2017 March | Hoops Rumors

And-Ones: BIG3, Hairston, Jefferson, Extensions

March 15th, 2017 at 5:09pm CST by Luke Adams

A number of players who have been traded at the trade deadline or during the NBA season spoke to Alex Kennedy of HoopsHype about the experience, with Cavaliers wing Iman Shumpert providing some of the more interesting quotes. As Shumpert explains, he was injured when he was sent to Cleveland by the Knicks, and had mixed feelings about the move.

“I just remember the feeling [sucked],” Shumpert said. “It was like, ‘Ah, I’m hurt, we’ve lost a bunch of games in a row and then I’m traded.’ Then, shortly after we walk in and we get to playing with the Cavs, we go on a long winning streak. I kept thinking back to my old teammates like, ‘Damn, I was hurt and we were losing. Now I come here and I’m playing well and the energy is great.’ I just felt like they kind of grabbed me out of hell. And every game was being showcased on TV and we’re winning. It was just crazy. I was happy, but I felt bad too.”

Here are a few more odds and ends from across the league:

As first reported by Adrian Wojnarowski of The Vertical (via Twitter), former NBA star Julius Erving has committed to coaching a team in the BIG3 this summer, the league confirmed in a press release. Erving will join Gary Payton, George Gervin, Clyde Drexler, and others as BIG3 coaches. Check out our comprehensive players/coaches list for the full breakdown.
Former NBA wing P.J. Hairston, who was in camp with the Rockets last fall, has been suspended for five NBADL games for violating the D-League’s anti-drug policy, according to a press release. Hairston is currently playing for the Rio Grande Valley Vipers, Houston’s affiliate.
In other D-League news, former NBA power forward Cory Jefferson has left the Austin Spurs to play in the Philippines, tweets Chris Reichert of The Step Back. International basketball journalist David Pick adds (via Twitter) that Jefferson, who is signing with the Alaska Aces, has multiple Euroleague offers for the 2017/18 season.
Keith Smith of RealGM takes an early look at the market for rookie-scale extensions this coming offseason, making his predictions on which players will get new deals before they reach restricted free agency. As I outlined last week, a few of this year’s key rookie-scale extension negotiations will be complicated by major injuries.

Nets To Target George Hill In Free Agency?

March 15th, 2017 at 4:07pm CST by Luke Adams

After actively pursuing restricted free agents last summer, the Nets are expected to have the cap room to be players in free agency once again this offseason. And according to ESPN’s Brian Windhorst, one free agent that rival executives expect Brooklyn to target is veteran point guard George Hill.

As Net Income of Nets Daily details, Windhorst discussed the Nets’ possible free agent plans on an ESPN podcast this week. The report comes with a caveat — Windhorst hasn’t heard directly from GM Sean Marks or the Nets about their free agent plans. However, the ESPN reporter explains that GMs and executives around the NBA have been talking about Brooklyn’s presumed interest in Hill.

Last offseason, the Nets targeted multiple guards in free agency, signing Allen Crabbe and Tyler Johnson to pricey four-year offer sheets. Those offers were ultimately matched by the Trail Blazers and Heat, respectively, leaving Brooklyn with Jeremy Lin on a more modest three-year deal. Even with Lin under contract for next season though, it seems the Nets will be closely monitoring other point guards in free agency.

According to Windhorst, the Nets are also expected to dip back into the restricted free agent market as they look to add shooters. Otto Porter will likely be a Brooklyn target, and Windhorst says the Nets will also be “major players” for Kentavious Caldwell-Pope.

Hill, Porter, and Caldwell-Pope will all be in line for big-money, long-term contracts this summer, and their respective teams are expected to make every effort to keep them. Windhorst notes that the Nets are capable of making things very difficult on Utah and driving the price up on Hill, whose camp reportedly believes he can get a max offer in unrestricted free agency. Porter is also viewed as a likely candidate for a max deal, while it remains to be seen whether Caldwell-Pope will get an offer that substantial. The Wizards and Pistons, respectively, won’t want to lose those key RFAs for nothing.

Draft Notes: Yurtseven, Thompson, Keene

March 15th, 2017 at 3:11pm CST by Luke Adams

North Carolina State freshman Omer Yurtseven has decided to declare for the 2017 NBA draft, according to a report from The Associated Press. Yurtseven, a seven-foot center from Turkey, averaged a modest 5.9 PPG and 4.4 RPG in his first – and perhaps only – college season. Per NC State spokesman Craig Hammel, the young big man won’t hire an agent right away, which will allow him to test the draft waters and potentially return to school for his sophomore year.

Here are a few more draft-related items to round up:

Another seven-footer, Ohio State’s Trevor Thompson, tells Jeff Goodman of ESPN.com that he plans to forgo his final year of college eligibility to enter this year’s draft. After testing the waters a year ago and ultimately withdrawing, Thompson appears more likely to keep his name in the draft this time around, though he’s no lock to be selected.
The nation’s leading scorer, Marcus Keene, has decided to enter the 2017 draft, a source tells Larry Lage of The Associated Press. The junior point guard averaged an eye-popping 30.0 PPG this season for Central Michigan.
Although only a handful of early entrants – including the three players noted above – have declared for the 2017 draft so far, ESPN’s Chad Ford (Insider link) takes a closer look at which underclassmen and international players figure to join that group. Top prospects like Lonzo Ball, Josh Jackson, and Malik Monk are among those described by Ford as having “one foot out the door.”
Sean Deveney of The Sporting News identifies 10 prospects who have plenty at stake in this year’s NCAA tournament.

Derek Fisher Eager To Return To Coaching

March 15th, 2017 at 1:38pm CST by Luke Adams

The Knicks fired Derek Fisher as their head coach a little over 13 months ago, and the former NBA point guard has found a new role as an analyst for TNT. However, as Brian Mahoney of The Associated Press details, Fisher is eager for another shot to coach an NBA team, suggesting that “there’s no question” he’ll return to it at some point.

“I’ve always been most at home, most comfortable when I’m trying to figure out how to help my team win and those were thoughts I had as a player and those were the thoughts I had as a coach,” Fisher said in a phone interview with Mahoney. “So when and if that opportunity presents itself again, I’ll definitely be ready for it. I’m looking forward to it and I think the biggest thing would be what and where and when. I think that applies for everybody that is kind of waiting for and looking for that next great opportunity.”

Fisher’s stint as the Knicks’ head coach was short-lived. After leading the team to a 17-65 record in 2014/15, Fisher got off to a 23-31 start last season before being replaced by Kurt Rambis and – eventually – Jeff Hornacek. New York hasn’t exactly turned things around since Fisher’s dismissal though, having compiled a 36-60 record since then.

No NBA team has fired its coach during the 2016/17 season so far, which is extremely rare — SBNation’s Tom Ziller suggested back in November that it hasn’t happened for at least 35 seasons. Still, it’s unlikely that all 30 NBA teams get through the offseason without some turnover in the coaching ranks, so perhaps at that point Fisher will receive some attention as a candidate.

Although Fisher’s 40-96 record with the Knicks likely won’t make him the most sought-after option available for teams seeking a new head coach, New York’s underwhelming play and Phil Jackson‘s involvement over the last year may retroactively cast Fisher’s performance in a more favorable light.

Eastern Notes: Knicks, Batum, Raptors, Brooks

March 15th, 2017 at 12:26pm CST by Luke Adams

Despite the fact that the Knicks‘ playoff chances appeared to be slipping away before the All-Star break, head coach Jeff Hornacek has continued to insist in recent weeks that the team is continuing to push for the postseason. However, heading into Tuesday’s game against Indiana, Hornacek finally relented on that stance, as Marc Berman of The New York Post details.

“Whether we’re in the playoffs or not in the playoffs, we’re going to play hard the whole time. The playoffs may not be in reach, but this especially could be for other young guys to get some time to show what they really can do,” Hornacek said, acknowledging that the Knicks’ playoff chances are all but dead. “Until you’re mathematically done, you’re always going for it, but sometimes it’s realistic. Are you going to be able to make up seven games in [15]? Many, many things would have to happen for that.”

Here’s more from around the Eastern Conference:

Hornets forward Nicolas Batum, who has been battling painful migraines, will undergo a CT scan on his brain, league sources tell Chris Haynes of ESPN.com (Twitter link). Hopefully that scan doesn’t reveal any serious health concerns for Batum.
Since acquiring Serge Ibaka and P.J. Tucker, the Raptors have been without star point guard Kyle Lowry, making them the great unknown in the Eastern Conference, writes Josh Lewenberg of TSN.ca. As Lewenberg outlines, Toronto may have the highest ceiling and the lowest floor of any of the East’s challengers to Cleveland.
Meanwhile, Doug Smith of The Toronto Star suggests that Raptors backup point guards Fred VanVleet and especially Delon Wright have been opening some eyes in Lowry’s absence.
In a piece for The Oklahoman, Berry Tramel makes a case for why Wizards head coach Scott Brooks deserves to win the NBA’s Coach of the Year award for his performance in his first season in Washington.

Nets Sign Archie Goodwin To 10-Day Deal

March 15th, 2017 at 10:53am CST by Luke Adams

10:53am: The Nets have officially signed Goodwin to a 10-day contract, the team announced today in a press release.

9:32am: The Nets are filling the open spot on their roster by signing Archie Goodwin to a 10-day contract, reports Shams Charania of The Vertical (via Twitter). When Brooklyn’s deal with Goodwin is officially finalized, the team will have a full 15-man squad once again.

A first-round pick in 2013, Goodwin is still just 22 years old, but has struggled to find a long-term NBA home. After three up and down seasons in Phoenix, Goodwin was waived by the Suns prior to the start of the 2016/17 season. The 6’5″ guard briefly caught on with the Pelicans in November when Lance Stephenson suffered a groin injury, but only appeared in three games for New Orleans before being cut.

Goodwin ultimately landed with the Greensboro Swarm, Charlotte’s D-League affiliate. In 34 games this season with the Swarm, he has averaged 17.0 PPG and 5.2 RPG with a .438/.235/.724 shooting line. While Goodwin’s NBADL production has been solid, Chris Reichert of The Step Back is somewhat surprised to see the former Sun getting a call-up, tweeting that there are 10 or 15 D-League players more deserving of an NBA shot.

The Nets made a handful of transactions around the time of the trade deadline, including trading for K.J. McDaniels, acquiring and waiving Marcus Thornton, and cutting Luis Scola. The series of roster moves left the team with 14 players on its roster for the last few weeks.

Brooklyn’s 10-day deal with Goodwin will move the club slightly closer to the salary floor for 2016/17, as our Salary Cap Snapshot shows.

LaMarcus Aldridge Medically Cleared To Return

March 15th, 2017 at 10:52am CST by Luke Adams

The Spurs announced some good news today, confirming in a press release that LaMarcus Aldridge has been medically cleared to resume all basketball-related activities. Aldridge will be available to play for the team tonight against Portland.

Less than a week ago, San Antonio announced that Aldridge would be sidelined indefinitely after being diagnosed with a minor heart arrhythmia. However, the Spurs have given him the go-ahead to return to the court after conducting multiple tests and consulting with several medical experts, according to the club.

“We are thankful that LaMarcus will be able to rejoin the team,” Spurs GM R.C. Buford said in a statement. “All of us have been impressed with the professionalism and grace he has shown in dealing with this difficult situation.”

Things were looking a little grim for the Spurs several days ago after Kawhi Leonard had been diagnosed with a concussion and Aldridge was said to be out indefinitely. With Leonard making a quick return and Aldridge set to follow suit, San Antonio now appears poised to make a run for the No. 1 seed in the West. Currently, the Spurs are a half-game behind the Warriors in the standings.

Hollis Thompson Back On Free Agent Market

March 15th, 2017 at 10:45am CST by Luke Adams

Hollis Thompson‘s second 10-day contract with the Pelicans expired overnight, giving the team the option of either locking him up for the season or letting him go. According to Scott Kushner of The Advocate (via Twitter), New Orleans has decided against signing Thompson for the remainder of the season, meaning he’ll return to the free agent market.

Thompson, who turns 26 next month, appeared in nine games during his 20 days with the Pelicans, starting eight of those games. However, he struggled mightily with his shot, making just 11 of 41 attempts from the field. Thompson’s shooting percentages in New Orleans (.268 overall, .250 on threes) represented a significant step down from his career averages in Philadelphia (.417/.389).

Assuming Thompson doesn’t catch on with another NBA team right away, there’s a good chance he’ll rejoin the Austin Spurs, his team prior to his stint with the Pelicans. The 6’8″ swingman would remain an NBA free agent even if he headed back to San Antonio’s D-League affiliate.

Having paired DeMarcus Cousins with Anthony Davis in their frontcourt in a trade that cost them three guards, the Pelicans have been looking for ball-handlers and shooters to fill out their rotation, experimenting with a number of players on 10-day contracts. The club initially signed Jarrett Jack and Reggie Williams along with Thompson, but none of those players are on the roster anymore.

Currently, New Orleans is carrying Jordan Crawford and Wayne Selden on 10-day deals, with one newly-opened spot on the team’s 15-man roster.

Lakers Shutting Down Luol Deng For Season

March 15th, 2017 at 8:57am CST by Luke Adams

The youth movement continues in Los Angeles. After a Tuesday report indicated that the Lakers have shut down Timofey Mozgov for the remainder of the season, Ramona Shelburne of ESPN.com writes that the team has taken the same approach with veteran forward Luol Deng. Over the final 15 games, the Lakers will give the majority of the playing time to their younger players, per Shelburne.

Neither Deng nor Mozgov had seen the court much lately for the Lakers, and both players were comfortable with the idea of being shut down for the season, rather than waiting for sporadic opportunities to play for a few minutes at a time, says Shelburne. According to the ESPN scribe, the Lakers’ could revisit Deng’s and Mozgov’s roles at some point down the stretch, but the plan is for both players to be inactive the rest of the way.

The move to shut down Deng doesn’t come as a real surprise, particularly after word broke that Mozgov would be shut down. The postseason is well out of reach for the Lakers, and with less than a month left in the season, it makes sense for the new management group – including president of basketball operations Magic Johnson and GM Rob Pelinka – to take a longer look at the team’s young talent.

The Lakers, who currently rank second in our 2016/17 Reverse Standings, also badly need to keep their 2017 first-round pick, which will be sent to Philadelphia if it doesn’t land within the top three. If the club loses its 2017 pick, it will also owe its 2019 first-rounder to Orlando — the Lakers will keep both picks if they land in the top three this year.

Deng, who hasn’t appeared in a single game for the Lakers this month, will finish the season with 7.6 PPG and a .386 FG% (both career lows) in 56 games if he doesn’t play again. Deng is unlikely to be traded or waived in the offseason, since he has three years and $54MM left on his contract, so Los Angeles will be hoping he can bounce back next season at age 32.

The Evolution Of Analytics: Taking The NBA’s Pulse

March 14th, 2017 at 10:54pm CST by ChrisCrouse

Analytics in the NBA has come a long way. There was a time when basketball-lifers and number-guys were gridlocked in a duel for the future. Now, both sides have softened their stance and acknowledge that the process needs to be a combination of stats, scouting, and common sense.

In most organizations, analytics departments don’t usually communicate directly with players. “We meet with coaches more so than players and let them relay the information,” Bucks Director of Basketball Research Seth Partnow told Hoops Rumors.“There may be reasons why a player is not performing [certain] tasks that are more effective in theory.”

Partnow wouldn’t provide a specific example from Milwaukee’s front office, but during the MIT Sloan Conference’s Ball Don’t Lie panel, former Nuggets executive Dean Oliver spoke about a scenario where the team shot down the empirical evidence. In the late 2000’s, Oliver’s research found that if J.R. Smith took a few steps back when shooting from behind the arc—akin to what Stephen Curry has done over the last few seasons—the value of the increase in floor spacing would outweigh the slight dip in 3-point percentage. However, coach George Karl wasn’t comfortable giving Smith the green light from that distance (the running joke among panel members and media attendees was that Oliver should have communicated directly with Smith, which would have easily persuaded the shooting guard to test out the theory as well as given Oliver the chance–likely with success– to validate his research).

There are other instances where teams may not use all the available information. Overloading players with data can be counter-productive at times. “Some players you give data to slows their mind down, slows their feet down,” former NBA coach Vinny Del Negro said during the same panel. “There might be a younger guy that you can only tell one or two things to…you have to remember the human element.”

Free agent power forward Luis Scola believes that in 10 years, every player will be comfortable with analytics, though he admits many of them rely on coaching staffs to get acclimated with the terminology and application of the mathematics. “In terms of data, players are way behind coaches,” Scola said.

As the analytics movement continues to evolve, the focus will shift to sports science. “Where else can it go? We tackled the front office already,” former Nets assistant GM Bobby Marks told Hoops Rumors. Organizations are already able to use mathematical models to gauge player values and learn how their roster can improve on and off the court. The next step is improving ways to monitor the health of players and perfecting the distribution of minutes in teams’ rotations. Marks, who now writes for The Vertical, envisions nearly every club hiring a Director of Sports Science to head a branch of their analytic departments in the future.

Player tracking devices will allow teams to gain the information needed to make crucial decisions. The new CBA could give players the ability to wear trackables and teams the access to the data, but the technology won’t be blanketly allowed throughout the league once the new agreement is signed. Per the new CBA, the NBA will set up committees, which will be comprised of league office members and representatives from the players’ union, to regulate the use of biometrics. Marks cautions that it’s not inevitable that players will use the technology next season, calling the integration of wearables “a slow process.”

Some players are luke-warm on the idea of wearables, while a fraction of them are against wearing the devices for fear that the data will hurt them in free agency. That viewpoint is far from the majority; many players see the value of the data. Once the new information exists, it will be used to assist the players with their health and help teams find the optimal minute distributions which will allow the players to have longer careers. “[The league] is going to get better using this [technology],” Celtics Assistant GM Michael Zarren said during the Ball Don’t Lie panel. “98% of the time, the players and team objectives align.”

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