Forward Michael Kidd-Gilchrist finally joined the Mavericks at the Orlando campus on Saturday, according to the Dallas Morning News’ Brad Townsend, and explained that his late arrival was due to personal reasons, Callie Caplan of the Dallas Morning News tweets. “I had some personal things I had to handle in my family,” he said. “I’m just happy to be here.” Guard Trey Burke still hasn’t joined the team but he should arrive soon, Townsend adds.
We have more from the Southwest Division:
- The extended layoff will result in a new look for the Grizzlies’ rotation, Evan Barnes of the Memphis Commercial Appeal notes. Jaren Jackson Jr., Brandon Clarke, Justise Winslow and Grayson Allen are healthy again and the first three will play major roles in Memphis’ aim to make the playoffs.
[UPDATE: Grizzlies’ Winslow Out For Season With Hip Injury] - Seth Curry said his success with the Mavericks is due in large part to coach Rick Carlisle’s faith in him, he told Dwain Price of the team’s website. Curry, who signed a four-year, $32MM deal last summer, is averaging 12.6 PPG in 24.5 MPG while making 45.3% of his 3-pointers this season. “He allows me to play on and off the ball, and he just gives me a lot of opportunities and a lot of minutes,” Curry said. “He’s given me the most minutes of my career so far and it allows me to get better as the season goes along, so it’s been a great fit for both of us.”
- Spurs coach Gregg Popovich has stated he’s more interested in player development than securing a playoff spot in Orlando. That will benefit a player like 20-year-old rookie swingman Keldon Johnson, Tom Orsborn of the San Antonio Express News writes. “I just love the chance to get out there and show what I can do,” he said. The late first-round pick in the June 2019 draft averaged 7.0 PPG, 2.8 RPG and 1.3 SPG in the last four games before the hiatus.
Pop knows his Spurs aren’t making the playoffs without Aldridge.
Celtics should of gone after Aldridge. I know he’s hurt now. But he fits them like a glove. They could of gotten him cheap. Celtics have like 5 picks. Plus he probably would have signed cheap. To chase rings. Only has one yr left. I still think he gets traded next yr. SA needs to rebuild. They should move Aldridge and DeRozan
If DeRozan opts out then the only way the Spurs get anything would be a sign and trade. It would be good for both of them to go to contenders next season and then they can start to re-build in San Antonio.
Not all teams rebuild, just retool. Spurs are one of those teams. The draft is a crap shoot and pop knows it so he takes whats given to him and develops later picks into starters instead of the lottery picks.
Interesting to see what they have in Samanic & Keldon Johnson.
A recent ranking on ESPN of foreign born-players in the NBA had Dirk Nowitzki number one ahead of Olajuwon. Just another typical insult to the Rockets.