2016 December | Hoops Rumors

Following Specific Players On Hoops Rumors

December 29th, 2016 at 2:55pm CST by Luke Adams

Hoops Rumors lets you keep up with your favorite teams as they plot their moves, and we also provide ways to easily follow the latest on all of your favorite players and trade candidates. You can get news about players wherever you go with our Trade Rumors app, available for iOS and Android devices. The app is free and allows you to add a feed for any player and set up notifications that will alert you whenever we write about him.

Every player we’ve written about has his own rumors page. You can find any player by using our search box (located in the right sidebar); by clicking his tag at the bottom of a post in which he’s discussed; or, by simply typing his name in your address bar after hoopsrumors.com, substituting dashes for spaces. For example, Kevin Durant’s page is hoopsrumors.com/kevin-durant.

You can also set up an RSS feed for any of our player pages by adding /feed to the end of the page URL, like this: hoopsrumors.com/demarcus-cousins/feed. Entering that URL into the reader of your choice should enable you to get updates whenever we write about DeMarcus Cousins. It works for teams, too. If you’re a Kings fan, you can enter hoopsrumors.com/sacramento-kings/feed into your reader and stay on top of all the latest from Sacramento.

In addition to players and teams, there are a number of other subjects you can track by clicking on the tags that we use at the bottom of posts. You can keep tabs on news related to the Collective Bargaining Agreement right here. Items about the NBA D-League can be found on this page. You can simply scan our top stories here. Again, you can set up a feed with any of these pages by adding /feed to the end of the URL.

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Hoops Rumors Originals

Van Gundy: “Everything Is On The Table” To Stop Pistons’ Slide

December 29th, 2016 at 2:03pm CST by Luke Adams

After a solid home win against Cleveland earlier this week, the Pistons appeared to be on their way toward righting the ship, but Detroit suffered another bad home loss on Wednesday night, falling 119-94 to Milwaukee. It was the club’s sixth loss in seven games, prompting head coach Stan Van Gundy to point out that the mounting losses are jeopardizing the Pistons’ playoff chances (link via Rod Beard of The Detroit News).

“[We’re] certainly not out of it by any means,” Van Gundy said of his team, which is currently tied for 11th in the East with a 15-19 record. “But every loss puts you in more jeopardy, especially when you’re losing at home like we are. There’s no question that you have to understand that. You can’t run from the fact that all those losses are putting you in jeopardy.”

Van Gundy has already made some changes to the Pistons’ lineup and rotation in an effort to pull the team out of its funk, and with the losses piling up, he says that “everything is on the table” as a potential solution (Twitter link via Beard).

However, with nearly two months to go before February’s trade deadline, it sounds like Van Gundy still isn’t ready to seriously explore making a trade that would shake up the roster. According to Beard (via Twitter), Van Gundy said today that he hasn’t heard about teams calling Detroit with trade proposals. The Pistons’ president of basketball operations would rather work with what he has than blow things up.

“I’m focused on getting this group to play better and to try to figure this out,” Van Gundy said (link via Beard). “My focus is not on changing everything. I’ve seen this group win; I know this group can win. I know this group can be good; I know this group should be better than it is. I’m approaching it as a coaching issue. I’ve got a team that is underachieving where they should be, from a coaching standpoint. That’s how my thought process is right now: How do we get this team playing better, bringing more consistent energy?”

While Van Gundy may still have confidence in his current group, the team’s results over the next month or month and a half will go a long way toward determining whether another deadline deal will be required. The Pistons weren’t necessarily expected to be as active on the trade market at the 2017 deadline after making major moves in each of the past two Februarys.

The Pistons’ next opportunity to get back into the win column will come on Friday night in Atlanta.

Community Shootaround: Best NBA Stories Of 2016

December 29th, 2016 at 12:30pm CST by Luke Adams

In less than 72 hours, we’ll turn the page on 2016, a year that has provided us with a handful of historical NBA moments. We’ve seen records broken, legends retire, and history made over the course of the last 12 months, so before we welcome 2017, it’s worth taking a look back at some of the stories we’ll remember from the past year.

Several NBA.com reporters did just that in a Blogtable feature, with Steve Aschburner, Flan Blinebury, Scott Howard-Cooper, John Schuhmann, Sekou Smith, and Lang Whitaker weighing in on their favorite memories from 2016.

The NBA.com piece hits all the beats you would expect — the Warriors‘ 73-win season; the Cavaliers‘ improbable comeback and championship win; Kevin Durant‘s decision to leave Oklahoma City for Golden State; and new Collective Bargaining Agreement that signals several more years of NBA labor peace.

Of course, the NBA.com feature focuses on the “biggest” stories of 2016, and it’s hard to make the case that there were many stories bigger than the ones they mentioned. We want to open up the discussion a little more, and ask you about the stories you thought were the best or most memorable of 2016.

For some Lakers fans, for instance, the best story of 2016 might have been Kobe Bryant‘s farewell tour culminating in a 60-point explosion in his final NBA game. For other Lakers fans, 2016’s best story may have been the team turning the page on the Bryant era and beginning a new chapter under Luke Walton, with a handful of young, exciting players leading the way.

What do you think? As the year comes to an end, what NBA stories, players, teams, or moments do you expect to remember most about 2016? Jump into the comments section below to share your thoughts!

Bulls Waive R.J. Hunter

December 29th, 2016 at 9:55am CST by Luke Adams

Second-year guard R.J. Hunter has been waived for the second time in the last three months, with the Bulls issuing a press release today announcing that the team has parted ways with Hunter. The move reduces Chicago’s roster count to 14.

Hunter, 23, was the 28th overall pick in the 2015 draft, but only lasted one year with the Celtics, becoming the victim of a roster crunch in Boston this October. The Bulls snapped up Hunter shortly after he cleared waivers, but he saw very limited action in his two months with the team, appearing in just three games.

In 36 games last season with the C’s, Hunter averaged 2.7 PPG and 1.0 RPG in 8.8 minutes per contest. The Georgia State product has been more productive in the D-League, averaging 15.6 PPG, 4.5 RPG, 3.8 APG, and 1.9 SPG in 13 total NBADL contests for the Maine Red Claws and Windy City Bulls.

Assuming he goes unclaimed on waivers, Hunter will become an unrestricted free agent again this weekend. The Bulls, meanwhile, will carry only a partial cap hit for him, since he had been on a non-guaranteed salary. Hunter’s deal would have become fully guaranteed if the club hadn’t waived him by January 9.

Injuries May Lead To Retirement For Nikola Pekovic

December 29th, 2016 at 8:58am CST by Luke Adams

Veteran Timberwolves center Nikola Pekovic has been ruled out for the season, and now has admitted that retirement may be in the cards for him. Pekovic, who will turn 31 next week, acknowledged during a press conference in Serbia that his health issues could make it impossible for him to return to the court, according to a Mondo.rs report (translation via Emiliano Carchia of Sportando).

“For two years I have struggled with this injury,” Pekovic said of his troublesome ankle and Achilles. “I have been mentally exhausted. This year I went to Minneapolis for two months and I did everything possible to return to the court, but there are times when you simply can’t. I can’t run without pain.”

Pekovic had a couple very productive seasons for the Timberwolves in 2012/13 and 2013/14, averaging 16.9 PPG and 8.7 RPG in 116 games during that stretch. However, he has long been plagued by injuries, having never appeared in more than 65 games in a season. Last year, Pekovic played just 12 times before being shut down, and before training camp this year, Wolves owner Glen Taylor confirmed that the veteran big man wouldn’t play for the team in 2016/17, though he remains on the 15-man roster.

The Wolves are currently on the hook for $12.1MM this season for Pekovic, and $11.6MM in 2017/18. However, the situation is somewhat similar to Chris Bosh‘s in Miami. As of January 31, if Pekovic is ruled medically ineligible to play by a doctor jointly approved by the NBA and NBPA, the team could get salary cap relief for his contract. Pekovic would still earn the remaining salary on his contract, but Minnesota would be able to wipe the deal from its books for cap purposes.

For now, there’s no rush for either side to make a final decision, but as January 31 nears, we’ll likely get a better idea of what the plan is for Pekovic and the Wolves.

And-Ones: Jackson, Griffin, Bogut

December 28th, 2016 at 10:45pm CST by ChrisCrouse

Phil Jackson announced via Twitter that he and Lakers team president Jeanie Buss have decided to end their engagement, explaining how the distance between the two has made sustaining a relationship a difficult feat. Jackson is under contract with the Knicks for two more seasons after this one, but his contract contains a mutual option that would allow either side to opt out this upcoming summer. Tim Bontemps of The Washington Post speculates that the decision to part ways with Buss could mean that Jackson is planning on staying on as New York’s team president. The Zen Master will make $12MM if he returns to the Knicks next season.

Here’s more from around the league:

When Jackson took the Knicks‘ job, the league made Jackson and Buss sign documents to ensure there would be no conflicts of interest between the two clubs, Ramona Shelburne of ESPN.com reports. Sources tell Shelburne that the documents included a provision that the duo inform the NBA and its owner should they ever decided to marry.
Jackson had long been rumored to be a candidate for a role in the Lakers’ front office should Buss decide to make changes, though with the news of their break-up, it appears that door has closed, Bill Oram of the Los Angeles Daily News writes. Oram speculates that Jerry West return to the organization in some capacity should the team make organizational changes.
Kevin O’Connor of The Ringer details how the Clippers are finding success without Blake Griffin in the lineup and the scribe wonders if the team should trade the oft-injured power forward. O’Connor notes that Griffin’s contract, which expires after this season, could dissuade rival teams from giving up valuable assets for the him, as he could simply walk in free agency.
Despite owner Mark Cuban‘s declaration that the team isn’t interested in tanking, the Mavericks would be wise to trade Andrew Bogut with the future in mind, O’Connor argues in the same piece. O’Connor lists several teams, including the Blazers and the Celtics, that could use the big man’s defense.

Northwest Notes: Hill, Burks, Oladipo, Wolves

December 28th, 2016 at 9:30pm CST by ChrisCrouse

George Hill, who has been sidelined with a toe injury, could return as soon as Thursday against the Sixers, according to Tim MacMahon of ESPN.com (ESPN Now link). The Jazz traded for Hill during the offseason, but the point guard has only been able to play in 11 contests due to injuries.

Here’s more from the Northwest Division:

Alec Burks is making strides toward getting back on the court and the Jazz are excited to have the shooting guard back at practice, Aaron Falk of The Salt Lake Tribune writes. This week was the first time Burks practiced since breaking his ankle last season.
Victor Oladipo remains out of the lineup, but the Thunder are viewing his absence as an opportunity to evaluate the team’s depth, as Brett Dawson of The Oklahoman passes along. “We’ve found maybe different things that we can do that maybe we wouldn’t have had the opportunity to explore, to experiment with,” coach Billy Donovan said. “Hopefully when he gets back, his absence has made us better and helped our team grow in a way that we can continue to move in a positive direction.”
Jordan Hill hasn’t played much since joining the Wolves, but he remains optimistic about his role in the organization and the team’s future, as Kent Youngblood of the Star Tribune writes. “In a couple years, man, I feel this team will definitely be a surprise,” Hill said.
Coach Tom Thibodeau is having trouble finding minutes for Brandon Rush, whom the Wolves signed in the offseason, Youngblood relays in the same piece. “It’s tough to play 10 guys,” Thibodeau said. “We’re settled in a rotation right now. But that doesn’t mean it will stay that way. He’s a good pro, works hard every day.”

NBA D-League Assignments/Recalls: 12/28/16

December 28th, 2016 at 8:35pm CST by Luke Adams

Here are Wednesday’s D-League assignments and recalls from across the NBA:

8:35pm

The Grizzlies have recalled Wade Baldwin from the Iowa Energy, according to the team’s website. The rookie has appeared in 20 games for the Memphis this season, and he’s seeing 14.5 minutes per contest.

3:41pm

The Cavaliers have sent rookie point guard Kay Felder to the Canton Charge, according to a press release issued by the team. It’s the first D-League assignment of the season for Felder, who has appeared in 14 games for Cleveland.
A day after being assigned to the D-League, rookie center Damian Jones was recalled by the Warriors, the team announced today in a press release. Jones contributed to Santa Cruz’ win on Tuesday night, chipping in eight points and four boards before fouling out.
The Celtics have re-assigned Jordan Mickey to the NBADL, the team announced today (via Twitter). Mickey, who has played sparingly for Boston this season, has averaged 16.0 PPG and 12.0 RPG in his two contests with the Maine Red Claws.
Ivica Zubac will suit up for the Los Angeles D-Fenders tonight, having been assigned to the Lakers‘ D-League affiliate today (Twitter link via Mark Medina of The Los Angeles Daily News). The 2016 second-rounder has played well in eight D-League games this year, averaging 16.8 PPG and 9.5 RPG.

Community Shootaround: Rudy Gay

December 28th, 2016 at 7:55pm CST by ChrisCrouse

Rudy Gay, whose contract will expire after this season, clearly doesn’t want to be in Sacramento long-term. However, the Kings may be reluctant to trade him away since he’s playing well and the team is in position to end its playoff drought, as Luke Adams of Hoops Rumors details in his Trade Candidate piece.

If the Kings decide to pull the trigger on a trade, Gay would fit in nicely with several teams. Adams lists the Magic, Thunder, Pacers and Rockets among the teams to watch out for.

That leads us to tonight’s topic: Which team would be the best fit for Rudy Gay?

The Magic have some interesting pieces to offer the Kings. The Thunder could offer Sacramento a point guard of the future in Cameron Payne. The Pacers’ path to acquiring Gay could involve sending Monta Ellis plus a draft pick, as Adams suggested, to the Kings. The Rockets would need to get creative if they are going to acquire Gay without giving away a member of their core, but GM Daryl Morey has been known to make surprising deal or two.

Are one of these teams the best fit for Gay or would joining another franchise be best for his game? Let us know in the comment section below. We look forward to what you have to say!

Pistons Notes: Harris, Jackson, Van Gundy

December 28th, 2016 at 6:29pm CST by ChrisCrouse

Coach/executive Stan Van Gundy moved Tobias Harris to the bench last week and the small forward is embracing his new role, as Keith Langlois of NBA.com relays. “One thing I’ve learned throughout my career is, certain decisions as a player, you shut up and put your big-boy pants on and just be ready to play,” Harris said. “That’s the bottom line. Do what you can to help your team. That’s what I tried to do.”

Here’s more from Detroit:

Reggie Jackson hasn’t looked sharp since returning to the lineup and his play has hurt the Pistons in the standings, as Rod Beard of The Detroit News details. The team is 4-8 with Jackson in the lineup this season.
Van Gundy’s job remains safe as long as the Pistons get back in the playoffs, Beard contends in the same piece. Beard argues that because Van Gundy is both the team’s president and its coach, it’s unlikely he’ll take the fall for the franchise’s failures this season.
The Pistons have multiple issues to work out if they are going to remain in the playoff hunt, Beard writes in a separate piece. “Regardless of lineup changes or anything else, we have to play a lot better,” Van Gundy said. “That’s one thing we did, but I’m focused on our defense being better, the pace and energy of our offense. That’s only one piece of it.”

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