If you missed any of this week’s biggest stories, don’t worry because we’ve got it covered with our Week in Review. Listed below are some the more noteworthy news items from the last seven days.
Sixers rookie Zhaire Smith had surgery to repair a Jones fracture of the fifth metatarsal in his left foot. Sixers rookies have been snakebit by injuries in recent years, including current stars Joel Embiid and Ben Simmons, and Smith joined the list during a development camp in Las Vegas. No timetable has been released regarding his recovery but Philadelphia has taken a cautious approach with its young players in the past. The former Texas Tech standout, the No. 16 pick, was acquired by the Sixers on draft night along with a future first-rounder in a trade that sent 10th overall pick Mikal Bridges to Phoenix.
The Pelicans signed former No. 3 overall pick Jahlil Okafor to a partially guaranteed two-year contract that includes a team option. One Okafor just wasn’t enough for New Orleans, which also has veteran center Emeka Okafor on the roster. Jahlil has seen his career nosedive after a promising beginning in Philadelphia and isn’t even a lock to make the Opening Night roster.
The NCAA announced dramatic changes regarding basketball eligibility, including allowing some underclassmen who don’t get drafted to return to school and permitting top high school prospects and college players to hire agents. These changes came as a big surprise to NBA and USAB executives, who held meetings with NCAA officials but weren’t expecting any announcement regarding these sweeping moves. The new draft rule will have a minimal impact since it only applies to players invited to the combine. The new rule regarding agents likely won’t go into effect for a few more years.
The Cavaliers added some frontcourt depth by acquiring forward Sam Dekker from the Clippers. Dekker was a rotation player for the Clippers last season after spending his first two years in Houston. He could see more action with the Cavaliers, who have to replace all the minutes that LeBron James logged.
Veteran center Greg Monroe found a new home as he agreed to a one-year contract with the Raptors. Monroe may be a defensive liability but he always puts up numbers. Last season, he averaged 10.3 PPG and 6.9 RPG while playing for the Bucks, Suns and Celtics. He’ll back up Jonas Valanciunas in Toronto.
Here are 10 more notable NBA headlines from the last week:
- The Timberwolves signed swingman James Nunnally to a two-year contract.
- The Rockets signed undrafted guard Rob Gray to a training-camp deal.
- The NBA schedule was released and features the fewest back-to-backs in league history.
- Dirk Nowitzki remains undecided whether he’ll retire after the upcoming season.
- The Knicks are planning to shed disgruntled center Joakim Noah before camp opens.
- Forward Trevor Booker decided to play in China next season.
- In the league’s worst-kept secret, Carmelo Anthony has verbally agreed to join the Rockets.
- Several teams have shown interest in point guard Mario Chalmers, though he remains unsigned.
- The Grizzlies signed backup point guard Shelvin Mack.
- Rookie forward Marcus Derrickson agreed to a Exhibit 10 contract with the Warriors.