2021 March | Hoops Rumors

Celtics’ Evan Fournier In Health And Safety Protocols

March 27th, 2021 at 2:52pm CST by Arthur Hill

The Celtics were hoping Evan Fournier would make his debut with the team tonight, but he is listed on the injury report as being in the league’s health and safety protocols, writes Souichi Terada of MassLive.

Privacy regulations prevent the Celtics and the NBA from releasing any more information on Fournier, who was acquired from the Magic at Thursday’s trade deadline. Coach Brad Stevens told reporters Friday that Fournier was in Boston to take his physical.

There’s no way to know how long Fournier will be required to stay in the protocols, but players who are undergoing contact tracing typically return within seven days if they continue to test negative for COVID-19. Terada points out that the Celtics only have 27 games remaining and would face a limited time to get Fournier accustomed to his new teammates if he’s out for an extended period.

Boston is also listing Romeo Langford and Tristan Thompson out due to health and safety protocols, Terada adds. Langford has been in the protocols since the All-Star break, but there’s hope he can return next week. Thompson has missed the past seven games, and there’s no timetable for him to come back.

Anthony Davis Cleared To Advance On-Court Work

March 27th, 2021 at 1:54pm CST by JD Shaw

Lakers superstar Anthony Davis has been cleared to advance his on-court activities after undergoing an evaluation on Friday, according to ESPN’s Dave McMenamin. Davis hasn’t played in nearly six weeks due to a calf strain and tendinosis in his right leg.

“I mean, the truth is he gets evaluated every day,” head coach Frank Vogel said of Davis, as relayed by McMenamin. “You know what I mean? He does work, they treat him, they evaluate him. We’re in the middle of a ramp-up. But he’s still a ways away, so nothing concrete from a days [until return] standpoint right now.”

The advancements for Davis include “increased volume and intensity in shooting, dribbling, and position-specific drills,” a team spokesperson said. On the season, he’s averaging 22.5 points, 8.4 rebounds and 32.8 minutes per game, shooting 53% from the floor and 29% from three-point range.

The Lakers are also dealing with the loss of LeBron James, who’s expected to miss another three-to-five weeks due to a high ankle sprain. The team is 5-5 in its last 10 games and currently holds the fourth-best record in the Western Conference at 29-17.

Celtics Meet With Andre Drummond

March 27th, 2021 at 1:01pm CST by JD Shaw

The Celtics have emerged as a contender to watch in the pursuit of center Andre Drummond, according to Marc Stein of the New York Times (Twitter link).

Drummond reached a buyout agreement with the Cavaliers on Friday, which allows him to officially become a free agent on Sunday once he clears waivers. Boston met with the 27-year-old following his release, according to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski (as relayed by Keith Smith of Yahoo Sports).

The Celtics traded away starting center Daniel Theis on deadline day and could pitch a strong role to Drummond, though teams such as the Lakers are expected to provide competition for his services. Boston started third-year player Robert Williams III at center in its game against Milwaukee on Friday.

Drummond averaged 17.5 points, 13.5 rebounds and 28.9 minutes in 25 games with the Cavaliers this season. Other teams such as the Clippers, Nets, Knicks and Hornets could also entice the veteran as he looks to set himself up for free agency this year.

New York Notes: Harden, Johnson, Knicks

March 27th, 2021 at 11:53am CST by marksuleymanov

Since being traded to the Nets, James Harden has played at his usual MVP-caliber level, propelling Brooklyn to the top of the Eastern Conference. While there will be plenty of debate down the stretch over who should win the 2020/21 NBA MVP, for Harden, the answer is clear.

“I feel like I am the MVP,” Harden said after the Nets’ win over the Pistons Friday night, Ryan Dunleavy of the New York Post writes. “It’s that simple. I don’t want to speak individually on myself.”

In 31 games with Brooklyn, Harden has averaged 26.0 PPG, 11.4 APG and 7.9 RPG to go along with 13 triple-doubles. With extended absences from his other star teammates in Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving, Harden has at times shouldered much of the responsibility in carrying the team.

“Numbers are showing it for itself, and we’re winning,” Harden said. “That’s all I can say.”

Check out more news and notes from New York’s teams:

Despite Harden’s value to the team on the court, head coach Steve Nash says he has considered reducing the star guard’s minutes a little to lower his burden, Brian Lewis of the New York Post writes. “I’m concerned about the minutes,” Nash said. “I’m not sure what the answer is, though. He controls the game. He hasn’t shot the ball well since the [All-Star] break, but he [makes 3s], he gets to the line. He makes assists, rebounds, steals. He’s great around the basket. … So it’s hard to take him off the floor because he makes his teammates better.”
In a separate story, Lewis details a whirlwind that brought Alize Johnson from his mother’s house to Utah to debut for the Nets following the conclusion of the G League season. Johnson had a strong debut for Brooklyn and has a chance to stick around beyond his first 10-day pact.
The Knicks had a relatively uneventful trade deadline and, despite various rumors, stayed away from acquiring any of the top available players. As Marc Berman of the New York Post writes, the quiet deadline gives New York flexibility both in free agency this summer and in the buyout market in the weeks ahead.

Magic Waive Jeff Teague

March 27th, 2021 at 11:10am CST by marksuleymanov

The Magic have waived veteran point guard Jeff Teague, tweets Shams Charania of The Athletic. Orlando acquired Teague as part of the Evan Fournier trade at the trade deadline and had reportedly informed the veteran he would be let go.

Teague, 32, signed with Boston as a free agent over the summer but did not play well during his brief stint in Beantown. In 34 games (five starts), Teague averaged just 6.9 PPG and 2.1 APG while shooting 41.5% from the field, his lowest single-season total since his rookie campaign.

A former All-Star, Teague was at one time a reliable scorer and playmaker for the Hawks but he has failed to replicate his prior success since leaving Atlanta following the 2015/16 season.

Teague is still a veteran presence with postseason experience so he figures to draw interest from at least a few teams as a depth piece for the remainder of the season.

For his career, Teague has averaged 12.3 PPG, 5.6 APG and 2.3 RPG in 805 games for the Hawks, Pacers, Timberwolves and Celtics.

Magic President Jeff Weltman Talks Trade Deadline, Future

March 27th, 2021 at 9:48am CST by marksuleymanov

As the 2020/21 NBA trade deadline came and went this past Thursday, no team saw the complexion of its roster change more than the Magic. Orlando traded three of its best players in Evan Fournier, Aaron Gordon and Nikola Vucevic, ending weeks of reports and speculation about those players’ futures.

The Magic acquired a slew of draft picks and some promising young players with upside but it made clear the team was entering a rebuilding phase. In an exclusive interview with Josh Robbins of The Athletic, Magic president Jeff Weltman explained the thinking behind Orlando’s flurry of moves entering the deadline.

Weltman spoke glowingly of the players traded but emphasized the organization believes the moves were made with the best long-term plan in mind. Check out some highlights from Weltman’s comments below:

On why the Magic went in the direction of trading so many key players:

“I think it’s hard to separate the trades. We picked a new path. We picked a new direction. Vooch, as our best player, had to be a part of that decision. All of those guys are good players, and they’ve been good players for our organization and good people. But if we were going to strike out on a good path, we needed to make those moves.”

On what led to Aaron Gordon’s trade request:

“In the storm of losses and injuries and everything that our team has been facing, I think Aaron’s frustration got the best of him. He’s a very good player, and he’s a very good person. But I just think that, as many passionate, competitive people do, he kind of wears his emotions on his sleeve sometimes. I think his frustration got the best of him.”

On how head coach Steve Clifford will handle the roster overhaul:

“I have the utmost confidence that all of his coaching abilities and talents will be applied to the new direction of the team. I can tell you right now he’s working to figure out, ‘How do I organize this team so our guys can be in a position to look good?’ That’s Steve Clifford’s number-one priority, and it always is, whether we’re playing in a playoff game or we’re playing in the first game of a new rebuilding team. Steve’s going to do what he does. He’s great at it. And I don’t think these trades have any implications otherwise.”

On whether the Magic are set for the future based off Thursday’s transactions:

“I do believe that this does raise our ceiling. If you look at the way teams are historically built, generally teams that win the title are populated by elite-level players who are acquired through elite-level draft picks. So it raises the ceiling in that respect. It also raises the ceiling that we now have multiple draft picks and cap flexibility, which will better arm us to make a swing-for-the-fences trade.”

Draft Notes: Sharpe, Carr, Sengun, Champagnie

March 26th, 2021 at 10:57pm CST by Dana Gauruder

Potential first-round pick Day’Ron Sharpe has declared for the draft, posting his decision on his Twitter page. He’s currently ranked No. 33 on ESPN’s Best Available list. The one-and-done center out of North Carolina averaged 9.5 PPG and 7.6 RPG for the Tar Heels in 29 appearances, including four starts. He’s ranked fourth among center prospects.

We have more draft decisions and news:

Minnesota’s Marcus Carr will test the draft waters and sign with an NCAA-certified agent, though he’s also entering the transfer portal as a backup plan, according to Adam Zagoria of ZagsBlog.com. The junior guard led the Golden Gophers with 19.4 PPG, 4.9 APG and 4.0 RPG. He currently ranks 89th on ESPN’s board.
Euro prospect Alperen Sengun isn’t interested in being a draft-and-stash prospect, Sportando’s Dario Skerletic relays. Sengun indicated that via Anadolu Agency. “I want to go there and develop there as soon as possible,” he said of the NBA. The 18-year-old Turkish big man is a potential lottery pick, currently ranked No. 13 on ESPN’s board.
St. John’s sophomore wing Julian Champagnie will enter the draft process but maintain his eligibility, according to RedStormSports.com. Champagnie averaged a Big East-leading 19.8 PPG and 7.4 RPG.

Free Agent Stock Watch: Northwest Division

March 26th, 2021 at 10:01pm CST by Dana Gauruder

Throughout the season, Hoops Rumors takes a closer look at players who will be free agents or could become free agents this off-season. We examine if their stock is rising or falling due to performance and other factors. This week, we take a look at players from the Northwest Division:

Mike Conley, Jazz, 33, PG (Up) – Signed to a five-year, $152.6MM deal in 2016

After an injury-marred season, Conley has bounced back in a big way for a team with the league’s best record. He got a chance to play in the All-Star Game for this first time and he’s managed to stay on the court for the most part. His production has been steady and efficient (16.4 PPG, 5.4 APG, career-high 42.4% on 3s).

Despite his age, Conley has given himself some leverage in his walk year. However, he professed his love to Utah’s organization and style of play last month, saying he doesn’t want to go elsewhere. Barring another early-round playoff flameout, the Jazz will probably shrug off luxury-tax issues and retain their floor leader.

JaMychal Green, Nuggets, 30, PF (Down) – Signed to a two-year, $14.76MM deal in 2020

Green’s playing time was already diminishing before the Nuggets went on a shopping spree Thursday to fortify their frontcourt. The additions of Aaron Gordon and JaVale McGee mean that Green won’t be shedding his warmups very often the remainder of the season. Even with playing time factored in, Green’s rebounding numbers dropped significantly this month. The saving grace is that Green’s $7.56MM salary for next season is a player option. He won’t be pumping up his value, so it’s safe to assume he’ll opt in and let the Nuggets decide whether to keep him or deal him.

Kenrich Williams, Thunder, 26, SG/SF (Up) – Signed to a three-year, $6MM deal in 2020

While the Thunder’s front office continues to pile up draft picks, the current roster has the feel of tryout camp, especially with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander out for an extended period. The flip side is that players like Williams get a chance to show where they fit into the league.

Williams has been receiving steady playing time and he’s been productive of late, scoring in double figures in six of the last seven games. He’s also averaging 3.3 APG during that span, displaying his ability to make plays for others. His free throwing shooting remains woeful (54.1%). Williams’ $2MM salary for next season is non-guaranteed, but that’s a pittance for a rotation player, so expect him to remain on that contract.

Harry Giles, Trail Blazers, 22, C, (Down) – Signed to a one-year, $1.68MM deal in 2020

Opportunity knocked for Giles – and once again, he wound up in the trainer’s room. With Jusuf Nurkic sidelined for two months by a wrist injury, Giles got a chance to jump into the rotation as Enes Kanter’s backup. He was relatively ineffective before suffering a calf injury that sidelined him for over a month. With Nurkic back in action this weekend, Giles returns to third-string status at best. The 20th pick of the 2017 draft is still very young but his career is already at a crossroads as he enters unrestricted free agency again this summer. Will another organization give him a chance or will he have to seek employment overseas?

Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images.

Sixers Convert Paul Reed’s Contract, Sign Mason Jones To Two-Way Deal

March 26th, 2021 at 9:05pm CST by Dana Gauruder

The Sixers have signed G League Most Valuable Player Paul Reed to a standard contract and Mason Jones to a two-way contract, according to a team press release.

Reed signed a two-way contract with Philadelphia in late November. Playing for the Delaware Blue Coats, Reed was the only player to average at least 22 PPG and 11 RPG during the G League season as he racked up 15 double-doubles.

Drafted in the second round in 2020, Reed has seen action in eight games with Philadelphia.

Jones, a rookie from Arkansas, appeared in 26 games for the Rockets earlier this season on a two-way contract. He was waived earlier this month, then signed a 10-day deal with Houston but the Rockets didn’t retain him.

With the Rockets, he averaged 5.8 PPG, 2.0 RPG and 1.5 APG in 11.8 MPG.

Philadelphia had an open roster spot and didn’t need to make a cut to accommodate its moves.

Bruno Caboclo Signs With French Team

March 26th, 2021 at 8:27pm CST by Dana Gauruder

Forward Bruno Caboclo, who played six games with the Rockets this season, has signed with France’s Limoges CSP, JD Shaw of Hoops Rumors tweets.

Caboclo has appeared in 105 NBA games since he was drafted in the first round by the Raptors in 2014. He’s also played for Sacramento and Memphis.

Caboclo was waived in mid-January in order to clear a roster spot after the James Harden multi-team blockbuster. He also played eight games for Houston at the end of last season after being acquired from the Grizzlies at the trade deadline.

Caboclo signed a two-year contract with the Rockets in November that included a team option, but the first year wasn’t fully guaranteed.

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