Heat power forward Markieff Morris, who has been sidelined since suffering a neck injury thanks to a hard foul from Nuggets center Nikola Jokic on November 8, will have to fight to gain back rotational time he has lost, opines writes Ira Winderman of the South Florida Sun Sentinel.
Winderman notes that Miami opted to bring in Morris as the first backup power forward behind starter P.J. Tucker in the 10 games this season when Morris was healthy, but that the team may consider small-ball lineups with versatile reserve wings Caleb Martin or Max Strus playing nominal power forward minutes for the Heat.
There’s more out of the Southeast Division:
- Hawks head coach Nate McMillan reflected on his time in the league’s COVID-19 health and safety protocols and away from his players, per Sarah K. Spencer of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. McMillan recently cleared protocols and has returned to coaching the team. “I’ve never had to go through anything like that,” McMillan said. “To coach during this time with COVID, some of my guys, it’s been close to a month since I’ve seen them.” The Hawks, who had 13 players in the protocols at one point in late December, are currently 17-22, the No. 12 seed in the East.
- Hawks small forward De’Andre Hunter is nearing his return to the team, according to Chris Kirschner of The Athletic (Twitter link), who reports that Hunter played in a full five-on-five team practice today. Trainers must green-light Hunter’s return to game action, which could happen as soon as tomorrow against the Heat, per head coach Nate McMillan. Hunter underwent surgery on his right wrist in mid-November. In 11 contests with Atlanta this season, he averaged 10.8 PPG on .450/.395/.400 shooting, along with 2.7 RPG and 0.6 SPG.
- Young Magic point guards Jalen Suggs and Markelle Fultz have resumed practicing with the team, according to Khobi Price of the Orlando Sentinel. Power forward Jonathan Isaac, who has been absent since tearing his ACL in August 2020, is inching towards a return of his own, though Suggs and Fultz appear closer to rejoining their Orlando teammates on the hardwood. Fultz tore his left ACL early in the 2020/21 NBA season and has been absent ever since. Suggs continues to wear a splint for the fractured thumb on his right hand. Exact return timelines for Suggs and Fultz have not been determined.
Considering how well Anthony has looked. And the drafting of Suggs. I’d say Fultz is a player that could be on the move. I like what I saw of him last year. He’s a big PG who plays D. A Thibs favorite trait. I would definitely consider bringing him to NY.
Who do you give up to make the deal work tho?
Fouriner and Rose both seem to important.
Three team deal?
Orlando : Kevin Knox, Luke Kennard
Knicks: Markelle Fultz and a 2nd round pick (LA)
Clippers: Kemba Walker
Orlando would get a young shooter in Kennard, they also lack depth at the SG spot. They also get Knox to give him a try.
Knicks get Fultz who could be the PG of the future and they get a second round pick.
Clippers get a quality experienced point guard.
Would open them up to trading Eric Bledsloe in a seperate trade and try chase the title with Kawhi possibly returning early.
Bledsloe for Thad Young? That would make them very nice for the playoffs
lmao why would clippers want kemba. dudes washed. pass me what you’re smokin
Kawhi said he wants an experienced point guard that can handle the ball.
As for washed he’s shooting his usual 41% from the field, a career high 40% from deep, and is exactly shooting his career average 84% from the FT line.
He’s shooting a career low shots per game, nearly a career low in minutes, aswell.
I’m his last 10 games he’s been 16-6-6.
I think he would be perfect for the Clippers.
They currently have Bledsloe, putting up 10-3-4 shooting worse in almost every area.
Kemba is a better passer, ball handler and shooter. He has more experience, is a former all star, former all nba teams and has lead his teams to the playoffs by himself. Bledsloe is a decent defender but he’s always been a back up or fill in starter.
Kemba PG13 Kawhi Morris and Zubac would make a solid starting 5. Kemba would be the 1 weak spot on defence and offensively Kemba helps give them some direction, can space the floor and is known for stepping up in the clutch.
With a bench of Reggie, Mann, Batum, Ibaka, Hartinstein, Boston Jr, Ennis and possibly someone like Thad Young.
lmao dude do you watch games. Knicks stopped playing him, he was that BAD. why you think he’s on his third team this year smh. Kawhi doesnt want a washed PG. idk what you’re smoking. Clippers are not giving up their best shooter for him
I guess Markieff won’t be doing anymore cheap shots and not expecting to get hit back. Shed the tears Markieff you big CRYBABY