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Community Shootaround: Denver Nuggets

March 25th, 2017 at 5:20pm CST by ChrisCrouse

The Nuggets are carving up opposing teams with their efficient offense, which has led to an impressive month of March. During the month, Denver leads the league in offensive rating and the team pulled off some unthinkable upsets, notching wins over the Celtics, Clippers, and Cavs.

The development of Nikola Jokic has been a major reason why the team is finding success, but it’s also a result of several other factors, such as coach Mike Malone’s decision to start 35-year-old Jameer Nelson at point guard. Nelson hasn’t been statistically great, but just like a game manager at the quarterback position in the NFL, he helps his team by making the right decisions and reducing risk. Out of all guards averaging at least 30 minutes a night, Ricky Rubio is the only player with a better assist-to-turnover ratio than Nelson during the month of March.

Denver’s success has propelled them into the lead in the Western Conference’s eighth seed race. Entering the day, the Nuggets sit 1.5 games ahead of the Blazers and 3.5 games ahead of the Mavericks.

That leads us to tonight’s topic: Do you think the Nuggets hold onto the eighth seed and make the playoffs? If they do, how many games can they win either against a Warriors squad that may not have Kevin Durant or against a Spurs team that may face issues because of its aging backcourt?

If you don’t think the team can sustain its level of success or you don’t believe it will fare well once it reaches the postseason, let us know what moves the team should make this offseason to upgrade the roster. Tonight’s shootaround is all about the Nuggets. Take to the comment section below to share your thoughts on the team. We look forward to what you have to say!

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Atlantic Notes: Long, VanVleet, Marks, Porzingis

March 25th, 2017 at 2:50pm CST by Milo Taibi

Shawn Long has seized his opportunity with the Sixers; most recently scoring 18 points with seven rebounds in Friday’s win over the Bulls. Coach Brett Brown spoke with Jessica Camerato of CSN Philly about Long’s emergence in the absence of Joel Embiid and Nerlens Noel.

“I think that Shawn Long has really grabbed his brief opportunities and been more than serviceable,” Brown said. “He’s shown reasons why he should be considered a genuine NBA player. Opportunity uncovers different qualities in people.”

While Long’s contract is partially guaranteed over the next two seasons, the 24-year-old has asserted his role in the league over the last nine games.

More from around the Atlantic…

  • Fred VanVleet‘s season with the Raptors has affirmed his self-belief. VanVleet, who was disappointed to go undrafted following a successful career at Wichita State, worked his way from Toronto’s summer league squad to their regular season roster. “As a young player, any experience you get is beneficial – even if it’s learning from mistakes,” VanVleet told Alex Kennedy of HoopsHype. “It does give you some personal satisfaction, proving [you belong in the league] when you’ve known you’re good enough for your whole life and you know all the work that you put in and everybody counted you out. It’s good to know that I wasn’t crazy for believing in myself. It’s nice confirmation.”
  • While Milos Teodosic appears unlikely to sign with the Nets– the Serbian standout cited “competitive ambitions” among his NBA requirements- Brooklyn GM Sean Marks continues to search for Euroleague point guards. NetsDaily detailed Marks’ activities during the GM’s recent trip to Barcelona (article link).
  • Kristaps Porzingis‘ transition to the Knicks‘ primary scoring option has been an “ugly work in progress,” Marc Berman of the New York Post writes. As coach Jeff Hornacek has reduced Carmelo Anthony and Derrick Rose‘s minutes, Porzingis has faced significant expectations in running the offense. “Porzingis is a helluva player, but he’s young,’’ Clippers coach Doc Rivers said after Monday’s match-up with New York. “You just don’t walk into the league and change. He’s going to be a superstar. There’s not any doubt. But there’s not a lot of patience from what I remember when I played in New York. We’re going to have to allow him to be great.’’
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NBA D-League Assignments/Recalls: 3/25/17

March 25th, 2017 at 1:44pm CST by Milo Taibi

Here are Saturday’s D-League assignments and recalls from around the NBA:

  • The Cavs recalled Kay Felder from Canton, the announced via press release (link). Felder has lit it up for the Charge this season, averaging 29.9 points in 36 MPG. Felder’s most recent D-League assignment was an eventful one; the 5-foot-9 Felder threw down a dunk with his team comfortably ahead late in the game, drawing the ire of Jordan Mickey.
  • The Mavs reassigned Manny Harris and Jarrod Uthoff to the Texas Legends, the team announced in a press release. Uthoff made his NBA debut with Dallas this season, going scoreless in two appearances. Harris fared slightly better, scoring eight points over four games.
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Central Notes: Bucks, Pacers, Lopez, James

March 25th, 2017 at 12:48pm CST by Milo Taibi

The Bucks are going to be without John Henson for the next few games, as Chris Haynes of ESPN reported Henson would be sidelined for a week with a left thumb sprain (article link). According to Haynes, Henson sustained the injury at some point during Milwaukee’s match-up against the Trail Blazers on Tuesday.

While Milwaukee will be short-handed for at least the next two games, Michael Beasley appears close to returning. Charles F. Gardner of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reported Beasley could come back by next week, if not by the end of the season (Twitter link). Beasley has been out since February 27 with a hyperextended left knee.

Other goings-on around the Central…

  • Robin Lopez knew he was going to receive a suspension when he threw a punch at Serge Ibaka, Vincent Goodwill of CSN Chicago writes. Fortunately for the Bulls, Lopez received a light one-game suspension following a “pretty straight-forward” deliberation process from the league. “I mean, that’s what the league gave. I’m going to stick with it,” Lopez said, adding, “I didn’t change my story.” In his return from the suspension, Lopez went 0-for-6 from the field over 18 minutes.
  • The Pacers snapped their bizarre streak of 15 games alternating wins and defeats last night, taking a 125-117 loss to the Nuggets. Several players and coach Nate McMillan voiced frustration following the game, sensing a lack of urgency. “We’ve got to play like our life is on the line like it is,” Jeff Teague told Nate Taylor of Indy Star. “We’ve got to be aggressive and leave it all out there. Every game from now on is a must win for us. We’ve got to play like it. This was a bad loss at home and we didn’t come out to play. We just didn’t have the effort.” Despite falling to .500, the Pacers maintained their spot as the Eastern Conference’s seventh seed.
  • LeBron James suffered a corneal abrasion of his right eye during Friday’s match-up with Charlotte, Dave McMenamin of ESPN reports (article link). James, who is questionable to play tonight against the Wizards, told reporters his vision was blurry following the injury. “Just took a hard foul — a hard fall, I’m sorry. And I just got up and made my free throws, I think I made them,” said James. “I was just trying to put pressure on the rim, so, if coach decides to give me a game off, it’s not because I’m resting. It’s because I’m banged up.”
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Hoops Rumors Originals: 3/18/17 – 3/25/17

March 25th, 2017 at 11:00am CST by Luke Adams

Every week, the Hoops Rumors writing team compiles original content to complement our news feed. Here are some of our favorite segments and features from the past seven days:

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Nets Sign Archie Goodwin To Second 10-Day Contract

March 25th, 2017 at 10:14am CST by Milo Taibi

March 25, 10:10am: The Nets sent out a press release confirming their signing of Archie Goodwin to a second 10-day contract. Goodwin, who has averaged nine points with 2.8 assists over four games with Brooklyn, is presumed to be available for tomorrow’s match-up with Atlanta.

March 24, 2:03pm: The Nets will extend a second 10-day contract to Archie Goodwin, Chris Haynes of ESPN reports (Twitter link). Goodwin made three appearances in his first go-around with Brooklyn, scoring 26 points on 58.8% shooting in that span.

Goodwin’s signing confirms an earlier report from Fred Kerber of the New York Post, who said there was a good chance Archie would be retained after his first deal expired. Still just 22 years old, Goodwin is in his fourth NBA season, having played for the Suns, Pelicans, and Nets. A former No. 29 overall pick, Goodwin showed potential in his sole season with the Kentucky Wildcats.

Goodwin spoke to Anthony Puccio and Bryan Fonseca of Nets Daily before Tuesday’s game, voicing a desire to stick with Brooklyn (article link).

“When I first got here I told Sean Marks ‘You know from the beginning of the season I’ve watched your team play.’ To be truthful, I watched 90 percent of their games,” Goodwin said. “The games I watched I said, ‘Man this team plays hard and they really play for each other.’ It’s one of those situations where the pieces aren’t there just yet. They’re – I mean we’re – definitely headed in the right direction and I want to be a part of this.”

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Joakim Noah Receives 20-Game Suspension

March 25th, 2017 at 10:01am CST by Luke Adams

March 25, 10:02am: The NBA formally announced Noah’s suspension, noting that he tested positive for Selective Androgen Receptor Modulator LGD-4033 (link). Contrary to last night’s report, Noah’s suspension will begin with the first regular season or playoff game for which Noah is “eligible and physically ready to play.” Depending on Noah’s health status, the 32-year-old may wind up serving all 20 games in 2017/18.

March 25, 12:09am: Knicks center Joakim Noah will receive a 20-game suspension for violating the NBA’s anti-drug program, league sources tell Adrian Wojnarowski of The Vertical. According to Wojnarowski, the league intends to announce the ban on Saturday.

League sources tell Wojnarowski that Noah tested positive for an over-the-counter supplement that is not permitted under the league’s current Collective Bargaining Agreement. The players’ union investigated the matter and concluded that Noah hadn’t “knowingly or willingly” violated the policy, having fully cooperated with the NBA’s probe, Wojnarowski writes.

The Knicks only have 10 games left in the 2016/17 season, so Noah will serve half of his suspension this season before sitting out 10 more games to start the 2017/18 campaign. The 32-year-old underwent a left knee arthroscopy about a month ago and was expected to miss most – if not all – of the rest of the season anyway. With New York out of playoff contention, the suspension won’t affect the team in the coming weeks. However, it could have an impact on next year’s roster and rotation for the first few weeks of the season.

Noah is finishing up the first year of a massive four-year, $72MM contract that he signed with the Knicks last July. The 20-game suspension will cost him a modest portion of his salary for both this season and next season.

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Pistons Notes: Jackson, Drummond, Van Gundy

March 25th, 2017 at 9:27am CST by Milo Taibi

The wheels are falling off for the 34-39 Pistons, who are 1.5 games out of the eighth seed following a 115-87 loss to the Magic. Reggie Jackson– who has been coming off the bench of late- said nobody’s job is safe.

“(Missing the playoffs) would suck — it sucks every year you’re not in the postseason and not one of the teams competing to be the last one standing,” Jackson told Rod Beard of Detroit News. “It’s tough. It’s a performance-based league so all our jobs are on the line. If we don’t get where we want to be, I’m sure coach knows as coach-president, he has a lot on the line. Myself, I was brought in to be the point guard and I have a lot on the line. We don’t know who’s going to be back next year or who’s going to be here tomorrow.”

Stan Van Gundy‘s Pistons have dropped six of their last seven, entering crisis mode in the middle of a playoff chase. If there’s one saving grace for Detroit, three of their next four opponents are fellow sub-.500 teams.

More from Detroit…

  • Van Gundy answered six postgame questions in a combined 55 seconds after Friday’s loss, Rod Beard of Detroit News reports. Video of the uncomfortable presser can be found on FOX Sports Detroit (Twitter link).
  • The Pistons are in “no-man’s land,” Brett Koremenos of RealGM writes. While Koremenos concedes basketball is too nuanced to blame problems on a singular figure, he has trouble getting past the faults of Jackson and Andre Drummond. Regarding Drummond- previously regarded as a ‘franchise player’- Koremenos writes “Drummond’s engagement defensively comes and goes almost on a nightly basis. He can be prone to lazily reach for steals in pick-and-roll defensively and could definitely get a lot from a class in the Marc Gasol school of defensive positioning and anticipation. And for all the talk of his athleticism, Drummond doesn’t deter opponents’ success near the rim.”
  • It doesn’t sound like Van Gundy’s decision to bring Jackson off the bench will be a permanent one, as the veteran coach called it a “decision for now…not a long-term thing,” when speaking to Rod Beard of Detroit News (Twitter link). Jackson likely doesn’t have to worry about Ish Smith taking his job, as Smith totaled just six points with three rebounds over 16 minutes in Friday’s loss. In Beard’s article linked above, Van Gundy noted “He’s [Jackson] handled everything this year like a true pro. It’s been a very difficult year for him in a lot of ways: the injury, trying to come back and not playing the way that he’s wanted to play, and now coming off the bench. He’s handled it all great and his priority is the team.”
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Week In Review: 3/18/17 – 3/25/17

March 25th, 2017 at 9:03am CST by Luke Adams

It was a fairly eventful week in the NBA, as many of this year’s early entrant draft announcements begin to roll in, while there were plenty of notable non-draft news items and rumors to round up as well. Here’s our recap of what you need to know for the last seven days:

News

  • Former Bulls general manager Jerry Krause, the architect of the roster that won six championships in the 1990s, passed away at age 77.
  • The NBA was unhappy that the Cavaliers rested star players in a marquee, nationally televised game. The growing trend of sitting healthy players prompted commissioner Adam Silver to send a memo to all 30 teams calling it a “significant issue” and suggesting there will be “significant penalties” for teams that don’t provide sufficient notice.
  • Knicks center Joakim Noah received a 20-game suspension for violating the NBA’s anti-drug program.
  • Bulls center Robin Lopez and Raptors forward Serge Ibaka were suspended one game apiece for fighting.

Rumors

Transactions

Early Entrants

Injuries

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Lonzo Ball To Enter 2017 NBA Draft

March 24th, 2017 at 11:40pm CST by Luke Adams

Shortly after his UCLA Bruins fell to Kentucky in the Sweet 16, star freshman guard Lonzo Ball announced that Friday’s game would be his last as a college player, tweets Jon Rothstein of FanRag Sports. Ball will enter the 2017 NBA draft, and will be a candidate to be the first player off the board in June.

Ball, who is ranked as the No. 2 prospect in this year’s draft class by both DraftExpress and ESPN.com, averaged 14.7 PPG, 7.6 APG, and 1.9 SPG in his freshman year at UCLA. Although Markelle Fultz ranks ahead of him on most big boards, Ball is considered the better prospect by multiple NBA teams, and has certainly received more public hype lately, thanks to his outspoken father LaVar Ball.

On Friday night, Ball was outplayed by Wildcats star De’Aaron Fox, who figures to be a lottery pick three months from now as well. In a game that featured a handful of top prospects, Fox looked like the best player on the court, racking up 39 points. However, as Chad Ford of ESPN.com writes, Ball’s mediocre showing in the Sweet 16 won’t have much of an impact on his draft stock — he’s still a near-lock to be a top-three pick.

You can check out our full list of the early entrants for the 2017 draft right here.

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