.4 points and 3.0 rebounds in five games.

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Atlantic Notes: Celtics, Sixers, Nets

September 18th, 2016 at 4:55pm CST by Will Joseph

While nothing appears imminent, Kelly Olynyk is “very much a player to keep an eye on” regarding trade possibilities for the Celtics, A. Sherrod Blakely of CSNNE.com relays. Some teams like the Raptors will likely reach out about acquiring the big man once the season progresses, Blakely writes. That’s because while Olynyk has shown flashes of promise, it remains unclear how consistent he can play at a high level and be utilized effectively in Boston, Blakely adds.

Here’s more from around the Atlantic Division:

  • Realizing that they do not possess the same level of talent as other teams do, the Nets believe their best bet to win games is to be willing to outwork teams, Brian Lewis of the New York Post writes. The Nets’ staff epitomizes that, Lewis adds, because of their traveling to see players and work with them, which is a reflection of coach Kenny Atkinson, who is known for player development.
  • Dario Saric is only 22 and has yet to play in a regular season game, but Sixers coach Brett Brown thinks Saric’s experience overseas is more important than his age, Jessica Camerato of CSNPhilly.com relays. Saric started his pro career in 2009, and at the age of 15, he played for Zrinjevac in his native country Croatia, as Camerato points out.
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Hoops Links: Grizzlies, Knicks, Jazz

September 18th, 2016 at 2:30pm CST by Will Joseph

Every Sunday, we link to some of the very best work from around the basketball blogosphere. Do you have a link to a great basketball blog post – either your own or someone else’s – that you want to see featured on Hoops Rumors? Then you should send it to us at HoopsLinks@gmail.com. Here’s this week’s rundown …

Please send submissions for Hoops Links to Zach at HoopsLinks@gmail.com.

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Atlantic Notes: Mutombo, Brown, Simmons

September 18th, 2016 at 12:55pm CST by ChrisCrouse

The Raptors have added Patrick Mutombo to their coaching staff, Blake Murphy of the Raptors Republic reports (Twitter link). Mutombo previously was an assistant coach with the Nuggets and more recently, an assistant coach with the Austin Spurs of the D-League.

Here’s more

  • Brett Brown remains focused on developing a culture within the Sixers organization, Keith Pompey of the Philadelphia Inquirer writes. “Those things ultimately matter,” said Brown. “Maybe not so much to the outside world, but if you really want to grow a program [it does]. I’ve seen what championships look like. I’ve seen five times what it takes to play in June. . . . So the growth sometimes might not be as quantifiable to the outside world. But I know it.”
  • While the Sixers will closely monitor Joel Embiid‘s minutes, rookie Ben Simmons will have no minutes restrictions and is expected to play over 30 minutes a game, Pompey passes along in the same piece. Simmons is also expected to take reigns of the offense early on.
  • Brown believes Dario Saric‘s experience playing in Europe will help him transition to the NBA, Jessica Camerato of Comcast Sportsnet writes. “He sort of contradicts his birth certificate in that his basketball experiences are rich,” Brown said.. “He’s not a kid. He’s no kid. He’s 22, but he’s no kid.” Saric was drafted by the Magic with the 12th pick in the 2014 draft before being traded to the Sixers.

 

 

 

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