Due to the continued injury absences of Norman Powell, Marc Gasol and Pascal Siakam, defensive-oriented forward Rondae Hollis-Jefferson has been used more frequently as a big-man passing alternative to the Raptors’ point guard stable, notes Michael Grange of Rogers SportsNet.
“I love doing it,” Hollis-Jefferson said of his expanded role as a passer once defenses key in on Raptors guards Kyle Lowry and Fred VanVleet. “Growing up in high school and college, even some in Brooklyn, just made plays with the ball whether that was bringing it up or whether that was catching it at the high post.”
When Toronto signed Hollis-Jefferson to a one-year, $2.5MM contract this summer, he was not anticipating being used extensively on offense. Laura Armstrong of the Toronto Star notes that Raptors coach Nick Nurse has been tactical about shifting around his rotation to adjust to opposing teams. This has forced players like Hollis-Jefferson and OG Anunoby to remain primed for starter minutes, though Nurse sometimes favors one over the other.
There’s more out of the Atlantic Division:
- Nets wing Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot is getting close to reaching the 45-day limit two-way players can spend with an NBA team, the New York Post’s Brian Lewis hears from YES Network and Fox Sports television analyst Sarah Kustok (Twitter link). The Nets will have to make a determination on whether or not they convert Luwawu-Cabarrot to a standard NBA contract. In 12 games with Brooklyn, Luwawu-Cabarrot has averaged 4.9 PPG and 2.2 RPG, while shooting 76.5% from the free-throw line and 37% from deep.
- Celtics head coach Brad Stevens noted that doctors are encouraged by the latest MRI scanning the injured hip of center Robert Williams, Mark Murphy of the Boston Herald reports (Twitter link). Stevens says that Williams will meet with a specialist after Boston’s road trip concludes tomorrow against the Wizards. “Tuesday I’m going to see somebody to get the final word,” Williams said, “but that was good news for me” (Twitter link).
- The reeling Sixers, losers of four straight games, will look for perimeter help at the trade deadline, sources tell ESPN’s Tim MacMahon. The team will prioritize shooting wings with ball-handling skills. Philadelphia, currently 23-14 in the East, made just six of their three-point 27 attempts in a loss to the Rockets Friday night.
Sarah Kustok, he’s hawt!
Alec Burks could be Philly’s new (B)butler, without stressing Simmons’ leadership. And much cheaper
Burks could be the new Butler?! Come on man.
Sixers should look at one of the rental shooters with the Knicks (Bullock, Ellington or Trier). Sounds like a 2nd would get the Sixers any one of them. Bullock and Trier work dollar wise with either Burke, Neto and a 2nd, or Burke and Bolden/no pick.
Lol that guy who made the Butler comparison is obviously delusional, Burks is not even close to Butlers skills defensively. JB brought more than just offense to the table.
It’s not a talent comparison, it’s a role comparison. Butler basically took over halfcourt offensive leadership. Sixers need that, but without being a threat to Simmons. Simmons has a very uneven profile and should to be used but handled.
The Sixers would be better if Burks did that, and he wouldn’t ruin it or be useless like the players mentioned by greg1.
This isn’t a virtual-type game, it’s commentary on the real thing with people.
Bolden isn’t worth anything. Added rather take pick over end of bench filler any day
They should go and trade for JJ Reddick( who’s played for them before ) , Korver or signed J Crawford