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Lakers Notes: LeBron, Bronny, Christie, Redick, Pelinka

October 2nd, 2024 at 11:03pm CST by Arthur Hill

As he prepares for his 22nd NBA season, Lakers star LeBron James appears to be energized by the chance to compete alongside his son, writes Dave McMenamin of ESPN. After Wednesday’s practice, Anthony Davis detailed a spirited exchange between LeBron and Bronny James during a five-on-five scrimmage.

“It’s fantastic to be able to be here and witness it in practice,” Davis said. “Bronny hit a three over him today. Everybody was talking smack in Bronny’s favor. Then Bron came down and just bullied somebody. Just took it out on (the defender) — I forgot who it was — and got a layup. Bronny came down and hit another three, I think over Austin (Reaves). And Bron wanted the ball. So you could see, even though they weren’t matched up, the competition is there. And that’s what we love to see.”

At age 39, LeBron is coming off a long summer of basketball that culminated with a gold medal for Team USA in Paris. New head coach J.J. Redick has talked to team trainer Mike Mancias about slowly getting LeBron ready for the start of the season, but he declined to divulge any details.

“I think we have a pretty clear plan,” Redick said. “We’ll share that plan when it’s appropriate.”

There’s more from Los Angeles:

LeBron believes third-year wing Max Christie is ready to take on a larger role this season, McMenamin adds in another story. A second-round pick in 2022, Christie received a new four-year, $32MM contract this summer. “I think for me it’s kind of just proving myself again,” Christie said. “I haven’t proven too much as a player in this league. I’ve had spurts and sporadic moments where I’ve been really good, but I want to put a whole season together. Hopefully I get the opportunity to do that this year.”
Redick has to balance his analytical side with his basketball instincts as he adjusts to viewing the game as a coach, observes Dan Woike of The Los Angeles Times. Although Davis believes “numbers aren’t anything,” they’re very important to Redick, who wants as much statistical data as he can get. “More information is better,” Redick said. “That’s how I … every person we’ve hired, that’s been a key thing that I’ve told them. ‘Do you want to get in the weeds?’ ‘Yeah, I do want to get in the weeds. Yeah.’ So as much info as possible.”
General manager Rob Pelinka had a surprisingly quiet summer in terms of personnel moves, but he indicated at a recent press conference that he’s willing to part with future first-round picks to make the Lakers better this season (hat tip to Lake Show Life). “I think the philosophy that J.J. and I are aligned on is: We want to build sustainable Lakers excellence … every lens that we look through has to lead to sustainable Lakers excellence,” Pelinka said. “So the direct answer to your question is: Yes, we would do a trade with both (available first-round draft) picks if that would lead to sustainable Lakers excellence. We would also use one pick to make a marginal upgrade if we felt it was the right thing to do.”

Mavericks Notes: Doncic, Marshall, Thompson, Kleber, Edwards

October 2nd, 2024 at 10:01pm CST by Arthur Hill

The left calf contusion that forced Mavericks star Luka Doncic to miss the second day of training camp is considered to be minor, writes Mike Curtis of The Dallas Morning News. The team will give Doncic a week to rest before reevaluating his condition, which means he’ll miss a “Fan Jam” open practice on Sunday as well as the preseason opener Monday against Memphis. Barring any unexpected complications, he should be back soon after that.

“He got hit in the calf,” coach Jason Kidd said. “Reported it tight yesterday so they went and got an MRI. We’ll reevaluate him in a week and see where he stands.”

Curtis recalls that Doncic suffered a strain in his left calf last October when the Mavs were in Spain. He was limited to five minutes in an exhibition matchup with Real Madrid, his former team, and sat out the last game of the preseason, but was ready for opening night.

Doncic’s teammates don’t seem concerned about having him miss a week or more of training camp.

“I don’t think it’s going to be hard because when he’s on the court, it’s easy to play with him,” P.J. Washington said. “For us, it’s just learning our spacing and learning where we need to be. He’s going to be Luka, so we’re not really worried about him. It’s just us getting in our right spots, making sure we know the plays and defenses and all of that type of stuff.”

Sources tell Tim MacMahon of ESPN (Twitter link) that there are no concerns about Doncic’s availability for the October 24 opener.

There’s more from Dallas:

The Mavericks signed Naji Marshall to be a defensive stopper after losing Derrick Jones in free agency, but Marshall may provide an offensive lift as well, Curtis states in a separate story. Klay Thompson was raving about Marshall’s shot-making after the first day of camp. “Naji played incredible,” Thompson said. “The guy was making floaters, pull-ups. I thought he played really well. I was impressed with Naji. He scored a couple of times on me. His jumper was fluid and his mid-range was nice.”
Thompson had to “get the nerves out” in his first day of training camp with a new team after spending 13 years with the Warriors, Curtis adds in another piece. “It feels like transferring schools,” he said, “but it’s a feeling you want to embrace because it’s so rare to get those butterflies as a player. It’s awesome.”
Maxi Kleber and Kessler Edwards were both held out of the start of camp, although Kidd didn’t provide a reason, according to Curtis. Kleber missed much of last season’s playoff run with a right shoulder AC joint separation.

Bucks Notes: Lillard, Giannis, Free Agent Signings, Middleton

October 2nd, 2024 at 8:01pm CST by Arthur Hill

After the Bucks traded for Damian Lillard late in September of 2023, there were only a few days for him and Giannis Antetokounmpo to get acquainted before the start of training camp. There’s hope that a year of playing together will help the two stars push the team back into title contention, writes Eric Nehm of The Athletic.

“I think now we’re in a very, very good place,” Antetokounmpo said. “Before, we never had a player like him. It’s just something that slowly, slowly with time you understand. It’s definitely hard when I’m 29 and he’s 34 at this moment of our careers to kind of change the habits you’ve created, but if you want to win, you have to do so. I think we both — me, him and the rest of our team — are willing to do whatever it takes to win.”

After Milwaukee’s first-round playoff exit, Antetokounmpo told reporters that he planned to travel to Portland during the offseason to spend some time with Lillard. Antetokounmpo’s summer was filled with recovering from a left calf strain that forced him to miss the playoff series, representing Greece in the Olympics, and getting married. The Portland trip never happened, but Lillard told reporters at media day that their level of communication is fine.

“I think subconsciously, we are who we are because of how stubborn we are and how much we believe in what we believe,” Lillard said. “And I’ve never played with a player of his level. He’s never played with a point guard like me. So I think it just took time for it to get to this point where I’m going to say what I need to say to you and it doesn’t have to be negative or like I’m coming at you, but I can say it, know that you’re going to take it as what I think the best thing is and vice versa.”

There’s more from Milwaukee:

One of Doc Rivers’ first ideas after taking over as head coach in late January was to have his players travel somewhere for this week’s training camp, Nehm adds. They’re at the University of California-Irvine in an effort to build team unity. “I think it’s important that they’ll be riding in the car together to and from practice, going to dinners, spending time,” Rivers said. “I wish it was longer, honestly. … But from a team standpoint, the longer they’re together, (the better). It’s nice that our first game is on the road, so it kind of extends it, you know? No families. No friends around. Just us. I think that’s good for our team.”
General manager Jon Horst believes the Bucks’ reputation around the league helped them attract Gary Trent Jr., Taurean Prince and Delon Wright, who all came to Milwaukee on veteran’s minimum contracts, per Jim Owczarski of the Journal Sentinel. “It’s really a credit to those players for choosing us,” Horst said. “They weren’t short of options, and in most cases, honestly, they chose less money to come play for us for a chance to win and for a chance to really compete and improve their careers.”
For a team that’s used to being part of the Christmas Day showcase, it was surprising to see the Bucks left off this year’s schedule, notes Jamal Collier of ESPN. The snub was a topic of conversation as players gathered for media day. “I think, somewhat, we’ve been overlooked,” Khris Middleton said. “We should have had a Christmas Day game, I believe. But the NBA felt different. I don’t need that as extra motivation … but disappointed a little bit.”
Middleton continues to make progress following offseason surgery on both ankles, Owczarski tweets. “Everybody’s healthy. Nobody’s limited,” Rivers said after the second day of camp. “Khris did a lot, nothing live, but he did everything else. He even did a couple little live drills. He kind of slipped in there on us, so all good there.”

Spurs Notes: Sochan, Barnes, Collins, Wembanyama

October 2nd, 2024 at 7:03pm CST by Arthur Hill

Jeremy Sochan is happy that last season’s point guard experiment is over, writes Tom Orsborn of The San Antonio Express-News. With limited choices to handle the lead guard spot last fall, Spurs coach Gregg Popovich assigned those duties to Sochan, even though the 6’8″ power forward had never tried the position before.

“Playing my normal position is going to be great,” Sochan said at media day. “I’m not going to be thinking as much. It’s going to come more natural.”

The unexpected change not only bogged down the Spurs’ offense, it took some of the fun out of the game for Sochan, who was coming off an appearance on the All-Rookie team. He expressed frustration with the change and often looked lost on the court. He was moved back to power forward in December, but Orsborn states that the psychological damage from being out of position lingered throughout the season.

San Antonio signed Chris Paul during the summer, so there’s no chance that Sochan will be running the offense again. Orsborn observed that he seemed much more relaxed as he showed up at media day with a bright pink hairstyle.

“You don’t want a player like that to be in their own head too much,” teammate Tre Jones said. “It kind of takes them out of their game and their natural abilities.”

There’s more on the Spurs:

Popovich has been trying to acquire Harrison Barnes ever since they were together on Team USA in the 2019 FIBA World Cup, per Jeff McDonald of The San Antonio Express-News. Popovich finally got his chance this summer as part of the three-team trade that sent DeMar DeRozan to Sacramento. “He’s a leader, a great teammate,” Popovich said. “He just goes on to the next play, whether it was a turnover or he makes a three. He’s not impressed or depressed. He just goes out and plays.”
Zach Collins tore the labrum in his right shoulder during the final game of last season, but he was ready for the first day of training camp, Orsborn states in a separate story. “It was perfect timing because I had such a long summer to get right,” Collins said. “The shoulder has felt great for a while now. The worst part about being injured is missing games, sitting on the sidelines and not being out there with the guys. Luckily, none of that is going to happen.”
Victor Wembanyama reported to camp five pounds heavier and a little more muscular than he was when last season ended, Orsborn adds in another piece. Wembanyama had an active offseason, working out for two months in San Antonio before joining the French Olympic team.“Weight will come with strength,” he said. “It’s just a result of the good work we have done all summer. I am really satisfied with the summer we just had here.”
Julian Champagnie and Malaki Branham appear to be the most likely candidates to take Devin Vassell‘s spot in the starting lineup while he recovers from foot surgery, according to Orsborn. Champagnie started 59 games last season, while Branham made 29 starts.

Bulls Waive Marcus Domask

October 2nd, 2024 at 6:01pm CST by Arthur Hill

The Bulls have opened up a roster spot by waiving rookie forward Marcus Domask, the team announced on Twitter.

Domask, 24, signed with Chicago in July after going undrafted out of Illinois. He spent four seasons at Southern Illinois before transferring for his super senior season.

Domask was part of the Bulls’ Summer League team in Las Vegas, appearing in three games and averaging 2.3 points and 1.7 rebounds in 11.3 minutes per contest.

Because he was in camp on an Exhibit 10 contract, Domask will be eligible to earn a bonus of up to $77.5K if he spends at least 60 days with the Bulls’ Windy City affiliate in the G League.

Waiving Domask brings Chicago down to 20 players on its offseason roster, one short of the league limit.

Damion Baugh Signs Exhibit 10 Deal With Knicks

October 2nd, 2024 at 5:42pm CST by Arthur Hill

The Knicks have signed free agent guard Damion Baugh to an Exhibit 10 contract, the team announced (via Twitter).

Baugh, 24, was in training camp with the Lakers last fall on an Exhibit 10 deal. He was waived before the start of the season and played for the team’s G League affiliate in South Bay, where he averaged 9.3 points, 4.5 rebounds and 2.9 assists in 37 games.

Baugh joined the Lakers last summer after going undrafted out of Texas Christian. He played two seasons at Memphis before transferring to the Horned Frogs.

Baugh will likely end up with the Knicks’ G League affiliate in Westchester, where he can earn a bonus of up to $77.5K if he remains there at least 60 days.

The addition of Baugh, combined with New York’s other moves today, gives the team 19 players under contract, with T.J. Warren expected to fill one of the two remaining openings on the 21-man preseason roster.

Knicks Re-Sign Chuma Okeke

October 2nd, 2024 at 5:20pm CST by Luke Adams

5:20pm: Okeke is officially back with the team on a new Exhibit 10 contract, the Knicks announced on Twitter.

10:14am: Free agent forward Chuma Okeke, who was waived over the weekend by the Knicks, will be re-signing with the team once the Karl-Anthony Towns trade is official, reports James L. Edwards III of The Athletic (Twitter link).

Okeke, 26, was the 16th overall pick in the 2019 draft. He was stashed in the G League for a season while recovering from a torn ACL, then signed his rookie contract with the Magic in 2020.

Across four seasons in Orlando, the former Auburn standout made a total of 189 regular season appearances, averaging 6.3 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 1.5 assists in 20.3 minutes per game. Known more for his defense, Okeke struggled with his shot, making just 38.3% of his attempts from the floor, including 31.8% of his three-pointers.

Okeke signed an Exhibit 10 contract with New York in August, but had to be waived to allow the club to open up enough roster spots to sign-and-trade several players to Charlotte as part of the Towns deal with the Timberwolves and Hornets. After that trade has been formally completed, which should happen soon, the Knicks will be able to refill the several open spots on their 21-man offseason roster.

Okeke will occupy one of those spots, likely on a new Exhibit 10 deal, but he’ll have an uphill battle to make the regular season roster. Due to its hard cap situation, New York will be able to retain no more than one veteran who is in camp on a non-guaranteed minimum-salary contract — Landry Shamet appears to have the upper hand for that spot.

Marcus Morris, who was waived along with Okeke over the weekend, would also be eligible to return to the Knicks on a new camp deal, but has reportedly decided against it and will seek a new NBA contract elsewhere.

Knicks Sign Alex O’Connell To Exhibit 10 Deal

October 2nd, 2024 at 5:13pm CST by Luke Adams

OCTOBER 2: O’Connell’s signing is now official, nearly three months after it was first reported, the Knicks announced (via Twitter).

JULY 3: The Knicks intend to sign former Duke and Creighton wing Alex O’Connell to an Exhibit 10 contract, reports Ian Begley of SNY.tv (Twitter link).

O’Connell, who went undrafted in 2022, spent his first professional season with the Stockton Kings, appearing in 48 G League games and averaging 9.1 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 1.7 assists in 21.7 minutes per contest, with a shooting line of .476/.379/.769.

The Westchester Knicks acquired O’Connell’s rights from Stockton last September, but he ended up playing in Italy with Reyer Venezia in 2023/24, competing in the Lega Basket Serie A (Italy’s top league) and the EuroCup.

The 25-year-old impressed the Knicks at a recent free agent mini-camp and will be with the team for Summer League play, according to Begley. O’Connell appears likely to end up with the Westchester Knicks as a returning-rights player, though if he continues to impress this summer and fall, he could be a candidate to have his Exhibit 10 contract converted into a two-way deal.

An Exhibit 10 contract is a non-guaranteed minimum-salary deal that doesn’t count against a team’s cap unless the player makes the regular season roster. It can be converted to a two-way contract before the season begins or can put a player in line to earn a bonus of up to $77.5K if he’s waived and then spends at least 60 days with his team’s G League affiliate.

Pacers Notes: Mathurin, Turner, Walker, Wiseman, Furphy

October 2nd, 2024 at 3:47pm CST by Luke Adams

Bennedict Mathurin had a hand in the Pacers‘ regular season success in 2023/24, but his season ended in early March due to a labrum tear, meaning he had to watch from the sidelines as his team won two playoff series and got within four wins of the NBA Finals.

“It was kind of tough to see that,” Mathurin said at the Pacers’ media day on Monday, per Dustin Dopirak of The Indianapolis Star. “It was good for the team, and it was good because it puts me back to myself and it kind of humbled me a little bit because we had such success.”

Mathurin started the first 12 games of the ’23/24 campaign before moving to the bench for most of the rest of the season. Given that the Pacers played some of their best basketball with the former lottery pick in the second unit, he’ll likely come off the bench again this fall, which he says is just fine.

“I don’t think I have any expectations for a role,” Mathurin said. “I’m not going to be joining the team back and saying, ‘This is my role on the team.’ It’s pretty much, whatever I can do to help my team win, whatever it is, so be it. That’s the main thing for me, just help my team win.”

Whether Mathurin is part of the starting five or a key part of the second unit, star Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton is looking forward to having his teammate on the court again this fall.

“I’m so excited to get him back,” Haliburton said. “I think an interesting part of last year is it was presented as a lot of teams (in the playoffs) were hurt, as if our best bench scorer was not. I’m excited to get him back. I think seeing him get that success and knowing how competitive he is and he wasn’t playing lights a fire under one of the most hard-headed, motivated people I know.”

Here’s more out of Indiana:

Pacers center Myles Turner has been involved in trade rumors off and on since arriving in Indiana and has never felt totally secure on the roster, so he’s not stressing about the fact that he’s entering a contract year without the ability to extend his contract prior to free agency in July, Dopirak writes for The Indianapolis Star (subscription required). “I can’t help but laugh,” Turner said. “I’m gonna keep it a stack. Every year at Indiana has been a contract year at this point, whether you’re fighting rumors or staying true to your grind and what not. I don’t really feel too much different.” General manager Chad Buchanan said last week that the Pacers are “big believers” in Turner and want to retain him beyond 2024/25.
Noting that Jarace Walker showed up to camp slimmer and in better condition than a year ago, Gregg Doyel of The Indianapolis Star (subscription required) explores what last year’s eighth overall pick will have to do to earn playing time in his second NBA season. With Pascal Siakam and Obi Toppin at power forward, Walker’s best chance to earn minutes could come at small forward, barring injuries.
Offseason addition James Wiseman has been limited during the early days of training camp due to a groin issue, while second-round pick Johnny Furphy tweaked both of his ankles, according to Dopirak (Twitter links). The Pacers will take a day off from practicing on Thursday to help allow some of the players with minor ailments to heal, per head coach Rick Carlisle.

Frank Vogel Joins Mavericks As Coaching Consultant

October 2nd, 2024 at 2:47pm CST by Luke Adams

After being fired by the Suns in the spring, Frank Vogel is working with the Mavericks as a coaching consultant, head coach Jason Kidd said today, according to Marc Stein (Twitter link). Kidd referred to Vogel as “part of our coaching staff.”

“It took a lot of begging,” the Mavs’ head coach joked, “but he was talked into it and I’m happy he said yes.”

It’s a reversal of roles for Kidd and Vogel, who previously worked together in Los Angeles. Kidd was an assistant on Vogel’s staff with the Lakers for two years from 2019-21 before accepting Dallas’ job three years ago. The two men won a title together with the Lakers in 2020.

Vogel still had four seasons left on the five-year contract worth a reported $31MM that he received from Phoenix in 2023, so he’s still getting pay checks from the Suns and didn’t have to rush into another job. Still, consulting for the Mavs will give him a chance to work with a colleague he’s comfortable with and to have a role with the reigning Western Conference champions.

In addition to having coached the Suns and Lakers, Vogel also had previous head coaching stints in Orlando and Indiana. Before that, he worked as an assistant for the Pacers, Sixers, and Celtics.