Golden State Warriors Rumors | Hoops Rumors

Damion Lee In Position To Get Warriors’ Final Roster Spot

March 2nd, 2019 at 6:17pm CST by Arthur Hill

The buyout market didn’t offer the Warriors any help at Friday’s deadline, so it appears the 15th roster spot may be filled from within the organization, writes Mark Medina of The San Jose Mercury News. Damion Lee, who has been on a two-way contract all season, has the inside track on the final position, according to Medina.

“He would be someone given he has been with us all year,” coach Steve Kerr said. “We don’t have to make any decisions right now. Well wait and see how it all plays out.”

The Warriors could use veteran help at center and had been hoping Robin Lopez would reach a buyout deal with the Bulls. However, Chicago decided to hang on to Lopez as a veteran influence for its young roster. The only buyout that occurred yesterday involved San Antonio’s Pau Gasol, who will sign with the Bucks. Friday marked the final day that players currently on an NBA roster could be waived and still be playoff eligible with their new team.

The Warriors will be in no rush to fill their roster opening, although it’s virtually certain that someone will be added before the playoffs. Two-way players aren’t eligible for the postseason, so Golden State would have to convert Lee’s deal to a standard NBA contract by the end of the season, just as it did with Quinn Cook last year.

Lee still has 12 of the allotted 45 NBA days remaining on his two-way deal. He is expected to assume a larger role with the team starting tonight because Klay Thompson is awaiting an MRI on his sore right knee.

A 26-year-old shooting guard, Lee has appeared in 20 games for the Warriors, averaging 4.6 PPG in about 11 minutes per night. He played 15 games for the Hawks at the end of last season.

“I feel like I belong here,” Lee said. “The times I’m out there on the court, there’s nothing that’s challenging. The times that I’m not playing either, I see something and I’ll mention something to someone. I pride myself on having a high IQ and knowing the game.”

Klay Thompson To Undergo MRI On Knee

March 2nd, 2019 at 3:00pm CST by Luke Adams

Warriors shooting guard Klay Thompson will miss Saturday’s game against the Sixers due to right knee soreness and is scheduled to have an MRI on that knee on Sunday, as Nick Friedell of ESPN.com relays.

While Thompson will undergo an MRI to assess the injury, which he suffered during Thursday’s game against Orlando, he views the test as a precaution and doesn’t believe the issue will sideline him for an extended period.

“I’m sore, but I’ll be all right,” Thompson told Friedell. “I don’t think it’s anything serious, but it’s definitely better [we] take the right precautions for sure.”

Although Thompson’s injury doesn’t sound significant, it’s worth monitoring any health issue affecting one of the Warriors’ star players, since that may be the only thing that can derail them from claiming their third consecutive championship. If the Dubs do have to hold Thompson out of action for longer than anticipated, they have an open roster spot and could add some extra depth if it’s needed.

Thompson has only missed one other game this season — that contest, which took place on January 31, when Klay was battling an illness, was also against Philadelphia.

Durant Q&A; Bell Takes Some Of Looney's Minutes

March 1st, 2019 at 10:41pm CST by Luke Adams

Speaking to Kerith Burke of NBC Sports Bay Area, Warriors star Kevin Durant offered a couple interesting answers in a Q&A, suggesting that he won’t be thinking about his legacy when he makes his free agency decision this summer. He also indicated that he doesn’t feel the need to “build something” somewhere. “I don’t need anything in this basketball world to fulfill anything in me. The NBA is never going to fulfill me,” Durant said. “It’s going to make me feel good about all of the work that I’ve put in, but I think those days of me wanting to prove something to anybody or walk around with a huge chip on my shoulder is not my thing.”
While Kevon Looney is probably still the Warriors‘ more trusted option, he and Jordan Bell have been trending in opposite directions lately, with Bell taking some of Looney’s minutes, per Anthony Slater of The Athletic. Both players are eligible for free agency in 2019, so they’ll be looking to finish the season strong.

Pacific Notes: Cousins, Crawford, Johnson

February 26th, 2019 at 7:12pm CST by ChrisCrouse

The NBA has rescinded DeMarcus Cousins‘ technical foul for tossing Jeremy Lamb‘s shoe during Monday’s game against the Hornets, a source tells Nick Friedell of ESPN.com. Cousins tossed the shoe out of bounds and was upset with the referee calling the technical.

“Next time I’ll just step on the shoe and roll my ankle, break it, tear an Achilles,” Cousins said after the game. “Just leave it out there next time. I guess that’s what they want. I’ll keep that in mind.”

Cousins missed nearly a year while rehabbing from an Achilles injury. He’s appeared in 14 games for the Warriors so far this year and he’s been called for five technical fouls outside of the shoe-tossing experience. In his career, Cousins has received 123 technical fouls and has been ejected on 13 of those occasions.

Here’s more from the Pacific Division:

Jamal Crawford doesn’t necessarily feel like this will be his final season in the league, as he tells Sekou Smith of NBA.com. “I can keep going and going. And I will, as long as someone feels like I can bring something to the table, I’ll be here. No limits,” Crawford said.
Crawford added (in the same piece) that he is enjoying his role as a veteran on the Suns despite not receiving the same type of opportunity that he’s been accustomed to. “I know I can still play at a high level, and can do much more then I am on the court,” he said. “But this particular role at this time has turned into me trying to help others grow their game, and not about my own personal whatever … and there is a beauty in that as well.”
Tyler Johnson is still getting adjusted to life on the Suns, but he’s embracing the challenges of learning a new system, Ira Winderman of the Sun Sentinel writes. “Just like any big transition in your life, it’s going to take a minute to get settled,” Johnson said. “But I think it’s just how you approach it. You can look at things as a negative…or you know, you can embrace it. And that’s what I’ve chosen to do, is just embrace it and I know good things will come from it.”

NBA G League Assignments/Recalls: 2/25/19

February 25th, 2019 at 6:38pm CST by Dana Gauruder

Here are Monday’s assignments and recalls from around the NBA G League:

The Jazz assigned rookie first-round pick Grayson Allen to the Salt Lake City Stars, the team’s PR department tweets. Allen has appeared in six Stars games, averaging 15.7 PPG in 30.6 MPG. The former Duke star is averaging 4.1 PPG in 9.9 MPG with Utah.
The Pacers recalled forward Alize Johnson from the Fort Wayne Mad Ants, according to a team press release. Johnson is averaging 19.2 PPG and 13.6 RPG in 36.9 MPG through 25 games with the Mad Ants.
The Grizzlies assigned rookie guard Jevon Carter to the Memphis Hustle to get in a practice but recalled him prior to their game against the Lakers on Monday, the team’s PR department tweets. The second-round pick is averaging 2.8 PPG and 1.7 APG in 14.8 MPG over 26 games with the Grizzlies.
The Nets recalled rookie forward Dzanan Musa from the Long Island Nets in time for their game against the Spurs on Monday, Brian Lewis of the New York Post tweets. Musa is averaging 19.3 PPG and 6.6 RPG in 31.3 MPG through 25 games with the G League affiliate.
The Rockets recalled guard Chris Chiozza from the Rio Grande Valley Vipers, JD Shaw of Hoops Rumors tweets. Chiozza signed a 10-day contract with the team last week.
The Hornets recalled forward Dwayne Bacon and guard Devonte’ Graham from the Greensboro Swarm, according to a team press release. Bacon has appeared in 14 games for the Swarm, averaging 20.6 PPG and 6.9 RPG in 31.7 MPG. Graham has appeared in 10 games for the Swarm, averaging 23.8 PPG and 4.8 APG in 33.8 MPG.
The Warriors assigned rookie guard Jacob Evans III to Santa Cruz, according to a team press release. The first-round pick has appeared in 23 games with Golden State this season and 16 games (11 starts) with Santa Cruz. He’s averaging 11.8 PPG and 2.4 APG in 26.5 minutes per game.

Irving On Viral Video With Durant: “My Life Is My Business”

February 24th, 2019 at 8:21pm CST by marksuleymanov

A viral video of Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant — both of whom are set for unrestricted free agency this summer — speaking privately in a hallway during NBA All-Star weekend generated a lot of attention.

Fans on social media speculated both Irving and Durant possibly discussing plans to join the Knicks this summer. New York cleared cap space by trading Kristaps Porzingis earlier this month, creating two max slots. However, Irving said he paid no attention to the social chatter and left the content of his conversation with the Warriors All-Star private.

“Is the internet real for you in your life?” Irving told reporters, including NBC Sports Boston’s A.Sherrod Blakely. “It’s my life, right? It’s two people talking, having a conversation. If it’s the real world, would it be anybody else’s business? It’s a video of someone assuming what we’re talking about, right? Making an opinion about it. So why would I care? Why does that have an impact on my life? Why are you asking me those type of questions? About cooling it off? For what? I don’t get it.”

Both Irving and Durant expressed frustration with the barrage of attention leading into free agency. Given their status as two of the league’s top names, the conversation does not figure to subside until they reach decisions at some point in the summer. As Irving tries to steer Boston in the right direction with the postseason approaching, he said that speculative comments about his future will not concern him.

“What I do with my life is my business. It’s none of yours, none of anybody’s business,” he said. “So it’s a video of me and one of my best friends talking. And then it turns out to be a dissection of free agency meeting? You get that? Do you get that? And I’m asked questions about it? That’s what disconnects me from all this. I have no connection to all that. Over a video? Every wants to hear athletes talk about (bleep) like this. A video though? To pour water on it? It makes no sense.”

G League Assignments/Recalls: 2/24/19

February 24th, 2019 at 5:43pm CST by marksuleymanov

Here are Sunday’s assignments and recalls from around the NBA G League:

The Jazz assigned rookie forward Grayson Allen to the club’s G League affiliate Salt Lake City Stars before recalling him following practice, the team announced (Twitter link). This was the eighth G League assignment for Allen, who is averaging 4.1 PPG for Utah in his first NBA season.
The Warriors assigned guard Jacob Evans III to the team’s G League affiliate in Santa Cruz, the team announced Sunday. Evans has appeared in 23 games with Golden State while also suiting up for Santa Cruz in 16 games.

DeMarcus Cousins Frustrated Over Recovery Process

February 24th, 2019 at 12:59pm CST by Arthur Hill

With seven weeks to go before the playoffs, everything isn’t as smooth for the Warriors as their 42-17 record might indicate. Of particular concern is center DeMarcus Cousins, who told Nick Friedell of ESPN that he is frustrated over his current condition as he tries to shake off the effects of last year’s Achilles tendon tear.

“Obviously, I’m in like a gray area when it comes to that, trying to get back to being myself and also knowing guys are coming at me,” Cousins said after Saturday’s loss to the Rockets. “Nobody in this league is going to feel sorry for me and I know that, so I’m going to go out and battle as much as I can and do what I can. But it still is a process for me; it’s no excuse.”

The Warriors knew Cousins wouldn’t be able to contribute right away when they used their $5.3MM mid-level exception to sign him last summer. Their starting lineup with five All-Stars didn’t fully take shape until Cousins was cleared to play in mid-January, and it hasn’t worked out as planned. Even though the Warriors have been winning, Friedell notes that they have been outscored when the starters are on the court together.

Cousins has averaged 14.1 points and 7.6 rebounds in 13 games since returning, but those numbers have fallen to 9.8 and 7.4 in his last four games. He had a minutes restriction lifted after the All-Star break, but is still struggling to find his rhythm.

“Sure, he’s frustrated,” coach Steve Kerr said. “Think about what DeMarcus has been through with the yearlong injury and the frustrating free agency. So, it’s not an easy thing, a very difficult injury to come back from. After the first couple weeks, the excitement, the adrenaline, the wear and tear begins, and that’s where you really got to be able to rely on execution. So, we’ll work with him. He can do better; he knows that.”

Cousins acknowledges that he is being attacked on defense, especially on the pick and roll. He can’t move laterally or jump as high as he used to before the injury and is still getting used to his limitations. He credits Rick Celebrini, the Warriors’ director of sports medicine and performance, with helping him work through the adjustments.

“He’s preached this to me since the time I stepped foot here,” Cousins said. “There’s gonna be good days, and it’s going to be a lot of bad days through this process. Obviously, I’m in the bad days right now. With every storm, the sun shines at the end.”

Draymond Green Close To Signing With Klutch Sports

February 23rd, 2019 at 9:18am CST by marksuleymanov

Warriors forward Draymond Green is close to signing with agent Rich Paul of Klutch Sports, according to Yahoo Sports’ Chris Haynes.

Green, 28, has previously been represented by Wasserman. The former Defensive Player of the Year is set to hit unrestricted free agency after next season, the final year on the five-year, $82MM pact he signed in 2015.

Golden State state will have to deal with Klay Thompson and Kevin Durant hitting the open market this summer. Thompson has previously mentioned a strong desire to re-sign with the Warriors while Durant’s future remains unclear.

As for Green, he’ll become Klutch Sports’ latest high-profile addition the last six months, joining Anthony Davis, Markieff Morris and Marcus Morris. Paul also represents NBA All-Stars LeBron James, John Wall, Ben Simmons and others.

In 43 contests this season, Green is averaging 7.2 PPG, 7.5 RPG and 7.3 APG.

Warriors Notes: Cousins, Durant, Cook, Roster Spot

February 20th, 2019 at 11:01pm CST by Arthur Hill

For the first time since returning from an Achilles injury, Warriors center DeMarcus Cousins will be playing without a minutes restriction, according to Nick Friedell of ESPN. Cousins is averaging 23.4 minutes per night in 11 games and has rarely played more than 25 minutes. Coach Steve Kerr said game flow will determine how long Cousins is actually on the court, but there are no more medical restrictions.

“We’ll see how the games go,” Kerr said after today’s practice. “I don’t think we’ll change the plan too much in terms of how we’re going to play him in the rotations and all that, but I think once we get back into the rhythm we can absolutely play him for longer stretches, play him down the stretch if we like.”

He added that the plan was always to ease Cousins back into action for a month or so before unleashing him for full-time duty. The upcoming free agent has posted 13.9 PPG and 6.8 RPG in his limited playing time.

“He did a great job, DeMarcus did,” Kerr said. “So now we’re entering a different phase of the season. We’ll see how it goes, but nothing’s set in stone.”

There’s more Warriors news tonight:

Golden State officials are as uncertain as anyone about Kevin Durant‘s plans for free agency, writes Frank Isola of The Athletic. “We have no idea what he’s going to do,” a team source said. “Everyone wants him to stay. There’s not much more we can sell him on. If he leaves, we’ll think of it as being lucky to have him for three great years.”
No matter where Durant winds up, teammate Quinn Cook could be with him, suggests Marc Berman of The New York Post. Cook and Durant have been friends since their AAU days and may be a package deal in free agency. “Any time you get to play with one of your best friends at the highest level is obviously a great thing,’’ Cook said. “He helps me so much off the floor and even more on the floor. He gets me so many open shots. We have a great connection out there. We know each other. We’ve been playing together the past 10-plus years.”
Two-way player Damion Lee appears to be the favorite to fill the 15th roster spot before the playoffs, according to Anthony Slater of The Athletic. The Warriors haven’t given up on Bulls center Robin Lopez, but he won’t be playoff eligible if he’s not bought out before March 1. Another center, such as ex-Clipper Marcin Gortat, is possible, but Slater states that Damian Jones could recover from a pectoral tear by May, which would provide backup help in the middle.