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Atlantic Notes: Barnes, O. Porter, Harden, Beverley, Celtics

October 21st, 2023 at 7:02am CST by Luke Adams

Third-year Raptors forward Scottie Barnes exited Friday’s preseason finale against the Wizards with a sprained right foot and was ruled out for the remainder of the contest, tweets Blake Murphy of Sportsnet.ca.

The former Rookie of the Year appeared to roll his ankle/foot on a non-contact play, as Esfandiar Baraheni of SDPN relays (Twitter video link). However, after the game, Raptors head coach Darko Rajakovic downplayed the injury, telling reporters that Barnes is “completely fine,” per Josh Lewenberg of TSN.ca (Twitter link).

Here’s more from around the Atlantic:

  • After missing most of last season due to a foot injury, Raptors forward Otto Porter Jr. returned to action on Friday, playing for the first time since November 14, notes Lewenberg (Twitter link). As Murphy tweets, Rajakovic is enthusiastic about Porter’s fit on the roster, but said the team will be “careful” about how it uses him following his extended layoff, prioritizing his long-term health.
  • Keith Pompey of The Philadelphia Inquirer (subscription required) suggests that the Bulls and Heat could be potential trade partners for the Sixers if their James Harden negotiations with the Clippers remain at an impasse. However, Pompey isn’t citing any sources saying that Chicago or Miami is actually talking to Philadelphia, so it sounds more like speculation than anything solid. Harden remained away from the 76ers on Friday and missed the preseason finale due to what the club is calling a personal matter.
  • Patrick Beverley, who joined the Sixers as a free agent this summer, has taken on a familiar role of veteran leader and defensive spark-plug, Pompey writes in another article for The Inquirer. Beverley’s leadership has impressed his new head coach. “He’s putting in a tremendous amount of work pre- and post-practice,” Nick Nurse said. “He really, really does a good job of organizing, and that’s important. We need a veteran guy that can get us organized, settled down, and all those kinds of things and then he’s a got a little bit on the other end, too.”
  • In a mailbag for NBC Sports Boston, Chris Forsberg considers what the Celtics‘ regular season rotation might look like, evaluating which players beyond the team’s top eight might emerge as reliable contributors.

Rory Maher contributed to this post.

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Sixers Waive Ricky Council, David Duke Jr.

October 20th, 2023 at 10:29pm CST by Rory Maher

The Sixers have waived Ricky Council and David Duke Jr., the team announced on Friday night.

Council being cut is somewhat of a surprise. He was one of the top prospects who went undrafted this year following his junior season at Arkansas and quickly reached an agreement on a two-way contract with Philadelphia.

A two-way deal signed before the regular season begins can be partially guaranteed for up to the maximum Exhibit 10 bonus amount for that year. In 2023/24, that amount – also known as the maximum two-way protection amount – is $75K. Council received that partial guarantee.

Two-way contracts don’t count against the salary cap, and evidently the Sixers have other plans for the spot that Council held. The 6’6″ guard averaged 9.4 points and 4.2 rebounds in five games (24.6 minutes) with the Sixers in Las Vegas Summer League action, though he didn’t shoot the ball well (.361/.100/.769 slash line). He also appeared in three preseason games, but didn’t play much (8.3 minutes per night).

As for Duke, who spent the past two seasons with the Nets, he’ll likely be headed to the Delaware Blue Coats — Philadelphia’s G league affiliate — to open ’23/24. He signed an Exhibit 10 deal with the Sixers, so he could receive a $75K bonus if he spends at least 60 days with Delaware.

The Sixers now have 19 players under contract, with one open two-way spot.

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Harden's Absence Wasn't Distraction

October 19th, 2023 at 10:14pm CST by Dana Gauruder
  • James Harden missed practice for a second straight day on Thursday but coach Nick Nurse said it didn’t distract his Sixers teammates.  “I think the organization has made it clear what’s going on,” Nurse told Keith Pompey of the Philadelphia Inquirer. “They are working on stuff, as we say, day by day. We had a really good practice today. Very energetic, the guys that were here. And that’s what we are focused on.” Nurse said it’s “unlikely” Harden will play in the preseason finale on Friday even if he returns to the team by then.
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Sixers Hire Neil Olshey As Basketball Operations Consultant

October 19th, 2023 at 3:42pm CST by Rory Maher

Former Clippers and Trail Blazers executive Neil Olshey has been serving as a basketball operations consultant with the Sixers since early June, a team spokesperson tells Kyle Neubeck of PHLY Sports.

According to Neubeck, Olshey will report to general manager Elton Brand and president of basketball operations Daryl Morey, with his contract being “open-ended.” For now, Olshey’s focus is on college scouting, but that could change over time, Neubeck notes.

“I am grateful to Daryl and Elton for this opportunity to consult for a storied franchise like the 76ers,” Olshey said in a statement. “I’m thrilled to support a strong front office and contribute to the overall success of the team in any way I can.”

Olshey, 58, worked his way up the Clippers organization prior to being named general manager in 2010. A couple years later, he was hired by the Blazers as their new GM, serving in that role until December 2021, when he was terminated following a month-long investigation into workplace misconduct allegations. He was also Portland’s president of basketball operations.

The Sixers are aware of why Portland fired Olshey and are comfortable having him as a consultant, Neubeck writes. Part of that stems from Olshey’s “extensive executive coaching” over the past couple years, Neubeck adds.

“I’ve had a strong working relationship with Neil for nearly two decades,” Morey said in a statement to PHLY Sports. “I have always admired his approach to talent evaluation and think he’s been one of the very best in that area. I’m happy he’s consulting for our group. He’s already proven to be a valuable resource.”

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Sixers’ James Harden Misses Practice Again Thursday

October 19th, 2023 at 11:40am CST by Rory Maher

Sixers guard James Harden missed practice for the second consecutive day on Thursday, a source tells ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski (Twitter link).

A team spokesperson said Harden is “away from the team due to a personal matter,” tweets Kyle Neubeck of PHLY Sports.

Harden has reportedly been in Houston since Philadelphia’s practice on Sunday and is frustrated that he hasn’t been traded to the Clippers. The former league MVP requested a trade to Los Angeles after picking up his $35.6MM player option this summer.

Harden told reporters last week that he didn’t see a path to reconciliation with Philadelphia. He previously called president of basketball operations Daryl Morey a “liar” and that he would “never be a part of an organization that he’s a part of.”

Sam Amick of The Athletic reported yesterday evening that the Clippers and Sixers remain at an impasse in trade talks, despite more conversations in recent days. L.A. doesn’t want to bid against itself and has been unwilling to include Terance Mann in a deal, according to Amick.

Shams Charania of The Athletic reported on Tuesday that even though Harden has been professional when he’s been around the team, he hasn’t attended any of the 76ers’ preseason games, skipped at least one shootaround, and has only participated in one five-on-five scrimmage (on October 7) since rejoining the club. The 34-year-old was also absent for media day at the beginning of the month and missed the first day of training camp as well.

As Bobby Marks of ESPN noted on Wednesday (Twitter link), the fine for missing a practice is modest (starting at $2,500), but if Harden skips a game without the team’s consent, he could face fines of $389K per contest. It’s unclear if the missed practices the past couple days will be excused by the Sixers now that the team is saying Harden is attending to a personal matter.

For example, Ramona Shelburne of ESPN stated on Wednesday (video link) that Harden’s absence is the latest step in his desire to create an uncomfortable situation for the Sixers until he’s traded.

“Somebody close to him told me this is only the beginning of what he plans to do here,” Shelburne said.

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Clippers Still Won’t Include Terance Mann In James Harden Trade

October 18th, 2023 at 8:01pm CST by Arthur Hill

The Clippers‘ refusal to part with Terance Mann continues to be the main obstacle to a potential trade involving Sixers guard James Harden, reports Sam Amick of The Athletic.

Two people involved in the negotiations tell Amick that the teams talked again on Monday, with Philadelphia offering to give up Harden in exchange for Mann, an unprotected first-round pick, a first-round pick swap and other players to match Harden’s salary. However, Clippers president of basketball operations Lawrence Frank refused to make Mann available, which has been the team’s position since trade talks began.

Sixers president of basketball operations Daryl Morey said Frank was being “unserious,” according to Amick’s sources, and sarcastically suggested the Clippers should offer Paul George if they’re so determined to hold onto their lesser assets. Frank quickly dismissed the idea of parting with George.

Amick notes that the exchange leaves negotiations at the same impasse where they began when Harden made his trade demand in late June. The Sixers don’t have any traction on a deal with L.A. or anyone else as the start of the season looms next week.

Harden showed his displeasure with the situation by skipping Wednesday’s practice and has been away from the team since Sunday. A report earlier today said management plans to give him a chance to explain his absence before imposing any fines, which would start at $2,500 for a missed practice and could reach $389K for each missed game.

Harden is communicating with the Sixers through general manager Elton Brand, according to Amick. Harden remains angry at Morey over the way his contract was handled, and it’s not clear what his intentions are regarding the October 26 season opener.

The Sixers believe Harden’s anger should be directed at the Clippers, Amick adds. The position of Philadelphia’s front office is that Harden could have the trade he wants if L.A. would include Mann, and the Sixers would be left with enough assets to pursue a high-level player who could replace Harden and keep the team in title contention.

Sources tell Amick that Philadelphia already has trades lined up that would fetch a first-round pick in exchange for Mann. That pick would be used as part of a package to acquire another star later in the season. The Sixers see that as an equitable outcome considering the otherwise limited return they would be getting in exchange for Harden, according to Amick.

However, Harden believes L.A. has already made a reasonable offer and Morey is “moving the goalposts,” Amick adds. The Clippers have offered two first-round picks, but Morey isn’t satisfied with their quality because they have protections and could eventually turn into second-rounders if they don’t convey by a certain date.

Harden’s absence is the latest step in his desire to create an uncomfortable situation for the Sixers until he’s traded, Ramona Shelburne of ESPN stated in an appearance on NBA Today (video link).

“Somebody close to him told me this is only the beginning of what he plans to do here,” Shelburne said.

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James Harden Not At Sixers’ Wednesday Practice

October 18th, 2023 at 10:58am CST by Luke Adams

10:58am: Harden has been in Houston since traveling there after the Sixers’ practice on Sunday, a league source tells Keith Pompey of The Philadelphia Inquirer (Twitter link).

The team plans to give him a chance to explain his unexcused absence from today’s practice before making a decision on potential discipline, tweets Shelburne. As Bobby Marks of ESPN tweets, the fine for missing a practice is modest (starting at $2,500), but if Harden skips a game without the team’s consent, he could face fines of $389K per contest.

Meanwhile, Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN says (via Twitter) that the gap between the Clippers and Sixers in Harden trade talks remains “sizable.”

10:21am: Sixers guard James Harden is a “no-show” at the team’s Wednesday practice, sources tell Shams Charania of The Athletic (Twitter link). According to Charania, Harden hasn’t been with the team since Sunday.

After skipping media day at the start of the month and then missing the first day of training camp, Harden reported to the Sixers and didn’t appear to be making any waves. However, he still wants to be traded after requesting a change of scenery in June and told reporters last week that he didn’t see a path to reconciliation with Philadelphia’s front office.

Charania reported on Tuesday that even though Harden has been professional when he’s been around the team, he hasn’t attended any of the 76ers’ preseason games, skipped at least one shootaround, and has only participated in one five-on-five scrimmage (on October 7) since rejoining the club.

During his media session last Friday, Harden suggested that he still intends to play while he awaits a trade, adding that he might return to the court for the team’s last preseason game. It’s unclear if that’s still the plan or if his mindset has changed in recent days. According to Kyle Neubeck of PHLY Sports (Twitter link), if Harden is going to play in this Friday’s preseason finale, today would have been an important “ramp-up” day.

Jake Fischer of Yahoo Sports wrote on Tuesday that one reason Harden wasn’t making waves in camp was a belief that the Sixers and Clippers weren’t significantly far apart in their trade talks. However, Fischer reported later on Tuesday that there’s still a gap the two teams haven’t been able to bridge and that Harden appears increasingly likely to still be a 76er when the regular season begins.

According to Fischer (Twitter link), Harden is currently in Houston instead of Philadelphia, as he was on media day. He remains frustrated by the lack of progress toward a trade to Los Angeles, per Ramona Shelburne of ESPN (Twitter link).

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Pacific Notes: Green, Harden, Clippers, Mann, Suns, Durant

October 17th, 2023 at 10:49pm CST by Dana Gauruder

Warriors forward Draymond Green, who suffered an ankle sprain in an offseason workout, is making good progress, according to the team’s PR department (Twitter link). Green has been cleared to do light on-court workouts (shooting drills, etc.) and his return to full practices and scrimmages will depend on his continued progress. He’ll be reevaluated again on Sunday.

We have more from the Pacific Division:

  • Despite some promising signs from their current roster in the preseason, a trade for James Harden stills holds appeal for the Clippers, according to Law Murray of The Athletic. He fits the timeline of the team’s other stars and coach Tyronn Lue often prefers having a more traditional point guard who can run an isolation-heavy offense. The Clippers also realize the roster has not undergone enough change after last season’s postseason flameout.
  • There’s still a good vibe around the Clippers thanks to the improved health of Kawhi Leonard and Paul George, Janis Carr of the Orange County Register notes. “Last year, it was tough because we felt we had opportunities to do something special and PG goes down and Kawhi goes down after Game 2 (against the Suns),” Lue said. “You never want to see anyone get injured, but a lot of people said, ‘Oh they’re hurt again,’ or whatever, but the biggest thing is they’re messed up mentally because they want to be out there. Seeing them come back 100 percent and being healthy and just the vibe of our team is totally different.”
  • Following up an earlier reports on the stalled trade discussions between the Clippers and Sixers, a source told Yahoo Sports’ Jake Fischer (Twitter link) that Los Angeles remains unwilling to part with Terance Mann or additional draft capital. That makes it increasingly likely Harden will be on the Sixers’ roster at the beginning of the regular season.
  • The fifth starter for the Suns beyond Bradley Beal, Devin Booker, Kevin Durant and Jusuf Nurkic could vary depending matchups, coach Frank Vogel told Gerald Bourguet of PHNX Sports (Twitter link) and other media members. Josh Okogie has generally been considered the frontrunner for the starting job.
  • The Suns’ big three are holding each other to a high standard, Duane Rankin of the Arizona Republic writes. “It’s always good to get work in with some of the best players in the world,” Kevin Durant said. “It’s like iron sharpening iron over there. We hold each other to a high standard. So it’s always good to get some of that post-practice work. The more days we stack together, the better.”
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Sixers Notes: Harden, Trade Talks, Maxey, Harris

October 17th, 2023 at 4:00pm CST by Luke Adams

While James Harden has been on his best behavior when he has been present at practices for the Sixers during training camp and the preseason, he hasn’t exactly been a full participant this fall, Shams Charania said on Stadium’s NBA season preview show (Twitter video link).

According to Charania, Harden has taken part in just one five-on-five scrimmage this month, back on October 7. The former MVP also hasn’t been in attendance for any of the 76ers’ three preseason games and has skipped at least one shootaround.

The Clippers and Sixers have talked more about Harden in the last week, according to Charania, but there’s still no deal imminent between the two teams.

Here are a few more Sixers notes:

  • Jake Fischer of Yahoo Sports also checked in on the Harden saga, citing league sources who say that Daryl Morey wants a second first-round pick (in addition to a pick swap and expiring contracts) for Harden. While Fischer doesn’t state it explicitly, it sounds like Philadelphia would want both of those first-round picks to be unprotected. The Clippers haven’t shown a willingness thus far to include more than one first-rounder in their offer for Harden.
  • According to Fischer, the Clippers value their 2028 first-round pick pretty highly, since Kawhi Leonard‘s and Paul George‘s futures in Los Angeles aren’t locked in, so there’s no guarantee that pick won’t be a high one. They’ve looked around to see if they’d be able to get two first-rounders from another team in exchange for that lone 2028 pick in order to satisfy Philadelphia’s asking price, Fischer says, but that seems like a long shot.
  • Fischer suggests one reason Harden has been so professional in his return following a brief holdout is a belief that the gap between the Sixers and Clippers isn’t significant and that the two teams will be able to work something out. It’s unclear whether or not there’s an “undetermined deadline” when Harden might get impatient and start trying to force the issue more proactively, Fischer adds.
  • Tyrese Maxey understands “the business aspect” of the Sixers deciding to hold off on a rookie scale extension and isn’t concerned about reaching restricted free agency next July, he tells Fischer. Philadelphia is putting off Maxey’s next deal in order to maximize its 2024 cap room. “I just look at it as I’m gonna go out there and still play,” Maxey said. “I’m still on the 76ers. I love it here and I want to help us win. And at the end of the day, that’s my contract and that’s what I’ll fulfill. I love Philly. And we’ll see what happens.”
  • In a conversation with Michael Scotto of HoopsHype, Sixers forward Tobias Harris spoke about how he’ll fit into Nick Nurse‘s system, his mindset entering a contract year, and his expectations for the team this season, among other topics.
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2023/24 NBA Over/Unders: Atlantic Division

October 17th, 2023 at 2:39pm CST by Luke Adams

With the 2023/24 NBA regular season around the corner, we’re getting serious about predictions for the upcoming campaign and continuing an annual Hoops Rumors tradition.

With the help of the lines from a series of sports betting sites – including Bovada and BetOnline – we’re running through the predicted win totals for each of the NBA’s 30 teams, by division. In a series of team-by-team polls, you’ll get the chance to weigh in on whether you think those forecasts are too optimistic or too pessimistic.

In 2022/23, our voters went 16-14 on their over/under picks. Can you top that in ’23/24?

We’ll wrap up our series today with the Atlantic Division…

Boston Celtics

Philadelphia 76ers

New York Knicks

Brooklyn Nets

Toronto Raptors

Previous voting results:

Northwest

  • Denver Nuggets (53.5 wins): Over (52.0%)
  • Minnesota Timberwolves (44.5 wins): Over (53.1%)
  • Oklahoma City Thunder (44.5 wins): Under (53.6%)
  • Utah Jazz (35.5 wins): Over (55.5%)
  • Portland Trail Blazers (28.5 wins): Under (50.9%)

Central

  • Milwaukee Bucks (54.5 wins): Over (76.9%)
  • Cleveland Cavaliers (50.5 wins): Under (52.0%)
  • Indiana Pacers (38.5 wins): Over (64.1%)
  • Chicago Bulls (37.5 wins): Under (61.9%)
  • Detroit Pistons (27.5 wins): Over (53.8%)

Southwest

  • Memphis Grizzlies (46.5 wins): Under (52.1%)
  • New Orleans Pelicans (44.5 wins): Under (60.8%)
  • Dallas Mavericks (44.5 wins): Under (50.3%)
  • Houston Rockets (31.5 wins): Over (59.2%)
  • San Antonio Spurs (28.5 wins): Over (54.4%)

Southeast

  • Miami Heat (46.5 wins): Under (59.0%)
  • Atlanta Hawks (42.5 wins): Under (61.1%)
  • Orlando Magic (37.5 wins): Over (60.7%)
  • Charlotte Hornets (31.5 wins): Under (65.8%)
  • Washington Wizards (24.5 wins): Over (53.3%)

Pacific

  • Phoenix Suns (52.5 wins): Under (52.6%)
  • Golden State Warriors (48.5 wins): Over (52.7%)
  • Los Angeles Lakers (47.5 wins): Over (57.2%)
  • Los Angeles Clippers (46.5 wins): Under (64.6%)
  • Sacramento Kings (44.5 wins): Over (71.3%)
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