Month: November 2024

Mavs Sign Scotty Hopson To 10-Day Contract

February 26th, 2018 at 6:16pm CST by Dana Gauruder

The Mavericks have signed swingman Scotty Hopson to a 10-day contract, according to a team press release. The team has an open roster spot and thus does not need to make another move to add Hopson.

This confirms an ESPN report on Friday that Dallas intended to sign him.

Hopson, 28, has spent virtually all of his professional career overseas. He played two games for the Cavaliers during the 2013/14 season. That offseason, Hopson was traded four times before the Kings waived him.

Hopson has been playing with Galatasaray in the Turkish league this season. In 13 games, he averaged 11.5 PPG, 3.4 RPG and 1.8 APG and 21.8 MPG.

The 6’7” Hopson went undrafted in 2011 after playing three seasons at Tennessee. He’s played in Greece, Israel, Spain and China as well as Turkey.

Hawks, Ersan Ilyasova Finalize Buyout

February 26th, 2018 at 5:50pm CST by Luke Adams

5:50pm: Ilyasova plans to sign a veteran’s minimum contract with the Sixers for the rest of the season once he clears waivers, Shams Charania of Yahoo Sports tweets.

3:05pm: The Hawks have officially waived Ilyasova, per a team release. He’s on track to clear waivers on Wednesday, at which point he’d be free to sign with the Sixers.

2:42pm: The Hawks and veteran forward Ersan Ilyasova have finalized their buyout agreement, reports Michael Cunningham of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution (Twitter link). The team is expected to formally announce Ilyasova’s release soon.

We first heard last Friday that the Hawks were nearing a buyout for Ilyasova. While it took a few days for the two sides to make the agreement official, it was always expected to happen. In fact, Ilyasova has already worked on lining up a new team for after he clears waivers — a Sunday report indicated that he intends to return to the Sixers.

Ilyasova, 30, has had a solid year with the Hawks, averaging 10.9 PPG and 5.5 RPG in 46 contests (25.5 MPG). The stretch four has a shooting line of .459/.359/.800. All of those numbers are in the general ballpark of his career averages.

After they waive Ilyasova, the Hawks will be left with just 13 players on their NBA roster, meaning they’ll once again have to get back up to 14 players, the league-mandated minimum. Atlanta left itself with 13 players after buying out Marco Belinelli earlier this month, and eventually signed Antonius Cleveland to a 10-day contract to get back to 14.

As for the Sixers, Belinelli ended up on their roster after being bought out by the Hawks, filling their final open roster spot. Philadelphia will have to cut a player to officially sign Ilyasova.

Community Shootaround: Buyout Candidates

February 26th, 2018 at 3:59pm CST by Luke Adams

As we noted earlier this afternoon, we could see a second wave of buyouts completed across the NBA this week, with a March 1 deadline looming. Players waived after Thursday won’t be playoff-eligible if they sign with another NBA team before the end of the season.

In our earlier story, we identified Jarrett Jack, Arron Afflalo, Shabazz Muhammad, Trevor Booker, and Joakim Noah as buyout candidates, but they’re not the only ones out there. Corey Brewer, Vince Carter, Brook Lopez, and Nerlens Noel are among the veterans on expiring contracts who may not fit into their respective teams’ future plans.

Players on expiring contracts make the strongest buyout candidates, since it’s much easier for a non-playoff team to eat some or all of a salary that doesn’t extend into 2018/19. A multiyear contract complicates matters — teams are sometimes willing to turn future cap hits into dead money by cutting a player with a long-term salary, but most clubs would prefer to wait to see if that player can eventually be traded.

As such, we shouldn’t necessarily expect to see veterans like Tyson Chandler, Jared Dudley, Zach Randolph, Garrett Temple, or Justin Holiday released this week. Even though they may see their roles reduced in the final weeks of the 2017/18 season, ceding minutes to younger players, they’re all under contract through next year, so there’s no urgency for their teams to part ways with them yet.

With Ersan Ilyasova‘s release today kicking off this potential second wave of buyouts, we want to hear your thoughts on which players should follow Ilyasova to the free agent market. Which players should be pushing the hardest for buyouts, and which teams should be most willing to accommodate them? Which playoff teams do you think could use a specific player or two to provide a boost to their roster down the stretch?

Jump into the comment section below to weigh in!

Five Candidates To Be Released This Week

February 26th, 2018 at 1:38pm CST by Luke Adams

Due to an early trade deadline this season, the buyout market was active sooner than usual, with a handful of players released by their respective teams before the All-Star break. Greg Monroe, Joe Johnson, Marco Belinelli, and Brandan Wright are among the veterans who were bought out and quickly caught on with new teams earlier in February, and Ersan Ilyasova appears set to join them on that list soon.

There are still several more candidates for buyouts around the NBA, but if those buyouts are going to happen, it will have to be soon. For a veteran player hoping to leave a lottery-bound team to play for a contender, March 1 is a key deadline. A player waived after that date won’t retain his playoff eligibility if he subsequently signs with a new club.

As such, we could see another small flurry of buyout activity happen this week — if those buyouts aren’t completed on or before Thursday, they probably won’t happen at all this season.

Here are five players who are candidates to be bought out or released outright in the coming days:

Jarrett Jack, PG (Knicks): A starter for 56 of the Knicks‘ first 59 games this season, Jack has yet to play a single minute since the All-Star break. Finding minutes for young point guards Frank Ntilikina and Emmanuel Mudiay will be a top priority for head coach Jeff Hornacek down the stretch, and Jack won’t even be third in line for minutes, with Trey Burke also in the mix. While the Knicks may value the veteran’s leadership abilities in the locker room, it would make sense to let him go if there’s a playoff-bound team out there with interest in signing him.
Arron Afflalo, SG (Magic): Afflalo’s 12.8 MPG and 3.2 PPG are career-worsts, and his one-year minimum salary contract makes him very unlikely to be part of the long-term plans in Orlando. The veteran swingman has been just as effective as ever from three-point range this year though — his .386 3PT% is identical to his career rate. That should appeal to some teams in need of outside shooting, including perhaps the Raptors.
Shabazz Muhammad, SF (Timberwolves): Muhammad was said earlier this month to be seeking a trade or a buyout, and Timberwolves owner Glen Taylor has said his team is willing to accommodate the forward’s departure. However, Muhammad’s second-year player option complicates matters. Minnesota would likely want him to give back that money as part of a buyout, and it’s not clear if the 25-year-old is willing to do that. Given how much he’s struggled this season (3.8 PPG, .388/.211/.710 shooting line), Muhammad isn’t necessarily a lock for a guaranteed contract in free agency this summer, so he may be reluctant to give up that guaranteed player-option salary.
Trevor Booker, PF (Sixers): Booker’s name hasn’t really come up in buyout rumors this month, but his roster spot may be in jeopardy. Philadelphia is said to be Ersan Ilyasova‘s preferred landing spot for when he finalizes a buyout with the Hawks, and the Sixers have a full roster, meaning someone will have to go. Booker, one of the few players on the roster with an expiring contract, has averaged just 15.0 minutes per game since joining the 76ers earlier this season and plays the same position as Ilyasova. There’s no guarantee that Booker will be the odd man out if and when the Sixers sign Ilyasova, but he’s definitely a candidate.
Joakim Noah, C (Knicks): If Muhammad’s $1.8MM guarantee for next season qualifies as a roadblock in his potential buyout with the Timberwolves, what does that make Noah’s $37.8MM in future guarantees? We’ve written at length about Noah’s situation since he left the club last month, so we won’t go into extensive detail again. But it’s clear there’s no real win-win solution for the Knicks and Noah, who would welcome a fresh start but doesn’t want to give up a significant chunk of money. Even if their relationship is all but over, it would still be somewhat surprising to see the Knicks and Noah get a buyout done this week — both sides can probably afford to wait out the situation in the hopes of eventually gaining more leverage.

Categories:
Hoops Rumors Originals

And-Ones: NCAA, G League, Porter, World Cup

February 26th, 2018 at 12:32pm CST by Luke Adams

If Pistons head coach Stan Van Gundy feels strongly about something, he rarely holds back. He showed that on Sunday when he weighed in on NCAA basketball, which is currently the subject of an FBI investigation.

According to an ESPN report, Van Gundy called the NCAA “one of the worst organizations” in sports, suggesting that “they certainly don’t care about the athlete(s).” He also railed against the NBA’s and NCAA’s one-and-done rule, which he notes isn’t consistent with the way other sports leagues operate.

“People that were against [players] coming out [of high school] made a lot of excuses, but I think a lot of it was racist. I’ve never heard anybody go up in arms about [minor league baseball or hockey],” Van Gundy said to reporters. “They are not making big money, and they’re white kids primarily and nobody has a problem.

“But all of a sudden you’ve got a black kid that wants to come out of high school and make millions,” Van Gundy continued. “That’s a bad decision, but bypassing college to go play for $800 a month in minor league baseball? That’s a fine decision? What the hell is going on?”

Here are more odds and ends from around the basketball world:

It’s time for elite high school prospects to start consider playing in the NBA G League instead of heading to the NCAA, says Marc J. Spears of The Undefeated. While playing in the G League isn’t as “glamorous” as playing for a program like Duke or Kentucky, and the standard $25K salary is modest, players would be able to legally accept money from agents and shoe companies before being drafted, Spears notes. Players would also get a chance to play in NBA systems with NBA rules, and would face a higher level of competition in the NBAGL than in an average NCAA game.
More than 10 high-ranking NBA executives told ESPN’s Jeff Goodman that they’d advise top prospect Michael Porter Jr. to play for Missouri down the stretch, assuming he feels ready to return. Viewed as a probable lottery pick in the 2018 draft, Porter has been cleared for full contact after recovering from back surgery, but isn’t a lock to return to the court this season. “If he’s healthy, he’s not going to slide down too much even if he doesn’t play well,” one GM said. “Everyone’s seen him. And if he plays well, I think he could move all the way up to the second spot in the draft.”
Twelve international teams have already secured their spots in the second round of qualifying for the 2019 Basketball World Cup, per an AP report (via USA Today). The United States can assure itself of a spot in the second round by defeating Puerto Rico on Monday.
Former Nets and Suns forward Cory Jefferson, who was playing in Italy earlier this season, has returned stateside and caught on with the Texas Legends, the Mavericks‘ G League affiliate, as Nicola Lupo of Sportando details.

Southwest Notes: Pelicans, Hill, Evans, Murray

February 26th, 2018 at 11:25am CST by Luke Adams

While the Pelicans have missed Solomon Hill on the court this season, there’s a silver lining to his lengthy injury absence, as ESPN’s Bobby Marks observes. Hill’s contract includes a bonus for playing more than 1,000 minutes this season, an incentive that had been considered “likely” because he achieved it last year.

However, he won’t reach that threshold this season, so his cap hit will be reduced by approximately $489K, and that money won’t count for luxury-tax purposes at season’s end. That will give New Orleans additional breathing room below the tax line in the event that the team wants to make more roster moves in the coming weeks. Hill’s cap hits in future seasons will also be reduced slightly, since that playing-time bonus will now be considered “unlikely” going forward.

Here’s more from around the Southwest division:

Pelicans star Anthony Davis almost certainly won’t win this season’s MVP award, but he deserves to be in the conversation, writes Rod Walker of The Advocate.
After undergoing an MRI for a rib injury on Sunday, Tyreke Evans has been ruled out of the Grizzlies‘ lineup for Monday’s game (Twitter links). According to Michael Wallace of Grizzlies.com (Twitter link), the MRI showed slight cartilage damage, and Evans is considered day-to-day. “We’re not expecting it to be a long absence,” head coach J.B Bickerstaff said. “He’s had this injury before. So we expect to see him back soon.”
With Tony Parker averaging a career-low 20.6 minutes per game and Kawhi Leonard appearing in just nine contests this season, the Spurs have had to lean on other players, including Dejounte Murray. The second-year point guard has been a starter since January 21, averaging 26.2 minutes per game since then. Michael C. Wright of ESPN takes an in-depth look at Murray, exploring whether he has the potential to become one of the next great Spurs.

Fantasy Hoops: Crawford, Collins, Pacers, Millsap

February 26th, 2018 at 10:13am CST by ChrisCrouse

The Timberwolves will try to maintain a playoff position without the aid of Jimmy Butler. The All-Star’s knee injury means other players are going to have to step up offensively, and Jamal Crawford appears to ready for the task at hand. The 37-year-old guard scored 19 points off the bench in Minnesota’s victory over Chicago on Saturday.

“He’s still playing like he’s 22 years old,” Bulls coach Fred Hoiberg said of Crawford. “He was playing by himself out there for a while. When he gets rolling, he’s a hard guy to stop.”

Crawford, who joined the Wolves on a two-year deal worth approximately $8.87MM prior to the season, is averaging 19.7 points and 4.3 assists per game in three contests without Butler this season. He’s available in slightly over 94% of ESPN leagues.

Here are a few more fantasy notes from around the league:

With the Hawks set to finalize a buyout for Ersan Ilyasova, rookie center John Collins needs to be owned in all leagues. Collins posted nine points, nine rebounds, and two blocks over 30 minutes of action against the Pacers on Friday night and if he can stay out of foul trouble, the big man should see even more run on a nightly basis.
Keep an eye on the status of Darren Collison. The Pacers point guard isn’t expected to come back until early March — while he’s out, Lance Stephenson (available in slightly over 89% of ESPN leagues) and Cory Joseph (available in nearly 98%) will continue to be streaming options. Going forward, I prefer Stephenson of the two, though once Collison returns, both players belong on waivers.
Check your waiver wire to see if Paul Millsap is available, as he is in over 36% of ESPN leagues. The Nuggets‘ prized offseason acquisition went through a full practice last week and although he’ll likely be on a minutes restriction upon returning, he’s worth adding in all leagues.
The Kings are the only team with five games this week. The Spurs only play two. Every other team plays three or four contests.

Fantasy questions? Take to the comment section below or tweet me at @CW_Crouse.

Missed an earlier edition of Fantasy Hoops? Check out the entire series here.

Statistics are current through Monday morning. Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images.

Trade Deadline Day At Pro Hockey Rumors

February 26th, 2018 at 9:05am CST by Luke Adams

The 2018 NHL Trade Deadline is today at 2pm CT, and our sister site Pro Hockey Rumors will be busy bringing you breaking news and analysis. Make sure to jump into the conversation during their special live chat, or just follow along with all the trade talk throughout the day.

Will Erik Karlsson actually be traded today? Do the New York Rangers continue their fire sale and send Ryan McDonagh to a contender? Is Evander Kane going to land a big package for the Buffalo Sabres?

Visit Pro Hockey Rumors and be sure to follow on Twitter @prohockeyrumors.

Categories:
Hoops Rumors Originals

Pacific Notes: Bradley, Evans, Caldwell-Pope, Payton

February 25th, 2018 at 11:00pm CST by Arthur Hill

Clippers guards Avery Bradley and Jawun Evans are both suffering from ailments that could result in offseason surgery, writes Elliott Teaford of The Orange County Register. For the first time today, coach Doc Rivers brought up surgery as an option for Bradley, who has a sports hernia. The organization is hoping the 27-year-old, who was acquired from the Pistons late last month, can return in a week or two, but they’re being careful with him. He has played six games for L.A. since the trade and hasn’t been on the court since February 14.

“He’s one of the, if not the best, he’s one of the top five defensive guys on the ball in the league,” Rivers said. “And that’s all movement there [in a players’ core muscles]. So it’s tough blow.”

Evans, who has been diagnosed with a “sore lower abdominal ailment,” hasn’t been able to play since January 20.

There’s more news from the Pacific Division:

Lakers guard Kentavious Caldwell-Pope has played much better since resolving his legal issues last month, notes Ohm Youngmisuk of ESPN. With free agency looming, Caldwell-Pope has been showing off his scoring ability, hitting eight 3-pointers in a 34-point performance Saturday night. “It was kind of hard with that situation I had, but now that’s behind me,” he said. “I can focus on just one thing — that’s basketball. It’s been good just to be able to get my work when I need it and just be ready for games.”
The Suns have the rest of the season to determine if they want to team Elfrid Payton with Devin Booker as their backcourt of the future, relays Scott Bordow of The Arizona Republic. Payton has solidified the point guard position since coming to Phoenix in a trade at the deadline, but the front office has to decide if Payton’s abilities are the best complement for Booker and if he is worth the estimated $10MM annually it will cost to keep him when he hits restricted free agency this summer. The Suns will also consider whether they want to draft a new point guard or keep Payton and use their pick on a center.
Shooting guard Danuel House has reached the 45-day NBA limit under his two-way contract, Bordow tweets. House has returned to the Suns‘ Northern Arizona affiliate and can’t come back to Phoenix until the G League season is over unless his contract is converted to a regular NBA deal.

Mavericks Notes: New CEO, Smith Jr., Noel, Collinsworth

February 25th, 2018 at 10:01pm CST by Arthur Hill

The Mavericks will hold a press conference Monday to introduce Cynthia Marshall as their interim CEO, according to Jeff Zillgitt of USA Today. The former AT&T executive is being hired to clean up the franchise in the wake of sexual assault and domestic violence allegations that emerged this week.

Marshall served as vice president of human resources and chief diversity officer for the communications company. She was selected as one of the 50 most powerful women in corporate America in 2015 by Black Enterprise magazine.

There’s more news tonight out of Dallas:

For the first time since he started playing basketball, Dennis Smith Jr. is being asked to handle a position other than point guard, writes Eddie Sefko of The Dallas Morning News. Coach Rick Carlisle has shifted Smith to shooting guard in the starting lineup to make room for J.J. Barea, and the rookie’s numbers have declined in the two games since the move. “He’s learning a lot,” said Carlisle, who sees long-term benefits from Smith understanding the position. “And in this league, often times the most growth comes from the greatest struggles. He’s got to go through some of these things. But it’s tough right now. It’s tough for the whole team. That’s where we are. I thought he gave good effort.”
Backup center Nerlens Noel expects a larger dose of playing time when he returns from thumb surgery, according to The Dallas Morning News. During a recent appearance on Kevin Hart’s YouTube show, Noel responded, “I’m expecting to get a lot of games,” when asked what Mavericks owner Mark Cuban could give him that he didn’t get in Philadelphia. Noel dropped out of Dallas’ rotation early in the season, then suffered a thumb injury in a November 22 game. He could return as early as Monday.
Rookie forward Kyle Collinsworth tells Ryan McDonald of The Deseret News he never lost faith that he could reach the NBA. Undrafted out of BYU, Collinsworth spent a season in the G League before signing a two-way contract with the Mavericks, then earning a multiyear deal earlier this month. “It’s been a roller coaster, but I think the biggest thing I’ve been able to do is believe,” he said. “Believe when things were good, believe when things were bad. Never lost my belief, never lost my goal, and I just kept working and kept believing. I stayed consistent with my routine, with all the little things that I do that I believe give me an edge to be here. I just kept at it.”

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