If you missed any of this past week’s biggest headlines from around the NBA, we’ve got you covered with our Week in Review. Here are some of the most noteworthy stories from the last seven days:
Veteran big man Nene re-signed with the Rockets and will play an 18th season in the league. When Nene opted out of the final year of his most recent contract back in June, many NBA experts believed he would retire. He instead chose to play at least one more season with Houston and will join another veteran center Tyson Chandler on the bench to back up starter Clint Capela.
The Kings and guard Buddy Hield are trying to reach an extension agreement. Sacramento GM Vlade Divac said that the two sides are trying to work toward a new deal before opening night. “We are … every day is working and Buddy’s a big part of this team, and we’ll figure something out down the road,” Divac said. “We’re working on it and we’ll figure out something. Buddy is (a) very important piece to this franchise.” Based on the NBA’s latest salary cap projection for 2020/21, Hield would be eligible for up to nearly $170MM on a five-year contract.
Joe Johnson‘s possible return to the NBA seems imminent after he lined up workouts with the Pistons, Bucks and Nets. Johnson, 38, did not play for an NBA team during the 2018/19 season. But he joined Ice Cube‘s BIG3 league this summer and excelled in the 3-on-3 format. He was named the BIG3’s MVP after leading the league in points and assists, then scored 28 points in the 2019 championship game.
Nets forward Rodions Kurucs was arrested on a domestic violence charge. Kurucs was accused of choking and other acts of violence toward his ex-girlfriend. Kurucs’ arrest in New York City has spurred the Nets to investigate the incident and he could be facing a suspension from the team and the league.
The Nuggets signed second-year pick Bol Bol to a two-way contract. No player drafted as high as 44th overall has signed a two-way contract to start his career since the NBA introduced two-way deals in 2017. However, the Nuggets and Bol had incentive to go this route for a variety of reasons. Bol is returning from a stress fracture in his foot that sidelined him for much of lone college season. At the same time, Denver has luxury-tax concerns.
Here are 10 more noteworthy headlines from the past week:
- The Hornets signed Kobi Simmons to a training camp contract.
- Carmelo Anthony‘s handlers are trying to improve his image. Anthony now insists he’s willing to be a role player.
- Celtics forward Jayson Tatum suffered an ankle sprain during the FIBA World Cup.
- The Heat signed guard Davon Reed to a training camp deal.
- Kevin Durant spoke at length about the Nets season and when he might return.
- The Bulls opted to release guard Antonio Blakeney.
- Jared Cunningham had a workout lined up with the Rockets.
- Houston officially signed Eric Gordon to a four-year extension.
- Dwyane Wade won’t completely rule out a comeback.
- A contract agreement between the Knicks and rookie Kris Wilkes fell through.
Photo courtesy of USA Sports Images.
The Rockets 10-man rotation of Harden, Westbrook, Capela, Tucker, Gordon, Danuel House, Rivers, Gerald Green, Tyson Chandler, and Nene is as good as any team in the NBA.
Gary Clark and Isaiah Hartenstein are also excellent depth who will eventually join their rotation in another year or two. Shamorie Ponds and Chris Clemons may develop into decent players some day as well.