After playing for four teams in eight seasons, newly signed Nets forward Ed Davis feels like he has found a place where he’s wanted, relays Brian Lewis of The New York Post. Brooklyn was quick to pounce on Davis, offering a one-year, $4.4MM deal minutes after free agency opened.
“The main thing is they definitely came out aggressive when July 1 hit. I definitely wanted to go to where I was wanted, so that had a lot to do with it,” Davis said. “Then, I talked to Allen [Crabbe] and Jeremy [Lin] about the coaching staff and how the organization was run, and it was nothing but great things. Then, this team has potential, definitely. We can try to make this push into the playoffs this year. It’s going to be a challenge, but that’s one of the reasons why I’m here.”
Davis topped all NBA reserves in rebounding last season with 575, but the Trail Blazers decided he was expendable. Portland executive Neil Olshey told reporters he was on the phone when Davis when he received the Nets’ offer and advised him to accept it.
There’s more tonight from the Atlantic Division:
- Veteran shooter Jared Dudley, who met the media today following a trade that sent him from the Suns to the Nets, almost came to Brooklyn two years ago, writes Tom Dowd of NBA.com. Dudley said he considered the franchise because of the style of offense that coach Kenny Atkinson runs. “That’s one of my strong suits here in the NBA with reading defenses, moving side-to-side, going to pick-and-rolls,” Dudley explained. “I just think it’s kind of a perfect match.”
- He may be considered a throw-in from the Kawhi Leonard trade, but Danny Green is exactly the type of player the Raptors need, according to Steven Loung of SportsNet. Green will solve some of the team’s spacing issues with his 3-point accuracy, and he’s an excellent defender to match up against opposing wing players.
- The Celtics were able to save some money by trading Abdel Nader to the Thunder instead of waiving him, Bobby Marks notes on ESPN Now. The move saves Boston about $675K in tax penalties and another $450K in salary. Getting rid of Nader leaves the Celtics with 14 guaranteed contracts and a tax bill of $3.8MM if they waive Rodney Purvis, whose $1,378,242 salary doesn’t become guaranteed until January 10.
Only way I see the Nets getting into the playoffs is if Russell plays at least 70 games and Jarrett Allen improves on last season. Jarrett Allen should be able to average 14-15 ppg next season with 8-9 rpg if allowed to start, he could possibly average 16-17.
Green can play the point more consistent than Lowry ffs. I’m salty cuz I wish he was the one traded rather than DeMar, San Antonio even made a run at Lowry last year
Yeah, man. I’m not a Raptors fan, but I still can’t believe they traded DeRozan, after how loyal the guy has been. Then again, who would you have wanted, if you were in the Spurs’ position? DeRozan is younger and probably better than Lowry.
I’m so glad Ed Davis is in a good situation in Brooklyn. It sucks that Portland couldn’t re-sign him but it’s good that Olshey was honest about the direction they had to take. I will be watching some Nets basketball this year and I’m looking forward to seeing Ed Davis ball out.
Agree with yoyo137, so refreshing to see an honest & upfront GM. He definitely has earned a lot of respect in my eyes.
Definitely. It just sucks because if the cap situation wasn’t so bad they would’ve easily been able to bring Davis back. The Stauskas deal doesn’t move the needle for me especially considering they also signed Seth Curry and drafted two guards in Anfernee Simons and Gary Trent Jr. I thought we’d definitely need more frontcourt depth, not 4 more guards. This is Olshey’s make or break year imo, he hasn’t proven that he can put together a roster that can win in the playoffs.
I thought after green had that huge finals series a few years back he would take like a next step and become a 16 and 5 and 4 guy … I was very wrong but he can still be big in spots for a good team.