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Knicks Passed On Jeremy Lin Because Of Defense?

September 18th, 2016 at 11:29am CST by ChrisCrouse

The Knicks weren’t interested in bringing Jeremy Lin back to New York because of his struggles on the defensive end, a source told Brian Lewis of The New York Post. New York opted to trade for Derrick Rose and sign Brandon Jennings in free agency to sure up the point guard position.

Lin believes that the notion that he has trouble on the defensive end is overblown. “These are knocks on my game that, when I was a younger player, I’d agree with,’’ Lin said. “I’ve improved. It just hasn’t been highlighted.’’

Lewis notes that Lin was 20th among point guards in ESPN’s Defensive Real Plus/Minus. The 28-year-old actually ranked better than both Rose and Jennings in the metric. He also ranked ahead of Rajon Rondo, Kemba Walker, Elfrid Payton and Dennis Schroder among others.

It’s worth noting that none of the aforementioned players carried a plus rating on the defensive end. Neither did Lin and he’ll likely square off against better talent starting for the Nets this year than he did coming off the bench for the Hornets last season.

Brooklyn invested heavily in Lin this offseason, inking him to a three year, $36MM deal. The Nets lack talent in the backcourt, so Lin’s defense will be crucial to the team surpassing its low expectations.

Do you think the Knicks made the right move to pass on Lin? How will he do with the Nets? Take to the comments section below to share your thoughts and opinions.

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Pistons Notes: Jackson, Brown, Hilliard

September 18th, 2016 at 10:00am CST by ChrisCrouse

The Pistons have a young, talented core and Reggie Jackson knows its up to him to lead the team, Rod Beard of The Detroit News writes. “The organization put that upon us and myself to step up this year and be an even more impactful leader and more of a voice of reason and direction for our guys,” Jackson said. “I know I have a little more burden on my shoulders but it’s something I asked for and something I wanted. We’ll figure it out collectively.”

Here’s more from Detroit:

  • Lorenzo Brown appears to have the inside track on the Pistons‘ third point guard spot, Beard speculates in the same piece. “(We’re looking for) a guy we think will help us the most and is the most ready to step in and play,” executive/coach Stan Van Gundy said. “[Brown and Ray McCallum Jr.] both [are] just playing to their strengths and we’ll make that decision when the time comes.” Both Brown and McCallum Jr. are on non-guaranteed deals.
  • Darrun Hilliard missed Summer League with a back injury, but he appears to be healthy, Beard passes along in the same piece. “[The trainers] are trying to limit his workload a little bit but for the most part, he’s been doing everything,” Van Gundy said. “He’s actually doing pretty well.”
  • Ish Smith is drawing praise from his new teammates, Beard adds in a separate piece. “We’ve played and I feel like Ish is going to be something like Brandon [Jennings] with his ability to pass, see and change pace to get the game going — it’s going to be special to watch,” Stanley Johnson said. “Especially with guys like me and [Kentavious Caldwell-Pope] running the lane.” Smith signed a three year, $18MM deal with the Pistons in July.
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Atlantic Notes: Noah, Porzingis, Rose, Embiid

September 17th, 2016 at 9:46pm CST by Arthur Hill

Joakim Noah‘s intensity has already made an impression on at least one of his new teammates, relays Ian Begley of ESPN.com. At a youth camp today in Westchester, N.Y., Kristaps Porzingis told the story of his first meeting with Noah and the Knicks‘ new center’s dedication to the upcoming season. “That’s the type of guy that we want on our team,” Porzingis said. “He brings that good energy. He brings that spirit, you know? So from the first opportunity that we got to talk, I fell in love with [his intensity].” The addition of Noah should also limit the amount of time that Porzingis spends playing center, which many people believe will eventually become his primary position. Noah, who signed a four-year, $72MM deal with the Knicks in July, is hoping for a bounce-back year after being limited to 29 games last season because of an injured shoulder.

There’s more tonight from the Atlantic Division:

  • Porzingis also addressed Derrick Rose‘s “super team” comment from earlier this summer, writes Barbara Barker of Newsday. Porzingis says the statement was just a sign of confidence and he agrees with Rose that the Knicks have the talent to be very good. He added that Rose has looked impressive in pickup games. “He’s still got it. He’s still Derrick Rose,” Porzingis said. “I’m excited to play with him. He draws so much attention. When he’s driving, he’s so dangerous. I’m going to be wide open, and that’s what I’m looking forward to.”
  • The Sixers‘ crowded frontcourt means players are going to have to earn their minutes more than ever, and the way to do that is to adapt to coach Brett Brown’s new up-tempo approach, according to Jessica Camerato of CSNPhilly.com. Brown is calling on players to get in “career-best shape” before reporting to training camp and said their roles will be determined by their ability to do that.
  • Joel Embiid may be cleared to play, but the Sixers will rely heavily on their medical staff to determine when and how often he takes the court, writes Keith Pompey of The Philadelphia Inquirer. Embiid is expected to start the season with restricted minutes and probably won’t play on back-to-back nights.
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Community Shootaround: Dwyane Wade

September 17th, 2016 at 8:15pm CST by Arthur Hill

Spending 13 years together as teammates can create a strong friendship. Dwyane Wade and Udonis Haslem both broke into the NBA with the Heat during the 2003/04 season, although they entered the league under vastly different circumstances. Wade was the fifth player taken in the 2003 draft, while Haslem went undrafted in 2002 and spent a year in France before signing with Miami as a free agent.

Wade is gone now from the Heat, signing a two-year, $47MM deal with the Bulls in July. He leaves with three NBA titles, two other finals appearances and a host of career franchise records. Haslem is still there, one of the few constants in an offseason roster shakeup. The bonds they formed through years of winning and losing are strong, so it’s understandable that they feel an absence as the opening of training camp nears.

Wade was back in Miami this morning, participating in a bike ride with police to promote unity. Asked what he’ll miss most about playing for the Heat, he immediately mentioned Haslem’s name. Haslem had the same reaction, but with an interesting addition.

“I was thinking more him of him coming here,” Haslem said when asked about the possibility of he and Wade ever joining forces again. “I never said [I’d leave the Heat]. I won’t ever say that. When I said play with him again, I never said leave.”

Wade’s deal with Chicago includes the chance to opt out of a $23.8MM salary for 2017/18 and become a free agent again. Although contract talks broke down with the Heat this summer, Wade didn’t leave on bad terms. Team president Pat Riley said he regrets how the negotiations worked out and admitted that he should have done more to keep Wade in Miami.

That brings us to tonight’s question: Will Wade ever decide to return to the Heat? He is still a beloved figure in Miami and is highly respected throughout the organization, It would create a buzz throughout the league if it happened next summer, and he would get a reception that would rival LeBron James‘ homecoming in Cleveland.

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

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Southwest Notes: Matthews, Williams, Barnes

September 17th, 2016 at 6:43pm CST by Arthur Hill

The Mavericks feel like they have an all-new starting backcourt this season, even though Wesley Matthews and Deron Williams are both returning, writes Eddie Sefko of The Dallas Morning News. The Mavs signed both players during the summer of 2015, but they were dealing with injuries that limited their effectiveness. Matthews was coming off surgery for a ruptured left Achilles tendon and was noticeably slower throughout the year. Williams, who received medical clearance this week to participate in the start of training camp, underwent surgery for a sports hernia after Dallas was eliminated from the playoffs.

“I hope D-Will can stay healthy,” said Dirk Nowitzki. “I think when he was healthy last year, he was a key player for us, at times even our best player, so hopefully he can stay healthy. And I’ve heard Wes was a beast in the gym basically since we lost [in the playoffs]. I hear he’s in unbelievable shape and ready to go. It should be another fun, hopefully exciting and competitive year.”

There’s more news out of the Southwest Division:

  • Harrison Barnes hasn’t been a featured scorer since high school, but Dallas is counting on him to be one this season, writes Shaun Powell of NBA.com. After Barnes became expendable when Kevin Durant committed to the Warriors, the Mavericks gave him a four-year, $94MM contract and projected an expanded role for him in their offense. Barnes averaged 10 points and 4.6 rebounds per game in four years with Golden State.
  • Monty Williams, who joined the Spurs Friday as vice president of basketball operations, hasn’t ruled out a return to coaching someday, tweets Jabari Young of The San Antonio Express-News. In the meantime, the Spurs will groom Williams for a front office role.
  • The Rockets swapped out one frequently injured player for three, write Moke Hamilton of Basketball Insiders in the site’s season preview of Houston. Dwight Howard may have taken his back problems to Atlanta, but Rockets signed three free agents in Ryan Anderson, Eric Gordon and Nene who have long injury histories of their own.
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Poll: 2008 NBA Draft Take Two (Pick No. 27)

September 17th, 2016 at 5:04pm 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. 27 overall pick, which was held by the New Orleans Hornets. In the “real world” draft, the Hornets chose Darrell Arthur, but he wound up with the Trail Blazers and Grizzlies before draft night was over. Arthur is still on the board in our draft, but so are some other intriguing possibilities. So cast your vote for who the Hornets select and check back on Sunday to see the results, as well as to vote on whom the Grizzlies take with the No. 28 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 — ?? [Actual Pick — Darrell Arthur]

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

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Udonis Haslem Hopes To Play With Wade Again

September 17th, 2016 at 3:30pm CST by Luke Adams

As we noted earlier today, Dwyane Wade admitted on Saturday morning that the one think he’ll miss most about playing for the Heat is his longtime teammate Udonis Haslem. Per Barry Jackson of The Miami Herald, that feeling is mutual. Haslem referred to Wade as “family,” adding that he’ll support him “through thick and thin.”

Haslem and Wade have been teammates in Miami since the 2003/04 season, but with Wade having signed in Chicago earlier this summer, they’ll be opponents in 2016/17. Still, both players can hit the free agent market again next year, and they likely won’t retire quite yet, so there’s a realistic chance of a reunion at some point, as Haslem told Jackson.

“I’m going to damn sure try,” Haslem said, when asked about the possibility of potentially finishing his career alongside Wade. “I mean, I don’t know. I guess I’ve got to wait until next summer to see how that goes. But, I never give up without a fight. So there’s ain’t no time to start now.”

While Wade heads to Chicago, Haslem is preparing to enter his 14th season with the Heat, and while he’d like to reunite with Wade eventually, he may not want to leave Miami to do so. “I was thinking more him of him coming here,” Haslem said. “I never said [I’d leave the Heat]. I won’t ever say that. When I said play with him again, I never said leave.”

The idea of Wade eventually returning to South Beach for one final season with Haslem may appeal to the 36-year-old big man and to many Heat fans, but as Jackson observes, it’s not clear how realistic that scenario is. Heat president Pat Riley and Wade didn’t part on the best of terms, having still not communicated with one another since the former Finals MVP left the Heat more than two months ago.

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Yi Jianlian Not Worried About Re-Adjusting To NBA

September 17th, 2016 at 2:22pm CST by Luke Adams

Yi Jianlian will return to the NBA this season for the first time since the 2011/12 campaign, and while his one-year contract with the Lakers is mostly non-guaranteed and packed with incentives, the fact that it can be worth up to $8MM suggests the team believes the Chinese forward can be productive. For his part, Yi says he’s not worried about re-adjusting to the NBA after spending the last several seasons in China.

“I think I’ll have no problem with that,” Yi said, according to Baxter Holmes of ESPN.com. “I can do it.”

Of course, given Yi’s history, one could argue that it won’t be a matter of re-adjusting to the NBA — it’ll be a matter of simply adjusting, since his first stint stateside didn’t go all that well. After being selected sixth overall in the 2007 draft, the seven-footer played for four NBA teams in five seasons, averaging 7.9 PPG and 4.9 RPG with a shooting line of .404/.333/.780 in 272 career contests.

Still, Yi did show flashes of promise during his time in the NBA, averaging 12.0 PPG and 7.9 RPG with a .366 3PT% in 2009/10 for the Nets. As Holmes details, the 28-year-old believes that all of the experience he has gained playing in China for the last few seasons – and for the Chinese Olympic team – has helped him get stronger and more confident.

Yi will also face less pressure this time around, as a complementary veteran on a rebuilding club, rather than a top-10 pick viewed as the future of a franchise. According to Holmes, Yi viewed the timing as right for an NBA return, and said that joining the Lakers is a “good opportunity” for him.

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Hoops Rumors Originals: 9/11/16 – 9/17/16

September 17th, 2016 at 1:22pm CST by Eddie Scarito

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

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Heat Notes: Wade, Haslem, Offseason, Bosh

September 17th, 2016 at 12:03pm CST by Luke Adams

For the first time since 2003, Dwyane Wade will begin training camp this month with a team besides the Heat. Asked what he’ll miss the most now that he’s no longer playing in Miami, Wade said that he’ll miss longtime teammate Udonis Haslem, according to Ira Winderman of The South Florida Sun Sentinel (via Twitter). Like Wade, Haslem joined the franchise for the 2003/04 season and has been in South Beach ever since — of course, unlike Wade, Haslem re-signed with the Heat this summer.

Here’s more out of Miami:

  • As Bobby Marks of The Vertical details in his rundown of the Heat’s offseason, the team was forced to use nearly $20MM in cap room during a tight window after losing Wade in early July, since that space wouldn’t have been available if the team had matched Tyler Johnson‘s offer sheet first. The result? A handful of short-term deals that essentially serve as placeholders while the club retools.
  • Within a mailbag this week for the Sun Sentinel, Winderman discusses the short- and long-term outlooks for Chris Bosh and Haslem, who may have coaching in his future. Winderman also tackled more Bosh-related concerns and addressed LeBron James‘ lingering influence in Miami in a separate mailbag.
  • In another Sun Sentinel piece, Winderman examines the Heat’s current roster and their departed veterans in a player-by-player breakdown.
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