Philadelphia 76ers Rumors | Hoops Rumors

Lloyd Pierce To Meet With Hawks Ownership

May 6th, 2018 at 1:37pm CST by marksuleymanov

After a pair of interviews for the organization’s head coaching vacancy, Sixers assistant coach Lloyd Pierce will meet with Hawks ownership early this week, ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reports. If the meeting goes well, there is a “strong chance” that Pierce will be Atlanta’s next head coach, Wojnarowski adds.

We relayed yesterday that Pierce interviewed with the Hawks twice recently as the organization looks to replace former head coach Mike Budenholzer. With the Sixers trailing the Celtics 3-0 in the Eastern Conference semifinals, it’s possible Pierce’s stint in Philadelphia is nearing its end.

Pierce has served as an assistant with the Sixers for the past four seasons. He previously worked with Hawks general manager Travis Schlenk in Golden State. Pierce also spent time as an assistant coach with the Cavaliers and Grizzlies prior to joining the Sixers staff.

Atlanta has already interviewed Celtics assistant Jay Larranaga, Hornets assistant Stephen Silas, Warriors assistant Jarron Collins, and Trail Blazers assistant Nate Tibbetts. Other names connected to the opening include Spurs assistants Ime Udoka and James Borrego. Atlanta also interviewed David Fizdale, who agreed to become the Knicks‘ head coach earlier this week.

Follow all the latest coaching moves with our 2018 NBA Head Coaching Search Tracker.

Lloyd Pierce To Get Second Interview With Hawks

May 5th, 2018 at 9:09pm CST by Arthur Hill

Lloyd Pierce, who talked to the Hawks yesterday about their head coaching job, will receive a second interview, tweets Marc J. Spears of The Undefeated.

Pierce, an assistant with the Sixers for the past four seasons, previously worked with Atlanta GM Travis Schlenk in Golden State. He also spent time as an assistant coach with the Cavaliers and Grizzlies before coming to Philadelphia.

Pierce is the first known candidate to receive a second interview with the Hawks, who have also met with Celtics assistant Jay Larranaga, Hornets assistant Stephen Silas, Warriors assistant Jarron Collins and Trail Blazers assistant Nate Tibbetts, along with David Fizdale, who will be the Knicks’ next coach. Spurs assistants Ime Udoka and James Borrego are also rumored to be candidates.

Follow all the latest coaching moves with our 2018 NBA Head Coaching Search Tracker.

Hawks Interview Lloyd Pierce For Head Coaching Vacancy

May 5th, 2018 at 11:36am CST by marksuleymanov

The Hawks interviewed Sixers assistant coach Lloyd Pierce for their head coaching vacancy, ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reports. After the departure of Mike Budenholzer, Atlanta has been in pursuit of the team’s next head coach.

Pierce has served as an assistant on Philadelphia’s staff since the 2013/14 season. Before his stint with the Sixers, Pierce served as an assistant with the Cavaliers, Warriors, and Grizzlies.

LeBron James, who overlapped with Pierce during his first stint in Cleveland, once called him one of his favorite coaches, per Keith Pompey of the Philadelphia Inquirer (Twitter link).

The Hawks have already interviewed Celtics assistant Jay Larranaga, Hornets assistant Stephen Silas, Warriors assistant Jarron Collins, and Trail Blazers assistant Nate Tibbetts. Other names connected to the opening include Spurs assistants Ime Udoka and James Borrego. Atlanta also interviewed David Fizdale, who agreed to become the Knicks‘ head coach earlier this week.

Keep up with all the latest coaching developments with our 2018 NBA Head Coaching Search Tracker.

Brown: Fultz Is 'Not Dead And Buried'

May 5th, 2018 at 9:23am CST by marksuleymanov

Keith Pompey of the Philadelphia Inquirer writes that Fultz’s significant time missed and the Sixers’ preference for stability is the reason for his lack of playing time. After all, Fultz missed 68 games in his rookie year and then had just 10 games regular season games to get back into a groove. Head coach Brett Brown said the team is being cautious with Fultz and will continue to do so.

Markelle Fultz has been relegated to bench duty for the Sixers‘ past four postseason games as T.J. McConnell has taken over the point guard position. Fultz, the first overall pick in last year’s draft, missed most of the regular season due to a shoulder ailment that impacted his ability to shoot.

Keith Pompey of the Philadelphia Inquirer writes that Fultz’s significant time missed and the Sixers’ preference for stability is the reason for his lack of playing time. After all, Fultz missed 68 games in his rookie year and then had just 10 games regular season games to get back into a groove. Head coach Brett Brown said the team is being cautious with Fultz and will continue to do so.

Jaylen Brown Remains Doubtful For Game 2

May 2nd, 2018 at 11:01am CST by Luke Adams

Despite his assertion that he’ll be ready to return for Game 2 of the Celtics’ series against the Sixers, Jaylen Brown remains doubtful for that game, head coach Brad Stevens said today (Twitter link via Chris Forsberg of ESPN.com).

Brown, who is on the shelf due to a right hamstring strain, will be re-evaluated on Thursday before Game 2 tips off, per Stevens. However, for now, it sounds as if the second-year swingman will miss at least one more contest.

As A. Sherrod Blakely of NBC Sports Boston details, Brown attempted to convince the Celtics’ medical staff that he could play in Game 1, and said after sitting out that game that he planned on returning for Game 2 of the Eastern Semifinals.

However, Brown acknowledged to Blakely that the Celtics have some concern about him re-aggravating the injury and turning it into a season-ending ailment. With Kyrie Irving, Gordon Hayward, and Daniel Theis among their key players already on the shelf, the C’s figure to play it safe with Brown, particularly with a 1-0 edge in the series heading into Game 2.

Fultz Must Have Bigger Role In Future

May 1st, 2018 at 9:31pm CST by Dana Gauruder

The Sixers need to make some hard decisions this offseason on where top pick Markelle Fultz fits into their future plans, David Murphy of the Philadelphia Inquirer argues. Now that they’ve established themselves as a playoff team, they have to decide how to get as deep as possible in future seasons with Fultz playing a bigger role. If Fultz isn’t a playoff-caliber two-guard by this time next year, the dream of a championship season could be dashed, Murphy continues. Ideally. Fultz will soon establish himself as a legitimate third option but they have guard against the possibility it never happens, Murphy adds.

Celtics swingman Jaylen Brown vows to play Game 2 of the series against the Sixers on Thursday, as he told A. Sherrod Blakely of NBC Sports. Brown, who was a game-time decision in the opener, is nursing a right hamstring injury. “I’ll be back. I’m playing,” he told Blakely, though he added, “I’m basically trying to come back in two days from a two-week type injury.”

Poll: Boston Celtics Vs. Philadelphia 76ers

May 1st, 2018 at 2:21pm CST by Luke Adams

On Monday, we asked you to make your pick for the Eastern Conference Semifinal that pits the top-seeded Raptors against the LeBron James-led Cavaliers. As I noted in that story, the Warriors and Rockets are significant favorites to advance in the West, and Boston’s injury-plagued roster makes the Sixers a big favorite in the other Eastern series.

However, in Game 1 of that Celtics/Sixers series on Monday night, Boston certainly didn’t look like an underdog. The C’s controlled the game, racking up 17 three-pointers and giving the Sixers’ offense problems on the other end of the court. Led by Jayson Tatum, Terry Rozier, and Al Horford, the Celtics won Game 1 in convincing fashion despite missing Kyrie Irving, Gordon Hayward, Jaylen Brown, and Daniel Theis.

Even after the Celtics’ Game 1 win, the Sixers are still favored by oddsmakers to win the series. In fact, the Celtics – up 1-0 in the series – are viewed as a longer shot to advance to the next round than the underdog Cavs are in the other Eastern Semifinal, which hasn’t yet started.

Those odds make sense — the Sixers may have been rusty after their long layoff between games, and we should expect point guard Ben Simmons to play better than he did in Game 1 (seven turnovers). Philadelphia probably won’t shoot 5-of-26 on three-pointers again either.

Still, the Celtics, led by Brad Stevens‘ inventive schemes, showed they won’t be pushovers. With Brown hoping to return soon and the C’s holding home court advantage for now, a long series looks like a distinct possibility.

What do you think? Will the Sixers bounce back and advance to the Eastern Finals, or will the Celtics build on Game 1’s win and maintain control of the series going forward?

Vote in our poll, then head below to the comment section to share your thoughts on the series!

Trade Rumors app users, click here to vote.

Cavaliers Notes: LeBron, Hill, Hood

April 28th, 2018 at 9:57pm CST by Arthur Hill

LeBron James may be facing a unique “win or leave home” scenario in tomorrow’s Game 7 with the Pacers, writes Tom Withers of The Associated Press. No matter when the Cavaliers’ season ends, speculation will immediately begin about James’ destination in free agency. Considering the heavy load he has carried for his team in the regular season and playoffs at age 33, James may be looking for a situation where he has more help.

After Friday’s loss in Indiana, James said he hasn’t given any consideration to free agency or the potential magnitude of Sunday’s contest.

“The thought that if we don’t play well that it will be my last game of the year will probably hit my mind,” James responded when asked about the possible end to a second era in Cleveland. “But I haven’t thought about that.” (Twitter link).

There’s more today out of Cleveland:

Count Marc Stein of the New York Times among the voices who expect James to leave the Cavaliers. In his weekly newsletter, Stein speculates that Philadelphia is the most likely destination for James, stating the Sixers have “growing behind-the-scenes confidence” that they can land this summer’s top free agent. He adds that the path to the NBA Finals remains easier in the East, which is why he expects James to pass on offers from the Lakers and Rockets.
Coach Tyronn Lue is “optimistic” that George Hill will be ready for Game 7, but his status may not be determined until game time, relays Chris Fedor of Cleveland.com. Hill was able to participate in practice today and did extra shooting work afterward. “Moved around good today, played 5-on-5 with some of the guys and felt decent so just have to see how his back reacts after that,” Lue said. “Moved around pretty good, so we will see.” Hill has missed the past three games with back spasms.
Rodney Hood will draw on experience as he prepares for the second Game 7 of his career. In a video posted on the Cavaliers’ website, Hood reflects on going through the same thing with the Jazz last season when they topped the Clippers in a series-deciding game. “Last year’s Game 7 was on the road, so you know the type of atmosphere,” said Hood, who was acquired from Utah at the trade deadline. “It’s kind of different, but at the same time it’s win or go home. We don’t want our season to end, so we’ve got to come out ready to play. Play confident and I think we’ll be all right.”

Atlantic Notes: Sixers, Kanter, Blatt, Celtics

April 26th, 2018 at 1:03pm CST by Luke Adams

While much has been made of the Sixers‘ “Process,” the team has also taken a melting-pot approach to building its roster, according to Tim Reynolds of The Associated Press, who observes that Philadelphia’s lineup features key contributors from Australia, Croatia, Cameroon, Italy, and Turkey. As Reynolds writes, Brett Brown, who spent nearly two decades living overseas, is an ideal head coach for that sort of diverse locker room.

“It’s all basketball, but the true side of how people coach, speak, say, play the game is different,” Brown said. “And that collection now that I have with everybody is like is a melting pot of all people’s experiences. That equals a team. I mean, I love it. I love the geo-political conversations. I love that diversity on the court, off the court. I enjoy it.

“This global instinct and sort of global feeling that we have in Philadelphia interests me very much,” Brown added. “I embrace it. For me, it’s another layer of why I enjoy coaching this team.”

Here’s more from around the Atlantic:

Speaking to Fred Katz of The Norman Transcript, Enes Kanter continues to sound like a man thinking about opting out of his contract. After being reminded that he’s technically a member of the Knicks, Kanter replied, “Until July 1, yes. We’ll talk to teams. We’ll see.” Kanter previously suggested that he’s leaning toward declining his player option, but agent Mark Bartelstein quickly walked those comments back. For what it’s worth, Kanter could sign a new deal with New York if he opts out, and has said multiple times that he’d like to stick with the Knicks.
Former Cavaliers head coach David Blatt wants another shot to coach an NBA team, indicating that he wants to redeem himself after feeling that he didn’t “realize my potential” in Cleveland. Marc Berman of The New York Post passes along the quotes from Blatt and explores the possibility of the veteran coach landing the Knicks job.
While the odds of the Celtics making a deep postseason run are significantly reduced as long as Kyrie Irving and Gordon Hayward are sidelined, youngsters Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown have stepped up and are showing star potential. Marc D’Amico of Celtics.com and ESPN’s Chris Forsberg both examine the impressive development of Tatum and Brown.

Pacific Rumors: Randle, Bradley, Looney, Kokoskov

April 23rd, 2018 at 7:43pm CST by Dana Gauruder

Lakers power forward Julius Randle could wind up in his hometown of Dallas next season, Frank Urbina of Hoops Hype speculates. Randle would be a nice fit alongside guard Dennis Smith Jr. and the Mavericks have plenty of cap space to sign him. He played very well against them this season, averaging 21.8 PPG, 11.5 RPG and 5.6 APG on 66% shooting, Urbina notes. Randle would also slot in well with the Suns and Pacers, Urbina adds, though it’s more likely he winds up staying with the Lakers. Randle will be a restricted free agent if, as expected, the Lakers extend a $5.564MM qualifying offer by the June 29th deadline.

Also around the Pacific Division:

Clippers shooting guard Avery Bradley could wind up with the Sixers if Philadelphia loses J.J. Redick in free agency, Urbina writes in a separate piece. Bradley’s spot-up shooting and man-to-man defense would make him a good fit with their young core, Urbina continues. The Spurs and Thunder, who were involved in trade rumors for Bradley this winter, could be potential landing spots. The Pelicans might also be interested in upgrading the shooting guard spot, which would allow them to move Jrue Holiday back to the point if they lose free agent Rajon Rondo, Urbina adds.
Big man Kevon Looney has emerged as a key player for the Warriors and that won’t change throughout the postseason, according to Dieter Kurtenbach of the San Jose Mercury News. The Warriors’ first-round pick in 2015 has battled injuries during his first two seasons. Now healthy, Looney gives the Warriors another quality defender with length who guard all five positions, Kurtenbach adds. Looney could be plying his trade somewhere else next season, as he’ll be an unrestricted free agent this summer. The Warriors declined their team option on him last October.
Igor Kokoskov has Jared Dudley‘s endorsement as the Suns search for a new head coach, Scott Bordow of the Arizona Republic reports. Kokoskov, 46, was instrumental in drawing up plays when Lindsey Hunter was Phoenix’s interim coach in 2013, according to Dudley. Kokoskov, who has interviewed for the Suns job, is currently a Jazz assistant. “It’s not like Igor is young,” Dudley said. “He’s had plenty of experience. It’s like Brett Brown in Philadelphia and Mike Budenholzer in Atlanta. They put the right staff around them. That’s the critical part. I think he’s shown he deserves the opportunity.”

Sixers Rumors