We have an opportunity for you to hit us up with your questions in this, our weekly mailbag feature. Have a question regarding player movement, the salary cap or the NBA draft? Drop us a line at HoopsRumorsMailbag@Gmail.com.
How do you expect Rajon Rondo and Jrue Holiday to fit in with Anthony Davis and DeMarcus Cousins this year? — Leonard Carollo
On paper, it seems like an odd pairing as neither Rondo or Holiday is a prolific outside shooter who can provide spacing for the All-Star big men. Also, Rondo is 6’1″ and Holiday is 6’3″, so that gives the Pelicans a small backcourt that invites post-ups by opposing guards. On the other hand, Rondo and Cousins developed a chemistry during their season together in Sacramento in 2015/16, with Rondo leading the league in assists and Cousins averaging 26.9 points per game. New Orleans certainly elevated its talent level over the summer, but may need to find another shooter or two to contend for a playoff spot.
Cedi Osman seems like a star for Turkey. Do you think he’ll be a major contributor for the Cavaliers this season or just warm the bench? — Greg Dizon
Osman may have a bright future in the NBA, but the Cavs are built to contend for a title and there won’t be many minutes for any rookie, even a 22-year-old with extensive international experience. Cleveland sees Osman as part of its future. Former GM David Griffin acquired his rights in the 2015 deal that sent Tyus Jones to Minnesota, and the Cavs decided to dedicate a roster spot to Osman by giving him a three-year deal in July. But LeBron James in place at small forward and Jeff Green was signed over the summer, so Osman may have to go to the G League to get playing time.
James Young got waived by the Bucks this week. Can his NBA career really be over at age 22? — Jerry, via Twitter
Young came into Milwaukee’s camp as a long shot to earn a roster spot, so it’s not surprising that he was released. He cleared waivers Saturday and will be eligible to join the Bucks’ G League affiliate, which is going to have to be his path back to the NBA. It’s a shocking fall for someone who was highly regarded when the Celtics made him the 17th pick in the 2014 draft. He never found a comfortable role in Boston, and there were questions about his attitude and work ethic during his two seasons there. Young has a lot to prove in the G League before the Bucks or anyone else will give him another chance.
Is nba G league stronger than all the other leagues overseas?
The idea is that even though you don’t get paid as much, you’re closer to home, and therefore have a better shot at being seen. If you sign on with an affiliate of an organization, they’re usually running the same sets and trying to play the same style as the NBA team, so standing out there could help you get chances
While everything Formerlyz said was true and are some of the reasons players choose to play in the NBA D league, to answer your question no its not stronger. Euroleague is probably the strongest as it has all the European powers, but the league in Spain, Turkey, Greece and Russia has on par level of talent and the league in Australia and China while I would say are currently worse than the G league you could make an argument for as well. Foreign basketball has been growing exponentially and really the drop off isn’t as severe as one might think