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Eastern Notes: Holland, Caboclo, Cavs, Wizards, Heat

August 15th, 2024 at 1:41pm CST by Rory Maher

Pistons forward Ron Holland, the No. 5 overall pick of June’s draft, has high expectations for himself as he prepares for his rookie season, he told Omari Sankofa II of The Detroit Free Press (subscription required).

“I want to win Rookie of the Year, but my work ethic is going to produce like I’m trying to get it,” Holland said. “Whatever coach (J.B.) Bickerstaff and everybody else on the coaching staff needs me to do, I’m there to do it whether it’s defend, make shots, get people shots, whatever it is I’m willing and able to do it and I feel like I’m going to be available to do it. I’m going to do it to the best of my ability and whatever I need to work on, just sit back and learn and listen to my vets is what I’m really looking forward to doing.”

As for what he’s been focused on this summer, the 19-year-old said he’s working to improve his jump shot, with playing strong defense another area of emphasis.

“My main (offseason) focus has been a lot of catch and shoot, a lot of movement shots and really just attacking off the dribble and moving without the ball, and a lot on defense.” Holland said, per Sankofa. “I’m really keying in on defense because I know that’s one thing that will keep me on the floor this year.”

Here are a few more notes from the Eastern Conference:

A source told Chris Fedor of Cleveland.com that the Cavaliers were scouting Bruno Caboclo while the veteran forward was competing in the Olympics with Team Brazil (YouTube link via The Wine and Gold Talk podcast). Fedor was careful to couch that reporting by stating that no deal was imminent and that he was just illustrating a point about Cleveland’s front office regularly keeping tabs on international players (hat tip to HoopsHype). Caboclo, a 28-year-old former first-round pick, spent last season with Partizan in Serbia and has said he plans to return to the EuroLeague club next season.
Head coach Brian Keefe recently discussed the general development plan for the Wizards‘ trio of first-round picks, writes Chase Hughes of Monumental Sports Network. Washington selected Alex Sarr (No. 2) and acquired the rights to Carlton Carrington (No. 14) and Kyshawn George (No. 24). “Establishing habits, No. 1,” Keefe told Monumental Sports Network. “I said the same last year with Bilal (Coulibaly), you teach them the professional habits and how to work in this league. It’s the only way you get better is to have consistent work habits and approach to everything you’re doing. That will be our No. 1 focus for those guys.”
The Heat enter 2024/25 with no true point guard on the roster, which could be an issue during the season, Ira Winderman of The South Florida Sun Sentinel states in a mailbag column. As Winderman observes, Miami has several capable ball-handlers, but no true table-setter after trading Kyle Lowry and a 2027 first-round pick for Terry Rozier in January.

Veteran Wing Joe Harris Retires

August 15th, 2024 at 11:41am CST by Rory Maher

Veteran wing Joe Harris has decided to retire, according to Shams Charania of The Athletic (Twitter link).

The 33rd overall pick of the 2014 draft, Harris spent his first season-plus with the Cavaliers, who traded him to Orlando when he sustained a season-ending foot injury in 2015/16. The Magic released him, and he wound up signing a multiyear contract with Brooklyn as a free agent in July 2016.

Harris had by far the most productive run of his career with the Nets, emerging as a reliable rotation player and one of the best outside shooters in the NBA.

Over a three-season span from 2018-21, Harris averaged 14.1 points, 3.9 rebounds and 2.1 assists, posting an elite shooting line of .497/.458/.782 in 214 games (30.6 MPG). He led the league in three-point percentage in two of those three campaigns.

Unfortunately, Harris’ career was derailed at the beginning of the ’21/22 season when he sustained a major ankle injury. His lucrative long-term contract with Brooklyn turned into an albatross, as the 32-year-old was never able to regain his pre-injury athleticism.

The Nets traded Harris to the Pistons last summer in a salary-dump move. He only appeared in 16 games (10.6 minutes) with Detroit and struggled when he did play in ’23/24. The Pistons released Harris in February, making him an unrestricted free agent.

In 10 NBA seasons, the former Virginia star averaged 10.3 points, 3.0 rebounds and 1.6 assists in 504 regular season contests, including 283 starts (24.4 minutes). His career mark of 43.6% from three ranks fifth in NBA history. Harris also won the three-point contest in 2019, Charania notes.

International Notes: FIBA Rankings, Jenkins, Embiid, Williams

August 15th, 2024 at 10:56am CST by Dana Gauruder

The results of the Paris Olympics led to some movement in the FIBA rankings, according to a press release from the organization. The USA remains at the top spot, with Serbia – which narrowly lost Team USA in the semifinals – moving up from No. 4 to No. 2.

Germany, the 2023 FIBA World Cup champions, remained at No. 3, while France leaped five notches to No. 4. Canada moved up two slots to round out the top five.

We have more from around the international basketball world:

Former NBA guard John Jenkins has signed with Tofas in Turkey, according to Sportando. Jenkins spent the last two seasons with the G League Ignite, appearing in a total of 43 games. He averaged 17.5 points in 16 regular season games last season. Jenkins hasn’t appeared in an NBA contest since the 2018/19 season, when he played a total of 26 games with the Knicks and Wizards.
Joel Embiid has been awarded the Medal of Commander of the Order of Valor by his native Cameroon in recognition of his Olympic gold medal, according to a TMZ report (hat tip to Eurohoops.net). Embiid moved to the U.S. when he was 16. Cameroon may have had an ulterior motive for celebrating Embiid — he hinted at the possibility of representing his homeland at the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles, though that switch would require USA Basketball and FIBA to sign off.
Former Clippers and Timberwolves guard C.J. Williams has signed with Poland’s Start Lublin, Sportando relays. Williams, who played in Romania last season, appeared in a total of 53 NBA games from 2017-19.

Knicks Notes: Anunoby, Randle, Achiuwa, Robinson, Brunson, Star Power

August 15th, 2024 at 9:12am CST by Dana Gauruder

Could OG Anunoby and Julius Randle play some minutes together at the power forward and center spots for the Knicks? The Athletic’s Fred Katz explores this possibility.

While head coach Tom Thibodeau has been reluctant to use Randle in the middle due to lack of rim protection, the Knicks’ current personnel could make it more feasible, Katz notes. Anunoby and Mikal Bridges are two of the top defensive wings in the league, making rim protection less essential. The Knicks could have Anunoby guard opposing centers in those lineups, while Randle would serve as the center on the offensive end, setting screens and hunting for offensive rebounds.

We have Knicks-related tidbits:

If Mitchell Robinson misses games, Precious Achiuwa will likely take his spot in the starting lineup, Katz opines in the same mailbag. Like Randle, Achiuwa isn’t an ideal rim protector, but he’s adept at defending switches. Once again, Anunoby could wind up guarding centers in these lineups. Katz noted that Anunoby defended Joel Embiid during a playoff game when Robinson was sidelined and Isaiah Hartenstein was in foul trouble.
Randle’s recovery from right shoulder surgery appears to be going according to plan, per Ian Begley of SNY TV. While Randle may not be ready at the start of training camp, he’s on track to return by the season opener or shortly thereafter. Jalen Brunson‘s recovery from hand surgery also appears to be progressing well and Begley anticipates the All-NBA guard will be a full go by training camp.
There’s less certainty about Robinson being available for camp, Begley adds. Robinson underwent ankle surgery in mid-May and he has not been given clearance for high-intensity weight-bearing activities. He’ll need to clear several hurdles before he’s allowed to participate in camp.
In terms of star power, New York ranks fourth among Eastern Conference contenders, Zach Braziller of the New York Post opines. While they have their share of stars, the Knicks fall below Philadelphia, Milwaukee and Boston in that regard. However, Braziller rates the Knicks at the top of the conference in the coaching category and second behind Boston in intangibles.

And-Ones: K. Smith, Schedule, C. Brown, Burton, Duke & Rutgers

August 14th, 2024 at 11:02pm CST by Arthur Hill

Warner Bros. Discovery is suing the NBA after being excluded from the new broadcast rights package, but Kenny Smith isn’t worried about how that might affect what will likely be the final year of “Inside the NBA,” writes Greg Rajan of The Houston Chronicle. Smith, who has been with the network since his playing career ended in 1998, insists that nothing will change inside the studio.

“No, because we do our jobs,” he said. “Our job is to talk (about) the game and give insight and also give you insight about what’s going on behind the scenes with TNT. Like, ‘Hey, we’re not happy.’ That’s part of what makes us different. I don’t think any other network would allow or want their talent to talk about things like that. We’re going to do it, no matter what happens.

“But again, we’ve had a great run. If it continues, it’ll be great. But also, there are massive opportunities for the four of us — again, to create ownership opportunities to make sure our directors, producers, makeup, stats and audio people are still part of one of the greatest shows in sports TV history.”

Smith views the possible end of the network’s affiliation with the NBA as an opportunity for the show to reach out into other areas. He compares it to what Adam Sandler or Peyton and Eli Manning are doing with their companies, providing a chance to create a new brand in sports television.

There’s more from around the basketball world:

More details on the 2024/25 NBA schedule continue to leak out ahead of the official announcement at 3:00 pm ET on Thursday. The Nuggets will host the Thunder on October 24 in the season opener for both teams, according to Shams Charania of The Athletic (Twitter link). It will be a matchup of the top two seeds in the West last season. After facing the Clippers October 23 in the first game at the new Inuit Dome, the Suns will stay in Los Angeles to take on the Lakers October 25 before hosting the Mavericks in their home opener a night later, tweets Duane Rankin of The Arizona Republic. The Kings will have two six-game road trips during the season, sources tell James Ham of Kings Beat (Twitter link). One in January will have them face the Nuggets, Knicks, Nets, Sixers, Thunder and Timberwolves, and another from March 29 to April 7 will feature games against the Magic, Pacers, Wizards, Hornets, Cavaliers and Pistons.
Former NBA players Charlie Brown Jr. and Deonte Burton will be among the players representing the G League United in a pair of September exhibition games, the league announced (Twitter links).
Duke and Rutgers will be the top destinations for NBA scouts when the college basketball season begins, observes Adam Zagoria of NJ.com. The Blue Devils have the projected No. 1 pick in the 2025 draft, Cooper Flagg, along with Khaman Maluach, a probable lottery selection who played for South Sudan in the Olympics. The Scarlet Knights’ Ace Bailey and Dylan Harper are also in contention for the top spot in next year’s draft.

Terence Davis Works Out For Bucks

August 14th, 2024 at 9:51pm CST by Arthur Hill

Free agent shooting guard Terence Davis recently held a workout with the Bucks, league sources tell Michael Scotto of HoopsHype (Twitter link).

Davis, 27, began last season with the Rip City Remix, Portland’s affiliate in the G League. He appeared in just three games before suffering a torn Achilles that ended his season.

Davis, who chose the G League over a more lucrative offer in Europe, is hoping to prove that he’s healthy enough to return to the NBA after a one-year hiatus. He last played for Sacramento during the 2022/23 season, averaging 6.7 points, 2.2 rebounds and 1.0 assists in 64 games, primarily in a reserve role.

Davis’ NBA career began in 2019 when he signed with Toronto after going undrafted out of Mississippi. After a year and a half with the Raptors, he was traded to the Kings at the 2021 deadline. He’s been an explosive scorer off the bench for most of his time in the NBA, posting .434/.366/.826 shooting numbers in 227 games.

Even if Davis gets an offer to join Milwaukee for training camp, it won’t be easy for him to win a roster spot. The Bucks already have 14 players with fully guaranteed contracts, along with Andre Jackson, who holds a $946K guarantee on his $1.89MM deal for the upcoming season.

Olympic Notes: Murray, Yabusele, Giddey, Barrett, More

August 14th, 2024 at 8:44pm CST by Arthur Hill

There are concerns about Jamal Murray following a lackluster Olympic performance with Team Canada, writes John Hollinger of The Athletic. After dealing with injuries during the latter part of the season, the Nuggets guard was limited to 36.6% true shooting and a 4.7 PER in four Olympic games.

While Hollinger admits that’s a small sample size, he notes that Murray wasn’t any better in Canada’s exhibition contests and didn’t look like the same player he was during Denver’s 2023 title run. Hollinger observes that Murray played without “zip” while having a hard time getting separation from his defender and finishing at the rim. If there’s a physical issue affecting Murray, it could be a significant story heading into training camp and the start of the season, Hollinger adds.

A report in late June stated that the Nuggets and Murray were nearing agreement on a four-year, $208MM extension. Hollinger wonders if the team might be reconsidering that offer in light of Murray’s recent downturn.

Hollinger shares a few more thoughts on the Olympics:

Guerschon Yabusele helped his NBA prospects tremendously with his Olympic performance, but Hollinger is skeptical that he’ll join the league this season. A league source confirms to Hollinger that Yabusele has a $2.5MM buyout in his contract with Real Madrid. Any NBA team that signs him would have to pay that amount, which would count against the cap above the $850K maximum international buyout, along with Yabusele’s salary. Hollinger sees a better chance for Yabusele to return to the NBA next summer when he’ll be a free agent.
Australia used Josh Giddey as its primary ball-handler, a role he’ll assume with the Bulls this season. Hollinger points out that although Giddey could have used better outside shooting around him, he was effective running the offense. He made 11 three-pointers in four games, easing some of the concerns about him in Oklahoma City, while taking on a 30% usage rate.
Hollinger believes Raptors swingman RJ Barrett could be headed for a breakout season. Playing for Canada, Barrett ranked fourth in the Olympics in scoring at 19.8 PPG with 58/44/84 shooting splits. Hollinger adds that Barrett was impressive after being traded to Toronto last season and should have a high-usage role on a rebuilding team.
Khem Birch may have sparked NBA interest after being Canada’s top center in France, per Hollinger. Birch will be 32 by the time training camps open, but Hollinger suggests he could fill a role as a third center.
Mathias Lessort, who helped France reach the gold medal game, could be a “last-resort option” for the Knicks next summer if they still haven’t found a reliable backup center, Hollinger states. The 29-year-old big man is under contract with Panathinaikos in Greece this season.
Isaac Bonga is a free agent after wrapping up a strong Olympics with Germany. Hollinger notes that Bonga is only 24 and could return to the NBA and a three-and-D specialist, even if it doesn’t happen right away.

Celtics Notes: Tillman, Bench, Second Apron, White

August 14th, 2024 at 7:31pm CST by Arthur Hill

Xavier Tillman not only won his first championship ring with the Celtics last season, he got to play an important role because Kristaps Porzingis missed most of the playoffs with an injury. Appearing on X Spaces, Tillman recalled some of his favorite memories from the title run, including a three-pointer in Game 3 of the NBA Finals that helped Boston pull away, relays Souichi Terada of MassLive.

“I made it and I looked right at the bench because I think Dereck Lively was right behind me when I shot it and he was like, ‘(expletive) no,’” Tillman said. “So when I hit it, I looked right at him and smiled and was like, ‘Yep.’ That was a pretty cool moment because the art and the love and the passion of basketball is all about being competitive. So for me to be able to back up how I was playing and feeling and talking trash, that was an amazing feeling.”

Tillman, who was acquired from Memphis at the trade deadline, re-signed with the Celtics shortly after the start of free agency. He figures to be in the mix for heavy minutes early in the season with Porzingis still sidelined after surgery and Al Horford typically not playing in back-to-back games.

There’s more on the Celtics:

Tillman is part of a bench unit that may be asked to contribute more this season, Jared Weiss of The Athletic states in a mailbag column. Tillman and Luke Kornet will handle the majority of the center minutes when Horford is resting, and Weiss suggests that Tillman can claim a regular rotation role with a strong start to the season. He notes that Tillman had to adjust after being traded in February and should benefit from having a full offseason in Boston. Weiss also sees possible expanded roles for Jaden Springer and JD Davison, while first-round pick Baylor Scheierman should get an opportunity to play because of his outside shooting.
In the same piece, Weiss cites sources who say Celtics ownership hopes to keep the core of the roster together for several years, even though it will mean large tax bills and second apron restrictions. He points to the four-year extension for Jrue Holiday as evidence that the organization views its championship window lasting well beyond the upcoming season.
Derrick White was a late addition to the U.S. Olympic team, but he said it was easy to adapt because he was asked to do virtually everything he does with the Celtics, per Adam Himmelsbach of The Boston Globe. “I didn’t know what my role was going to be,” White said. “I was just going to do what I do, compete at a high level and just try to help us any way we can.”

Lakers Sign Kylor Kelley, Quincy Olivari To Exhibit 10 Deals

August 14th, 2024 at 6:26pm CST by Luke Adams

6:26pm: Both moves are official, the Lakers announced (via Twitter).

1:09pm: The Lakers have signed free agents Kylor Kelley and Quincy Olivari to Exhibit 10 contracts, according to reports from Jovan Buha of The Athletic and Trevor Lane of Lakers Nation (Twitter links). Olivari’s agreement with the team was first reported in June, but Lane indicates that it’s official now (Twitter link).

Kelley, who went undrafted out of Oregon State in 2020, has played in the G League and a handful of other non-NBA leagues – including in England and Denmark – since going pro.

The 7’0″ center spent the 2023/24 season with the Maine Celtics, Boston’s affiliate, and earned NBAGL All-Defensive honors after averaging a league-leading 2.9 blocks per game in 29 regular season appearances (22.0 MPG). Kelley, 26, also contributed 7.8 points and 5.7 rebounds per contest.

Olivari, meanwhile, was a two-time All-CUSA honoree during his four seasons at Rice who transferred to Xavier for his final season of NCAA eligibility in 2023/24. The 6’2″ guard posted averages of 19.1 points, 5.6 rebounds, 2.1 assists and 1.4 steals per night last season, with shooting splits of .425/.409/.814.

Olivari played for the Lakers’ Summer League team last month, while Kelley suited up for the Thunder’s Summer League squad.

A player on an Exhibit 10 contract can earn a bonus worth up to $77.5K if he’s waived by his NBA team and then spends at least 60 days with his club’s G League affiliate. Exhibit 10 deals can also be converted to two-way contracts before the start of the regular season.

The Lakers now have 20 players under contract, including 15 on guaranteed standard deals and three on two-way pacts.

Pistons Notes: Beasley, Open Roster Spot, Draft, In-Season Tournament

August 14th, 2024 at 6:22pm CST by Arthur Hill

Family connections weren’t the most important factor in Malik Beasley‘s free agency decision, but the new Pistons guard said his mother was happy to hear he’s going to play in the city where she grew up, writes Omari Sankofa II of The Detroit Free Press.

A starter with Milwaukee last season, Beasley accepted a one-year, $6MM offer to join the rebuilding effort in Detroit. He quickly embraced the community and spoke to Sankofa while conducting a youth basketball camp.

“I want to make this year impactful, and coming from a championship team I want to bring that energy to here,” Beasley said. “And as I said before, my family’s from here, so giving back to the community is always helpful and makes me happy. I definitely miss the Detroit basketball, that energy. I want to bring that back. Growing up, every summer my mom used to bring me out here to get roughed up and learn from my cousins. I’ve been here a lot and have a lot of family, so I’m excited.”

Beasley was a priority for new head of basketball operations Trajan Langdon, who sought to add outside shooting and veteran leadership to the young roster he inherited. Beasley has appeared in 37 playoff games throughout his career, while most of his new teammates have never gotten close to the postseason. He told Sankofa that he’s already started the teaching process during offseason workouts.

“Just letting them know what it takes,” he said. “It’s going to take effort, getting over screens. If we’re doing a drill right now in the summertime and there’s nobody guarding us and we’re doing the drill to do the drill, stuff like that, I’ll tell them ‘Hey, you’re going to have Jrue Holiday on you, that’s not going to work. Hey, if I’m guarding you right now I would take that from you because you’re doing this.’ Just being there for those guys. They’re teaching me as well. It’s a whole big group and we look forward to getting to where we need to go.”

There’s more from Detroit:

Despite being the only remaining team with cap room, the Pistons won’t be in a rush to hand out a 15th standard contract, Keith Langlois of NBA.com states in a mailbag column. He expects the team to retain its flexibility in case an opportunity arises to acquire assets by facilitating a trade. Langlois also points out that Wendell Moore, who was acquired from Minnesota during the draft, only has a $2.54MM contract, so it would be relatively easy to open another roster spot if necessary.
In his first draft with the Pistons, Langdon proved he’s not afraid to take chances, Langlois adds in the same piece. He notes that neither Ron Holland or Bobi Klintman were considered “safe” picks, but Langdon was willing to gamble on their athletic gifts and competitive spirit.
The Pistons will be seeking their first-ever victory in the in-season tournament when plays begins in November, notes Coty M. Davis of The Detroit News. Last season’s four tournament contests came during the team’s record-setting 28-game losing streak. Detroit is in East Group B this year with Milwaukee, Miami, Indiana and Toronto.