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Month: November 2024

Dwyane Wade Out For Regular Season

March 16th, 2017 at 12:00pm CST by Luke Adams

12:00pm: Wade said today that if the Bulls make the playoffs and he gets medical clearance, he intends to return for the postseason (Twitter link via Friedell). However, those are both big ifs.

11:50am: After leaving Wednesday’s game with a right elbow injury, Dwyane Wade was diagnosed today with a sprain and a small fracture in that elbow, the Bulls announced (via Twitter). According to the team, Wade will be out for the rest of the regular season.

The Bulls’ announcement explicitly states that Wade will miss the rest of the “regular” season, so it’s not clear if he’d have the opportunity to return in the playoffs if the club were to sneak in. Given how poorly Chicago has played lately even with Wade in the lineup though, that may be a moot point. Having lost six of their last seven games, the Bulls currently have a 32-36 record. That puts them one game back of the Heat and the Pistons, who are tied for the No. 8 seed in the East.

Wade, who inked a two-year, $47MM contract last summer, has averaged 18.6 PPG, 4.5 RPG, and 3.9 APG in his first year with the Bulls, shooting a career-worst 43.4% from the floor. If the veteran guard doesn’t suit up again for Chicago this season, it’s possible he has played his last game with the team. Wade will have to make a decision this offseason on a $23.8MM player option for 2017/18.

Wade’s health figures to play a part in his decision on that option. According to K.C. Johnson of The Chicago Tribune (Twitter link), Wade told reporters today that he won’t undergo surgery to repair the break in his elbow. Nick Friedell of ESPN.com adds (via Twitter) that the 35-year-old will be re-evaluated in a week.

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Sixers Sign Shawn Long To Multiyear Contract

March 16th, 2017 at 10:38am CST by Luke Adams

10:38am: The Sixers have officially re-signed Long, the team confirmed today in a press release. The announcement didn’t reveal the terms of the contract, but it’s believed to be a three-year deal, as noted below.

9:28am: As expected, the Sixers will re-sign Shawn Long after his first 10-day contract with the team expired overnight. In fact, Long won’t merely receive a second 10-day deal from the club. According to Keith Pompey of The Philadelphia Inquirer (Twitter links), the 76ers are expected to sign the young power forward to a contract that runs for an additional two years after this season.

Over-the-cap teams are generally limited to tacking on one extra year to rest-of-season deals at this time of the season, since the minimum salary exception doesn’t allow deals of more than two years. However, the Sixers can take advantage of having leftover cap room by signing Long to a longer-term pact. According to Pompey, Long’s new deal is expected to include a partial guarantee for 2017/18.

After spending training camp with the Sixers in the fall, Long was waived and landed with Philadelphia’s D-League affiliate, the Delaware 87ers. The Louisiana-Lafayette alum was one of the D-League’s most productive players in Delaware, averaging 20.3 PPG and 11.2 RPG with a .538 FG% and earning another look from the Sixers. In four games with the NBA club so far, Long has averaged 4.8 PPG and 3.3 RPG in just 7.8 minutes per contest.

With Long back in the mix, the Sixers will once again have a full 15-man roster. The team could be eligible for a roster exemption to add a 16th man, since four players on the roster have long-term injuries. However, recent reports have suggested Tiago Splitter is getting closer to returning to the court, so Philadelphia may be content to stand pat with 15 players.

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Suns Shut Down Eric Bledsoe For Season

March 16th, 2017 at 8:04am CST by Luke Adams

It appears that Eric Bledsoe has played his last game of the 2016/17 season. The Suns held Bledsoe out of their lineup on Wednesday night, and according to John Gambadoro of Arizona Sports 98.7, the team intends to shut down him down for the season. Doug Haller of AZCentral (Twitter link) confirms as much, noting that the point guard has been battling knee soreness.

While Bledsoe’s knee issue may have played some part in the Suns’ decision, the club’s record almost certainly played a larger part. As our 2016/17 Reverse Standings show, Phoenix currently has the NBA’s third-worst record at 22-46. A few extra wins down the stretch would put the Suns at risk of passing the Magic and Sixers in the standings, reducing their odds of landing a top draft pick.

The Suns are the second Pacific team in the league’s bottom three to shut down veterans for the season. Earlier this week, reports indicated that Timofey Mozgov and Luol Deng likely won’t play again for the Lakers in 2016/17, despite the fact that they’re healthy.

Of course, Mozgov and Deng haven’t produced at nearly the same level for the Lakers that Bledsoe has for the Suns this season. The seventh-year point guard has established new career highs in several categories this season, including PPG (21.1) and APG (6.3). Without him in their lineup, the Suns figure to lean more heavily on rookie guard Tyler Ulis, among others.

Brandon Knight, another veteran who had apparently been shut down by the Suns in recent weeks, could also see some minutes in Bledsoe’s absence, though there are hints that he hasn’t been thrilled by the way the team has handled his role. According to Gambadoro, the Suns asked Knight to play on Wednesday night and he told the team he was suffering from back spasms — Gambadoro expressed some skepticism regarding that self-diagnosis.

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Wade Injures Elbow; MRI Set For Thursday

March 15th, 2017 at 10:30pm CST by Arthur Hill

The Bulls are concerned that Dwyane Wade could miss several games with a right elbow injury he suffered tonight, writes K.C. Johnson of The Chicago Tribune.

An MRI is scheduled for Thursday morning to determine the extent of the damage. Wade, who was wearing a sling after the game, said he “heard a couple of pops.”

“My concern level is there are only 14 games left, and I’ve never had this injury,” Wade said. “So I can’t say two days, two weeks. I don’t know.”

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Southeast Notes: Hawks, Wall, Beal, McRoberts

March 15th, 2017 at 10:00pm CST by Arthur Hill

The Hawks haven’t settled on their point guard rotation for the rest of the season, according to Chris Vivlamore of The Atlanta Journal Constitution. Jose Calderon, who was claimed off waivers earlier this month, has been the backup to Dennis Schroder in the past four games, but that doesn’t mean the job is his to keep. Coach Mike Budenholzer said Malcolm Delaney, who had the role before Calderon arrived, will also be part of the mix. “No doubt that Jose has been great,” Budenholzer said. “Jose is so positive and talking and in Dennis’ face, in everybody’s face. He’s like wow. To have both of those guys, I wouldn’t under-sell what Malcolm does. I think he’s been real good next to Dennis.”

There’s more news from the Southeast Division:

  • Wizards point guard John Wall is downplaying claims that he and backcourt partner Bradley Beal had a strained relationship. In an interview with Marc J. Spears of The Undefeated, Wall says much of the dissension stemmed from a misunderstanding over Beal’s contract talks. “Everybody said I tried to play him or something. I was watching his money. I was mad. That wasn’t it,” Wall said. “All I said was, ‘Let him be healthy. Let him earn his money.’ It’s the same way they said I didn’t earn my money. ‘How did he get $80 million? He didn’t deserve it.’ But then all of the sudden when everybody was getting paid, nobody was saying nothing.” Beal agreed to a five-year, $127MM contract last summer.
  • Wizards GM Ernie Grunfeld reached out to the Nets in the trade that sent Bojan Bogdanovic to Washington, tweets NetsDaily.com. Brooklyn was hoping for a first-round pick in return and wound up with Washington’s first-rounder along with Andrew Nicholson and Marcus Thornton in exchange for Bogdanovic and Chris McCullough.
  • A stress fracture in his left foot has kept Heat forward Josh McRoberts out of action since December 27th, but he still might play this season, according to Ira Winderman of The Sun-Sentinel. Coach Erik Spoelstra offered an update today, saying, “He’s on the court a little bit now, and we’ll just have to see how he progresses.” McRoberts missed the preseason with a stress reaction in the foot, then returned to start 14 straight games before being sidelined again. He has a player option for 2017/18 worth slightly more than $6MM.
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New York Notes: Hornacek, Porzingis, Goodwin, Lopez

March 15th, 2017 at 9:00pm CST by Arthur Hill

This season hasn’t turned out the way the Knicks had hoped, but coach Jeff Hornacek doesn’t think anyone will be fired because of it, posts Ian Begley on ESPN Now. New York thought it had built a playoff contender by trading for Derrick Rose and signing Joakim Noah over the summer, but the Knicks have crashed to 12th place in the East with a 27-41 record. “We’re all going through this,” Hornacek said. “Every single guy, every single coach, every part of management, everybody’s to blame. We’re all in it together. I don’t think there’s been any other talk of anything, so we try to do the best we can.”

There’s more tonight from New York City:

  • Kristaps Porzingis will miss at least one game with a left thigh bruise that he suffered Tuesday, according to Marc Berman of The New York Post. Porzingis will be held out of Thursday’s game with the Nets and will be re-evaluated before a three-game road trip that starts Monday. “We’ll see — whenever he’s ready to play,’’ said Hornacek, who remains upset that Porzingis said the Knicks are in “confusion from top to bottom” after a loss on Sunday. Porzingis refused to expand on that statement today, telling reporters, “I made those comments after the game and I spoke my mind. That’s not something I really want to keep talking about.”
  • Archie Goodwin joined the Nets for practice today after signing a 10-day contract this morning, relays Cory Wright of NBA.com. Goodwin is eager to resume his NBA career after playing three games with the Pelicans earlier this season. Coach Kenny Atkinson said Goodwin won’t play tomorrow against the Knicks, but could see time Friday or Sunday. “He’s the profile we’re looking for, young, talent, hasn’t found his footing in the league yet,” Atkinson added.
  • The Nets considered signing Goodwin earlier in the season after he was waived by New Orleans, tweets NetsDaily.com.
  • Brook Lopez, now in his ninth season with the Nets, was so sure that he was being traded two years ago that he had a friend get his luggage ready, writes Fred Kerber of The New York Post. Lopez believed he was headed to the Thunder in a 2015 deadline deal. Kerber examines how Lopez has adjusted his game to become an effective 3-point threat.
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Yabusele Done In China, May Play In D-League

March 15th, 2017 at 8:00pm CST by Arthur Hill

Celtics first-round pick Guerschon Yabusele has completed his season in China and could play a few games with the team’s D-League affiliate, relays A. Sherrod Blakely of CSNNE.

The more immediate concern for Boston is evaluating a sprained ankle that he suffered recently. Austin Ainge, director of player personnel, said Yabusele will be evaluated by the Celtics’ medical staff this week and will be sent to the Maine Red Claws if the ankle is OK.

“We’re hoping to get him a few games with the Red Claws,” Ainge said. “Get him some experience in the D-League and Summer League.”

Yabusele, a 6’8″ forward out of France, was the 16th player selected last season. He played 43 games with the Shanghai Sharks, averaging 20.9 points and 9.4 rebounds per night.

“It was a challenge for me, being over there as a young player,” the 21-year-old said. “It was a great experience for me to go over there. I learned a lot about playing basketball, being a pro when you are not in your city. We had a great season. We lost [in the] first round of the playoffs, but I am more [confident] as a player; it was good. My game is better than it was before.”

Yabusele hopes to join the Celtics next season. The team plans to invite him to training camp and give him a chance to earn a place on the roster, but making the team won’t be easy. Ainge said Boston plans to give one spot to Croatian center Ante Zizic, whom the team selected at No. 23 last year. The Celtics have 10 players on their current roster with guaranteed contracts for 2017/18, along with a lottery pick from the Nets. Amir Johnson, Kelly Olynyk, Jonas Jerebko, Gerald Green and James Young will all be free agents.

“I’m really excited about it,” Yabusele said about his chance to play in the NBA. “I’m going to give my all for the team, give my all for the Boston Celtics. I’m ready.”

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Jeff Teague Likes New York, But Not The Triangle

March 15th, 2017 at 7:01pm CST by Arthur Hill

The triangle may discourage Pacers point guard Jeff Teague from considering the Knicks when he becomes a free agent this summer, writes Marc Berman of The New York Post.

Teague is considered among the possible replacements for Derrick Rose, who may not be re-signed when his contract expires at the end of the season. Teague said he hoped to be traded to New York in 2014, but that was before Phil Jackson arrived as team president with his triangle offense.

Teague, who will be 29 in June, believes the approach isn’t a good one for a penetrating point guard like himself or Rose, saying, “I think a player like Rose, it gives you a better chance of containing him.”

An Indiana native, Teague may decide to stay with the Pacers, who own his Bird rights and can offer more money and more years than other other team. However, this will be his first experience as an unrestricted free agent, and the Knicks should be among the interested organizations if he decides to listen to offers. New York could have nearly $25MM in cap space if Rose is not re-signed.

Knicks coach Jeff Hornacek is defending the triangle and claims it could be a selling point for free agents.

“There might be players out there who think that way,” he said in response to Teague’s comments, “but there are also probably players out there who say, ‘Oh, man, I’d like to run something like that.’ Guys might not necessarily want to run around in the staggers. It’s still an offense guys who are knowledgeable in the game should like. It’s a strategy almost every time down the court as a player. In a way, looking at it that way, it’s fun to run.’’

This is Teague’s first season with the Pacers after seven years in Atlanta. He is making $8.8MM and averages 15.1 points and 7.9 assists per game.

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Pelicans Consider Replacing Gentry, Demps

March 15th, 2017 at 5:52pm CST by Arthur Hill

The Pelicans will need “significant progress” over the final four weeks of the season to save coach Alvin Gentry’s job, according to Sean Deveney of The Sporting News.

The organization is more likely to keep GM Dell Demps, but that isn’t guaranteed, Deveney adds.

The Pelicans were considered favorites to grab the West’s final playoff spot after the February 20th trade that brought DeMarcus Cousins to New Orleans. However, the team has gone just 4-6 since the deal and sits five games behind Denver with 15 left to play.

A scout tells Deveney “the writing is on the wall” concerning Gentry’s future, but management isn’t demanding a playoff appearance for him and Demps to stick around. The front office understands that a transition period was necessary for Cousins and Anthony Davis to get used to playing together and to change from an up-tempo strategy to a twin towers approach. Cousins is averaging 20.9 points per game in New Orleans, down from 27.8 with the Kings, and his shooting percentage has dropped from 45.1 to 42.1.

Working in Gentry’s favor may be a lack of proven talent in the coaching market. The team is believed to want someone to serve as both a coach and team president, and there may not be anyone available who has merited that dual role.

Gentry, who has one year left on his contract at $3.3MM, faced similar rumors early in the season. A November 13th report said it might be a matter of days until a coaching change after the Pelicans started the season 1-9. However, Gentry was able to get the team on the edge of the playoff race and save his job, at least temporarily.

Gentry has a 57-92 record in nearly two seasons on the Pelicans’ bench, and the team has made the playoffs just once in Demps’ five seasons as GM.

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