C.J. Miles and Norman Powell enter the Raptors’ training camp as the primary contenders for the starting small forward spot, coach Dwane Casey told Doug Smith of the Toronto Star and other media members. The winner in the competition will join guards Kyle Lowry and DeMar DeRozan, power forward Serge Ibaka and center Jonas Valanciunas in the starting five. Miles, the former Pacers swingman, was signed by Toronto as a free agent in July. “It could be either one,” Casey said. “Delon Wright may see some minutes at the three because he’s a versatile young man. Bruno (Caboclo) gives you a standstill shooter.” The spot opened up when DeMarre Carroll was dealt to the Nets in July.
In other developments around the Atlantic Division:
- Celtics forward Marcus Morris will miss the start of training camp Tuesday until his trial on an aggravated assault charge in Arizona is resolved, Chris Forsberg of ESPN.com reports. His brother, Wizards forward Markieff Morris, is also on trial on in the felony case. Marcus Morris was acquired by Boston this summer in the deal that sent guard Avery Bradley to the Pistons. The Morris brothers face possible prison time and discipline from the NBA, including a minimum 10-game suspension if they are found guilty, Forsberg adds.
- Sixers forward Robert Covington strikes an optimistic note that an agreement will be reached regarding an extension or renegotiation of his current contract, Derek Bodner of The Athletic tweets. Covington, who stands to make less than $1.6MM this season, is in the unusual position of being eligible for an extension or renegotiation. It can’t be finalized until November 15, the three-year anniversary of when Covington signed his current deal.
- Power forward Kelly Olynyk never wanted to leave the Celtics, Gary Washburn of the Boston Globe notes. The Celtics’ brass kept in touch with Olynyk during the Gordon Hayward free agent saga, Washburn adds. When Hayward agreed to join Boston, Olynyk’s rights were renounced to create cap space and he soon signed with the Heat.
When training camp starts, Olynyk is going to learn really quick what it really means to be in shape lol.
I bet your cheese cupboard basement dwelling body is in so much better.
Lol.
I actually don’t eat trash…and I also anticipated some petty stupidity from someone. Ask Dion Waiters what I meant. Miami Heat training camp is on a different level. Pat Riley isn’t joking when he says guys should want to be in world class shape
Come on formerlyz we know who Dion Waiters is right? Mr irrational confidence. Compare that with Kelly who is level headed. I’m sure he knows what he’s got himself into.
Dion’s account for the first day of training camp last year is not nearly the 1st story like that
Wow, someone needs a hug.
When training camp starts you’re going to feel pretty sick from all these words you’re going to have to eat
Obviously I didn’t phrase it the way it was I tended…i haven’t said anything bad about Olynyk so ‘ve a week or 2 after the signing. As I’ve said, he’s here now. Hopefully, the heat development program can help him become a better defender
Wow autocorrect every time….
Watch bball breakdowns video on his defense. It’s very underrated.
(His defense is underrated not the video lol)
As soon as Covington gets paid, he’s overpaid. Lol at 1.6 M that’s palatable. For his skill set, it’s like giving Tony Allen a bunch of money, good role player but don’t overpay the dude.
Covington is a solid shooter and one of the better wing defenders. For him, a contract around what Dellevedova has is a good deal.
Ya I’d say something in the 9-11 million range is probably a good team deal, considering he can shoot it
Streaky shooter, league average at best. With declining 3PT % YOY for 3 years and sub 40% from the field. He’s a defender on the wing. I wouldn’t offer him more than 5 M per with Simmons, TLC and Anderson on the roster. I’d honestly look to trade him at the deadline if they aren’t in the playoff hunt.
Expect Covington can shoot so he’s a lot more valuable..
The perception is that he can shoot.
2014 – 39.6% FG 37.4% 3PT
2015 – 38.5% FG 35.3% 3PT
2016 – 39.9% FG 33.3% 3PT
Olynyk would do well in any team in the NBA. Don’t fool yourself
Yes and Miami went to a drive-n-kick offense and KO fits well with that. Good aquisition.
Exactly. Stay woke.