Word broke last Thursday that the Magic intended to sign Admiral Schofield to a 10-day contract using a hardship exception, but two days later, we learned that the deal had fallen through.
As Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN explains (via Twitter), there were “inconsistencies” in Schofield’s COVID-19 testing that held up his signing and forced the Magic to move on. Orlando ended up bringing back Donta Hall, while Schofield was eventually confirmed to be negative for the coronavirus, per Wojnarowski.
It’s a tough break in what has been a difficult season for Schofield. After spending his rookie season with the Wizards, the 24-year-old was traded and waived in November, struggled in the G League after being selected first overall in the NBAGL draft, and – barring a last-minute signing – ultimately won’t end up playing any NBA games in his second professional season.
Here are a few more notes from around the Eastern Conference:
- Joe Vardon of The Athletic argued on Monday that the Cavaliers made a mistake by signing Anderson Varejao to a ceremonial contract rather than trying to develop a young prospect using that roster spot, but Evan Dammarell of Forbes says the Cavs have already proven this season that they’re capable of developing young talent, based on the growth of youngsters like Dean Wade, Lamar Stevens, and Mfiondu Kabengele. While I’m not sure that’s a convincing case to not try to develop another player, it’s worth noting that Varejao was signed using a short-term hardship exception — if the Cavs had opted for a prospect instead, they wouldn’t have been able to sign that player to a multiyear contract.
- Victor Oladipo (knee) still isn’t traveling with the Heat on their current road trip, but the recent return of Tyler Herro to the backcourt has given the team a boost, writes Khobi Price of The Sun Sentinel.
- Scott Agness of Fieldhouse Files makes the case for why letting veteran assistant coach Dan Burke go was the worst move of the Pacers‘ 2020 offseason, while J. Michael of The Indianapolis Star suggests that Pacers swingman Kelan Martin – who began the season on a partially guaranteed contract – has earned more playing time.
Not an expert (aside from being an expert commenter), but how much are you developing a guy in like 6,7 games?
At least signing Varejao throws the fanbase a bone after what looked almost like playoff potential earlier on in the season.
Crazy how a Nance injury turned the season around for the us, for the worst. They went on a 10 game losing streak after breaking his finger
Yeah there was a minute where Cavs looked really good. Think they’re at least in a good position going into next year, best you can ask for.
Totally agree and was my first thoughts upon read
That truly is so unfortunate for Admiral. Could have been his last opportunity to play in the NBA. Instead a faulty test that he had no control over and was incorrect sealed his fate (for this year at least).
I wouldn’t overthink the Varejao signing. Yeah we could have signed a young guy and resigned him in the offseason, but the Cavs appeased the fans and organization instead. Not like we would find a game changer on the market right now.
Just for the hell of it, this is who is under contract for next year (including a potentially resigned RFA Allen & Stevens, and resigned FA Hartenstein who I doubt will find more money elsewhere).
PG: Garland
SG: Sexton, Windler
SF: Okoro, Prince, Osman, Stevens
PF: Nance Jr., Love, Wade
C: Allen, Hartenstein
Plus we have one pick next year (a lottery pick, duh). IMO ideal draft picks that fit include Cunningham as a Point PF, maybe Mobley at PF, Kuminga at PF, and Barnes as a Point PF.
I find it ridiculous when people go out of their way to poo on celebratory signings like Varejao’s. The advice he could impart to a developing star like the ‘Fro could have more value than a few games at the end of the season would have to a young journeyman.
Great point. Especially the advice he could give to the 23 year olds Allen and Hartenstein, albeit for 10 days, can still be valuable.
Every Pacer fan knows that Dan Burke is the man. He should be the head coach. He’s been there and produced great defense forever.