Month: November 2024

Week In Review: 3/11/17 – 3/18/17

March 18th, 2017 at 4:21pm CST by Austin Kent

A number of teams elected to shut down key players this week, either to play it safe with injuries or “develop young players”. There were also a number of 10-day players who managed to convince their teams to commit for the remainder of the season. Hey, not every week can be exciting as the trade deadline! Here’s everything you need to know.

Transactions

The Cavaliers signed center Larry Sanders to a multi-year contract.
The Cavaliers waived center Andrew Bogut.
The Pelicans signed guard Jordan Crawford for the remainder of the season.
The Hornets signed guard Briante Weber to a multi-year contract.
The Hornets signed forward Johnny O’Bryant III to a multi-year contract.
The Nets signed guard Archie Goodwin to a 10-day contract.
The Grizzlies signed guard Wayne Selden to a multi-year contract.
The Grizzlies waived guard Toney Douglas.
The Sixers signed forward Shawn Long to a multi-year contract.

Injuries

After missing a month with an injured knee, Cavaliers forward Kevin Love is expected to return soon.
An MRI revealed that Jazz forward Derrick Favors has a bone bruise and will be out indefinitely.
Sidelined with a heart arrythmia, Spurs forward LaMarcus Aldridge has been cleared to resume playing.
Diagnosed with an elbow sprain and slight fracture, Dwyane Wade will miss the remainder of the season for the Bulls. He could return in the postseason.
Citing his knee soreness, the Suns have elected to shut down Eric Bledsoe for the remainder of the season.
An injured foot will sidelined Timberwolves forward Nemanja Bjelica for the remainder of the season.
Free agent forward Omri Casspi has been cleared to play after breaking his thumb.

News

The Lakers have shut down center Timofey Mozgov so that they can get a closer look at young players. He is not injured.
The Lakers also shut down a healthy Luol Deng for the remainder of the season, too.
Highly anticipated international guard Sergio Llull is expected to remain in Europe net season. His rights are held by the Rockets.
Much anticipated 2016 draft pick Ante Zizic is expected to be on the Celtics roster for 2017/18.

Rumors

Waived by the Pelicans due to injury, free agent forward Omri Casspi, now healthy, is looking to sign on with a contender.
Finished in China, Celtics rookie Guerschon Yabusele will spend time and could ultimately play with Boston’s D-League affiliate.
Pending free agent Jeff Teague likes New York but isn’t a fan of the triangle offense that the Knicks run.
The Pelicans could explore replacing head coach Alvin Gentry and general manager Dell Demps.
To some Knicks forward Carmelo Anthony appeared to be staging a “protest” against the triangle offense.
The Knicks are unlikely to move away from head coach Jeff Hornacek despite the teams struggles.
Former Pelicans coach Monty Williams is expected to be among the “elite candidates” on the coaching market this offseason.
Last seen with the Knicks, former head coach Derek Fisher would like to return to coaching.

Categories:
Week in Review

Grizzlies Sign Selden, Release Douglas

March 18th, 2017 at 4:11pm CST by Austin Kent

4:11 pm: According to a press release on the team’s official website, the Grizzlies have signed Selden to a multi-year contract.

12:32 pm: The Grizzlies are planning to sign guard Wayne Selden whose ten-day contract with the Pelicans expired overnight, tweets Shams Charania of The Vertical. To make room, the club will waive Toney Douglas.

In three games for the Pelicans, all starts, Selden averaged 15.7 minutes and 5.3 points per game but the club didn’t extend the offer of a second 10-day contract, opening the door for Memphis to swoop in and add the undrafted rookie.

Though this will be Selden’s first taste of in-season action with the Grizzlies, it’s not his first stint with the franchise. The forward signed with the club in July but was one of the final roster cuts in training camp.

Douglas, in contrast, signed a pair of 10-day contracts with Memphis prior to the All-Star Break this year and was subsequently inked for the remainder of the season with a team option for 2017/18.

Though featured heavily in February and early March, the 31-year-old veteran had fallen out of Memphis’ rotation of late.

Hoops Rumors Originals: 3/11/17 – 3/18/17

March 18th, 2017 at 2:51pm CST by Austin Kent

Every week the Hoops Rumors staff compiles original content to complement its news feed. Here are a few of our favorite segments and features from the past seven days.

We doubled back on all of the probable 2017 lottery picks that have been involved in trades and explored where they’re likely to end up now that we’re into the final month of the regular season.
The annual MIT Sloan Conference is an excellent place to get insight from some of the best minds in basketball, we polled past and current executives about some player awards and the trade deadline.
A handful of player options could dramatically impact certain possible free agents, not to mention the teams that they play for. We looked at just what hinges on the decisions that players like Dwyane Wade and Greg Monroe will have to make this offseason.
There’s no denying that role of analytics in basketball has grown tremendously over the course of the past two decades. We looked at how traditional scouting tactics and modern data-driven management have evolved over the years.
We took a good look at some of the best content the NBA blogosphere has to offer. Take a look for yourself and be sure to hit us up with the best reads you find heading forward.
The NBA draft is approaching and that means we’ll soon get waves of reports that certain underclassmen are testing the waters to see how they might fare in the draft. Keep your web browser locked on Hoops Rumors for our updated accounts of the NBA Draft’s Early Entrants.
Our latest fantasy basketball column zeroes in on a pair of big men who have seen their stocks skyrocket over the course of the past month. Go add Jusuf Nurkic and Alan Williams in your leagues, then check back in for the rest of the fantasy tips.
You have questions, we have answers. Here is the latest Weekly Mailbag with answers to legitimate questions like “Would the No. 1 seed impact Kawhi Leonard‘s MVP chances?” and “Why is Spencer Hawes still a Buck?“
Oh yeah, and send us your questions for next week’s mailbag!
So your favorite team is terrible! That’s okay, there’s still reason to be optimistic. Follow along with our 2016/17 NBA Reverse Standings to get a better idea of where you might land in the lottery. Except maybe you, Nets fans, it’s probably better that you don’t.
Keeping up with the wave of players slated to star in this summer’s BIG3 league can be overwhelming, so we broke down everything that there is to know so far, all in one place. From player age to their NBA career PER, consider Hoops Rumors your one-stop shop for BIG3 roster news.
Every now and then we like to hand the mic over to our readers so that they can weigh in on some of the pertinent topics in the league. Here are this week’s Community Shootarounds.
- Which projected lottery picks will make the biggest splash in the NCAA Tournament?
- Who do you feel is the early front runner for Coach of the Year?
You can still catch up on the Hoops Rumors Originals from last week, too. Check them out and let us know what you think.

Categories:
Hoops Rumors Originals

Pacific Notes: Walton, Buss, Crawford

March 18th, 2017 at 12:04pm CST by Austin Kent

When Luke Walton shifted from his role as an assistant coach with the Warriors to head coach of the Lakers, an adjustment period was expected. ESPN’s Baxter Holmes recently profiled the transition that Walton has undergone in California, adjusting not only to a new routine and staff but an entirely new culture.

“Really, it shifts your entire life because your daily routine is so much different from the stress and the grind and the everything,” Walton told him as the Lakers look back on a 20-49 record, “I do my best to stay in the right frame of mind.”

Walton adds that there have been plenty of sleepless nights but remains optimistic about the young Lakers roster and about coaching in general.

“The job itself is still the same,” he says now amid the ongoing Lakers rebuild. “It’s rewarding. It’s exciting. Now we’re competing for different things there and here, but the competition level is right there from the daily practices to the games.”

There’s more out of the Pacific Division:

In an effort to open up communication across all levels of the organization Lakers president of basketball operations Magic Johnson and new general manager Rob Pelinka have been meeting with players at practice. “It’s good for us being able to talk to them and pick their brains as well and having that open-door presence,” Jordan Clarkson told Mark Media of the Los Angeles Daily News.
Current franchise president Jeanie Buss has asked her brothers for permanent assurances that they’ll vote for her to remain the controlling owner of the Lakers, writes Ramona Shelburne of ESPN, as well as to remain on the board of directors.
Veteran guard Jamal Crawford recently spoke with Alex Kennedy of HoopsHype about the trade rumors that popped up with his name in them prior to the trade deadline. “It was a little bit frustrating. You hate to hear it, and this time was a little bit different since I had just re-signed [with the Clippers on a three-year contract] this past summer. […] For me, I’m just glad it’s over with and we’re just moving forward.“
The Warriors were left with a lack of depth after signing Kevin Durant in the offseason and Marcus Thompson II of the Mercury News speculates that Omri Casspi, Mario Chalmers and Jimmer Fredette could be options to help bolster the roster as the playoffs near. That, of course, begs the question of who the team would need to cut if they made an addition.

Atlantic Notes: Brown, Smart, Noel, Jackson

March 18th, 2017 at 10:58am CST by Austin Kent

After a break down in communication in their Wednesday night matchup, Celtics veteran Marcus Smart was seen arguing with rookie Jaylen Brown. CSN New England’s Gary Tanguay discussed the altercation, adding his own case in defense of the 20-year-old swingman.

Per Tanguay, the heated discussion started when Brown attacked the basket prior to letting a set play develop but the rookie guard was wise, he says, to be aggressive. Tanguay added that Brown is the future of the Celtics franchise, not Smart.

In 65 games this season, Brown has averaged 6.5 points and 2.9 rebounds per game but those numbers have jumped over the course of the past two months as the first-year guard has grown into a bigger role with the Celtics.

Smart, on the other hand, averages 10.8 points per game for the Celtics and is generally heralded for his leadership abilities.

There’s more out of the Atlantic Division:

Though his Mavericks were emphatically defeated, Nerlens Noel‘s return to Philadelphia was an otherwise positive experience. “[I have] no beef at all,” Noel told Jessica Camerato of CSN Philadelphia of how his time with the Sixers came to an end. The third-year big man held a meet and greet with local fans upon his return.
There may be light at the end of the tunnel for the rebuilding Nets. General manager Sean Marks recently shed some on what could be next for the franchise. “Let’s build a rock-solid foundation, develop these young guys, get Isaiah Whitehead, Caris LeVert and Rondae Hollis-Jefferson growing up and see where they are at 25, 26,” he said, per Brian Lewis of the New York Post.
It’s been three years since Phil Jackson took the reins of the Knicks and Marc Berman of the New York Post says the executive left his basketball brains in Los Angeles. Berman writes that Jackson nailed the only lottery pick he’s been given (Kristaps Porzingis) but has failed to manage personalities, as was a reported strength.
The New York Post’s Mike Vaccaro suggests that, if a smooth operating triangle scheme is truly the goal, Phil Jackson may have been better off either handling coaching duties himself or being more assertive in having his Knicks coaches employ the triangle offense.

Timberwolves Likely To Move On From Stephenson

March 18th, 2017 at 9:46am CST by Austin Kent

The Timberwolves are likely to move on from Lance Stephenson as his second 10-day contract expires, says Darren Wolfson of 5 Eyewitness News. The veteran guard has averaged 6.6 points per game this season across stops with the Wolves and Pelicans.

Originally signed to a 10-day deal with Minnesota on February 8 and then a second one following his recovery from an ankle injury on March 8, Stephenson never did quite establish himself in head coach Tom Thibodeau’s rotation.

Beyond the 16 minutes he played on the day he inked the second 10-day deal, Stephenson has played just two minutes for the Timberwolves since.

Queried about free agent Jimmer Fredette on Twitter, Wolfson added that the club has some interest in the guard (who recently saw a prolific season in China draw to an end) but may also have other options in mind as well.

John Wall: League Has Gotten “Softer” Due To Players Resting

March 17th, 2017 at 9:49pm CST by Milo Taibi

Healthy players sitting out games has been a point of contention this season, particularly following a nationally televised game in which Steve Kerr and Gregg Popovich opted to rest their stars. Additionally, the Cavs were subject to criticism earlier this month when LeBron James and Kyrie Irving sat out a blowout loss to the Heat. After the game, Tyronn Lue acknowledged LeBron James didn’t like sitting out, but told the Associated Press “he [James] understands the big picture and what we’re trying to accomplish.”

John Wall offered his two cents on the matter, saying he isn’t a fan of high-profile players receiving scheduled days off.

“That’s the difference about our league now. It’s kind of gotten a little softer,” Wall told CSNmidatlantic.com. “Guys sit out and rest. I understand the coach made a decision, you can’t go against what the coach said or the doctor said.”

Wall continued, citing the issue of depriving fans from a complete NBA experience.

“I’m not the type of guy who wants to sit down and rest. I think you owe it to the fans. They paid money to come see us play. That’s how a professional goes out there and competes. If nothing is hurt, you can play go play. I missed games I didn’t want to miss in the past because I was injured. I make up for the time I can make up.”

Wall has backed up his words, playing in all but two of the Wizards‘ games this season. A four-time All-Star, Wall’s comments likely won’t make him many friends around the league. In a June, 2016 article from Baxter Holmes and Tom Haberstroh of ESPN, several players stated the case to shorten the league’s 82-game schedule.

“At at the end of the day, we want to protect the prize, and the prize is the players. We have to continue to promote the game, and if guys are being injured because there are so many games, we can’t promote it at a high level,” James said at the time.

David Aldridge of TNT recently discussed the “conundrum” of helping players find rest opportunities, suggesting teams inform the league of rest games 24 hours in advance. “Doing so allows fans who otherwise might buy tickets a better opportunity to bail,” Aldridge writes, “or at least sell their tickets in hand if they want.”

And-Ones: Ball, G. Allen, H. Thompson, Fultz

March 17th, 2017 at 8:49pm CST by Milo Taibi

Sam Amick of USA Today raises concerns of LaVar Ball’s impact on Lonzo Ball‘s draft stock. A potential No. 1 pick in the upcoming NBA draft, Lonzo’s elite skill-set has overshadowed his father’s “controversial style” thus far.

“Passing on the kid because of the father may not hold up well over time,” one anonymous executive told Amick. “There are players who come from more challenging family situations who have (done) quite well in the NBA,” another executive added.

Most likely, Amick concludes, LaVar can continue making brash, boastful statements “without the slightest fear” of it hurting Lonzo’s NBA future.

Send Us Your Mailbag Questions, Hoops Links Submissions

March 17th, 2017 at 6:52pm CST by Milo Taibi

Every Sunday at Hoops Rumors, we publish a pair of features that rely on input and submissions from our readers. One is our Weekly Mailbag, in which Arthur Hill answers a few questions related to the latest news and rumors from around the NBA. The second is our Hoops Links feature, which showcases a selection of notable NBA blog entries from all over the internet. In each instance, the content for those features comes from you.

Have a question regarding player movement, free agent rumors, the salary cap, the NBA draft, or the top storylines of the week? You can e-mail them here for consideration for our Weekly Mailbag: hoopsrumorsmailbag@gmail.com. If your question doesn’t get selected for our mailbag, be sure to join us on Monday afternoons for our weekly live chat.

Got a new NBA blog post that you’d like to see featured on Hoops Rumors? You can send the URL and a brief description of the piece to hoopslinks@gmail.com for consideration.

Be sure to send us your new mailbag questions and NBA blog posts each week, and check back every Sunday to see if you’ve been featured in that week’s installment!

Categories:
Hoops Rumors Originals

Northwest Notes: Plumlee, Turner, Donovan, Faried

March 17th, 2017 at 5:55pm CST by Milo Taibi

Jusuf Nurkic has been on a tear since his trade to Portland, but Mason Plumlee‘s teammates are happy to have him in Denver. While Plumlee and the Nuggets are still in the “getting-to-know-you phase,” as Nick Kosmider of the Denver Post puts it, Mason has grown more comfortable with each passing game.

“I was telling Mike (Miller) on the bench that this is collectively the best passing team I’ve played on,” Plumlee said. “It’s exciting. There is energy in the ball. I feel like the way guys play on this team is contagious.”

The Nuggets maintain a 2.5 game lead on the eighth seed; between his stints with the Nets and Trail Blazers, Plumlee has a combined 27 games of playoff experience. Plumlee’s style of play has already earned the respect of standout center Nikola Jokic.

“He just wants to win,” Jokic said. “He wants to do the stuff that some other players don’t want to do.”