Spurs swingman DeMar DeRozan is helping to teach rookie Devin Vassell the nuances of the NBA game, Jeff McDonald of The San Antonio Express News writes. Vassell was selected with the 11th overall pick in the draft and also plays on the wing. “A lot of times, even in practice, he comes to me and asks questions,” DeRozan said. “That’s big for a young guy to to be able to come to our vets and just ask questions, ask what he is doing wrong, what he can do better.” Vassell had 12 points, six rebounds and three steals in 24 minutes during his preseason debut.
We have more from the Southwest Division:
- Seeking an extension, Rockets forward P.J. Tucker says he wants to go “where I am wanted,” Tim MacMahon of ESPN tweets. Tucker promises to “do my job” even if the club doesn’t offer him an extension. Tucker, who will make approximately $7.97MM this season, will enter unrestricted free agency next summer.
- The Pelicans’ acquisition of center Steven Adams from the Thunder and subsequent decision to give him an extension was a head-scratcher, John Hollinger of The Athletic opines. They could have instead acquired a better shooter in Al Horford or re-signed Derrick Favors. They also would have been better off holding onto George Hill, rather than dealing him in the same multi-team trade involving Denver and Oklahoma City, Hollinger contends. Hill is a better shooter than Eric Bledsoe and New Orleans also has enough depth at the point, Hollinger adds.
- Bledsoe will have to pass a series of tests before he can rejoin the Pelicans, coach Stan Van Gundy told The Athletic’s Will Guillory and other media members (Twitter link). Bledsoe left the market due to a personal matter and missed a COVID-19 test. J.J. Redick was held out of the team’s preseason game on Monday due to contact tracing.
Tucker will be 36 before the season ends. He might get a decent 1-year offer from other teams, but not likely longer. Also the Rockets have his bird rights, so it will be easier for them to sign him to a long-term deal than it will be for most other teams.
Right? I don’t know what Tucker is looking for at his age. The chance for a big payday is gone.
Tucker is not going to end well in Houston. I was the Clippers I try and see an opportunity there. Williams maybe, Beverley somehow.
What is Hollinger beef with Steven Adam’s? Horford? George Hill? They must use that paywall to buy some high class nor th ern sour cherry diesel…that’s a sativa FYI
Fun but hostile article. “[Jaxon] Hayes uncorked some sweet dunks but otherwise fruitlessly ran around in circles, except when he was getting trucked by bigger centers.”
He said HC Stan preferred a four-out offense but Adams + Zion kills that, with Bledsoe wanting inside too. Commenters supported GM Griffin and said they expect to see Adams finding Zion from the high post or cutters with his back to the basket. Also, Adams at 2/$35 is more flippable than Horford.
At some point Ingram signed for 5/$125. Missed that. Gd job by Griffin avoiding the max for him, but the value of the four-first Jrue trade was blunted by Giannis signing on. They will not be lottery picks.
I’m not high on the Pels either, being in the tough WC. Zion is too wide and Ingram too narrow. Lonzo may ask for too much, though Ingram settling is a good sign.
No me neither I can’t see them being much better. 10th or 11th.
The decision to move Hill is probably that OKC has a better chance to flip Hills contract into an asset over Bledsoes
I really thought Denver whom is one piece away would trade for Derozen…I guess they don’t mind not making the finals…
Getting to the Finals is an arduous task for any team in the West these days. Even though a lot of people think the Lakers are better this season they shouldn’t expect them to win the WCF again, let alone get there. There are a lot of teams that could take their place.
It might be Denver, or Houston, or even the Clippers.
Denver seems resolved to keep what they have… if they play defense.
Derozan would be interesting with Porter. Kind of an up+down balance.
All the hypes with others. But Spurs will finish above Grizzlies,Pelicans and possibly Houston once beard goes and get in the play in.