Dexter Pittman Rumors | Hoops Rumors

Odds & Ends: Josh Howard, Pittman, Paul

October 4th, 2012 at 11:25pm CST by Ryan Raroque

Jeff Zillgitt of USA Today writes that free agent guard/forward Josh Howard is just waiting for an opportunity to be signed. Howard has fielded interest from several NBA teams and says that he has been given positive feedback. Zillgitt added that Howard's workouts this summer have strengthened his knee and given him confidence in his ability to contribute on an NBA team. We have more of tonight's miscellaneous links from around the Association…

Shandel Richardson of the Sun Sentinel says that this could be Dexter Pittman's last year to prove himself as a keeper for the Heat.
In addition to news that Chauncey Billups has been increasing his practice time, it has also been noted that Clippers guard Chris Paul is reportedly close to returning from a thumb injury (Janis Carr of the OC Register writes).
In this article from Lakers.com, Pau Gasol, Kobe Bryant, Metta World Peace, and coach Mike Brown offered their thoughts on the impact that Steve Nash has brought to the Lakers locker room.
Ira Winderman of the Sun Sentinel discusses Chris Bosh's role as Miami's third option as coach Erik Spoelstra looks to utilize more post-up opportunities for LeBron James and Dwyane Wade.
Doug Smith of TheStar.com writes that Raptors coach Dwane Casey is yet to decide between Aaron Gray and Jonas Valanciunas for the team's starting center position. Stephen Brotherston of HoopsWorld provided a comprehensive break down of the competition for key rotation spots in Toronto's camp.
Wizards owner Ted Leonsis held an interview with reporters on Thursday to speak about topics including John Wall, building team chemistry, the dramatic roster changes from this summer, and the overall growth of the team (according to Michael Lee of the Washington Post).
Keith Schlosser of Ridiculous Upside examines the difficult balance that coaches face in the D-League between winning and player development.

Spoelstra On Juwan, Injuries, Cole

September 27th, 2012 at 4:40pm CST by Ryan Raroque

Erik Spoelstra has had a busy summer, consulting with former NBA coach Paul Westhead about his perspective on fast break offenses in addition to meeting with Florida Gators head coach Billy Donavan to talk about the pressures associated with aiming to repeat as national champions (Ira Winderman of the Sun Sentinel writes). Now on the cusp of training camp, Spoelstra opened up on a few notable topics regarding the Heat:

Juwan Howard will not be a member of the team's training camp, but could eventually join the team down the line.
Dwyane Wade has been recovering from an arthroscopic surgery procedure in July, but is expected to be ready for the season opener on October 30. Spoelstra added Wade is "not 100 percent" and that he will be brought along slowly as training camp begins. Ray Allen has been recovering from offseason ankle surgery in July, and while Spoelstra says that the sharpshooter isn't 100 percent healthy either, it's not noticeable. Mike Miller is well enough to take part in all the training camp drills, but will be limited at times as a precaution. Lastly, Jarvis Varnardo is dealing with a strained hamstring that will sideline him heading into camp.
Norris Cole appears to be doing well after experiencing some issues with his groin recently, and has had a strong summer considering the team's goal of improving his playmaking and shooting.
Dexter Pittman has had a productive offseason and will be in the best condition he's been in going into a training camp.

Heat Rumors: Harrellson, Gladness, Howard

September 26th, 2012 at 10:10am CST by Luke Adams

Coming off a championship season and a summer in which they didn't lose any significant pieces, the Heat appear to have less uncertainty heading into the 2012/13 season than any other team in the NBA. Still, Ira Winderman of the South Florida Sun Sentinel is able to identify 10 questions facing the Heat as they get set to open training camp. Here are the rest of the morning's notes from out of Miami:

In his latest mailbag, Winderman says he wouldn't mind seeing the Heat add a little more depth at point guard, perhaps a defensive-minded player.
The Heat are expected to keep two of Dexter Pittman, Josh Harrellson, Mickell Gladness, and Jarvis Varnado, says Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald. Of those four, Pittman has a leg up since his contract is guaranteed.
One Eastern Conference scout on a couple of Miami's options: "Harrellson can be exposed defensively, but he’s a better player than Gladness and more skilled. Gladness is athletic and long but has no offensive game. Harrellson can shoot it and plays his butt off."
Juwan Howard is still working out with the Heat and hopes to earn a one-year deal from the team, according to Jackson.
Terrel Harris and Garrett Temple will likely compete for the final perimeter spot, says Jackson.
Shane Battier tells Jackson that he thinks he could get away with playing primarily at power forward this season, if the team needs him there: "The regular season is not as physical as the playoffs. Guys aren’t hitting as hard."

Southeast Notes: Magic, Hawks, Williams, Heat

September 17th, 2012 at 9:10pm CST by Zachary Links

Here’s a look at the latest out of the Southeast Division..

The Magic are a prime candidate to experience a significant slide in 2012/13, writes Sam Amico of FOXSportsOhio.com. Newly-acquired players Arron Afflalo, Al Harrington, Nikola Vucevic, Josh McRoberts, Christian Eyenga and rookie Moe Harkless will make up most of the team’s core and could result in Orlando finishing dead-last in the league. Amico also sees the Hawks taking a significant step back as they enter a quasi-rebuilding phase, though he believes that they will be better for it in the long run.
Gary Washburn of the Boston Globe (via Twitter) believes that the recently-waived Jordan Williams will not be out of work for long. I’m inclined to agree as the University of Maryland demonstrated toughness and solid rebounding ability in his limited minutes for the Nets last season. Williams received a buyout from Atlanta on his modest $762K salary for 2012/13.
Despite the talk of Dexter Pittman‘s spot with the Heat being in jeopardy this season, one teammate told Ira Winderman of the Sun Sentinel (via Twitter) that he appears to be in better shape than ever before. Earlier today, the Heat officially signed fellow center Josh Harrellson to bring the club’s roster to 18 players.

Heat Notes: Whiteside, Harrellson, Pittman, Miller

September 17th, 2012 at 8:46am CST by Luke Adams

The Heat have concluded an audition of Hassan Whiteside that lasted several days, according to Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald. Now, the team will decide whether to sign him, Josh Harrellson, or neither player. Whether or not cost is an issue, Miami appears to be focused on youth in its search for a big man, having passed on auditioning veterans like Chris Andersen or Mehmet Okur. Here are a few other Monday morning notes out of Miami:

Within Jackson's piece, the Herald scribe writes that a Heat official says the team was disappointed with Dexter Pittman's summer league play. Pittman is on a guaranteed contract and seems likely to remain on the roster, but nothing is assured yet. "This is a crucial training camp for him," said the team official. "But the slate is clear."
Pittman will need to improve his rebounding and cut back on his fouls to stick with the Heat, says Ira Winderman of the South Florida Sun Sentinel.
Asked whether the Heat can count on Mike Miller this season, Winderman notes that the club won't necessarily have to count on him for major production with Ray Allen and Rashard Lewis on board. Anything Miller provides will be a bonus, says Winderman.

Odds & Ends: Bulls, Josh Howard, Deng, Heat

August 7th, 2012 at 9:06pm CST by Ryan Raroque

Mark Deeks of ShamSports.com (via Twitter) points out that the Bulls are specifically $758,642 below the luxury tax apron and that the league minimum salary for sophomore players is $762,195. This definitely factors into the situation of Malcolm Thomas, who put on a standout performance as a member of their summer league roster and more importantly is entering his second year in the league. Deeks still doesn't think that Chicago is willing pay the tax, adding that the team isn't in any rush to make moves that would incidentally put them over the apron. Here are more of tonight's links from around the NBA…

Matt Moore of CBS Sports gives the Bobcats a grade of "C" for their work this offseason.
Earl K. Sneed of NBA.com talks about the plenty of backcourt options that the Mavericks have for the upcoming season.
Australia's David Andersen hopes that Wednesday's game against Team USA is enough to make an impression as he hopes for an opportunity to return to the NBA, writes Sean Deveney of the Sporting News. The 6'11 forward/center played in Italy last year and was a member of the Hornets during the 2010-11 season. Andersen says he will continue to play in Europe if he doesn't receive an offer from an NBA team.
Chris Bernucca of Sheridan Hoops examines the top 20 remaining free agents and groups them by position.
Brian T. Smith of the Salt Lake Tribune tweets that the Jazz are expected to re-engage in talks with free agent Josh Howard soon.
Brian Kamenetzky of ESPN LA clarifies that although the Lakers are interested in Jodie Meeks, the shooting guard isn't quite open to signing for the veteran's minimum. Also, Kamenetzky notes that while the team has placed a priority on adding a backcourt or wing player, they won't use their mini-mid level exception to overpay for a player they feel isn't worth that much. Earlier today, Brian joined his brother Andy to discuss some names in free agency that are worth considering, including Carlos Delfino, Tracy McGrady, and Terrence Williams in addition to Meeks.

Heat Rumors: Pittman, Hamilton, Miller

June 28th, 2012 at 11:24pm CST by Luke Adams

The Heat were among the active teams tonight, sending their first-round pick to Philadelphia in exchange for a second-rounder and a future first-rounder. After the draft, team president Pat Riley spoke to Miami media about the team's summer plans, and provided a number of interesting quotes. Here are the highlights, courtesy of Joseph Goodman of the Miami Herald and Ira Winderman of the South Florida Sun Sentinel (all Twitter or Sulia links):

Odds & Ends: Magic, Ellis, Turiaf, Bulls, Garnett

June 27th, 2012 at 10:39pm CST by Alex Lee

Earlier today we heard that the Magic general manager Rob Hennigan spoke with the media and addressed the plethora of issues he has on his plate in his first few weeks on the job. Following Hennigan's availability, Brian Schmitz of the Orlando Sentinel put together a comprehensive story on the rapid rate of change with which the Magic have overhauled their organization. By Schmitz's count, the Magic have dispatched of 17 important pieces of the organization since December. Starting as early as tomorrow night's draft, it is Orlando roster's turn for a makeover.

Here are some some odds and ends from around the NBA on this Wednesday night: