Jason Kapono Rumors | Hoops Rumors

Odds & Ends: Dixon, Carroll, D’Antoni, Wade

November 15th, 2012 at 5:03pm CST by Ryan Raroque

Of the 17 players that competed during the 2002 NCAA title game between the Maryland Terrapins and the Indiana Hoosiers, three would go on to become first round picks during that year's NBA Draft: Chris Wilcox (eighth overall), Jared Jeffries (11th), and the championship game's leading scorer, Juan Dixon (17th). Today, while Wilcox and Jeffries have guaranteed contracts, Dixon finds himself on the outside looking in, tirelessly determined to make a comeback. Connor Letourneau of The Diamondback uncovers how Dixon's trying experiences as an international player contributed to his maturation process and what a return to the NBA would mean for the 34-year-old guard.

You'll find the rest of this evening's miscellaneous notes from around the league below:

Scott Howard-Cooper of NBA.com thinks that the chances of the Kings remaining in Sacramento after this season (and possibly several more) continue to increase because of little movement in talks of going anywhere else. Without much momentum between the Maloofs and the potential destinations that have been mentioned (Anaheim, Seattle, Virginia Beach) nor anything that indicates a possibility that the team will be sold, Howard-Cooper writes that it bides more time for the city to find a way to keep the Kings for now.
Eurohoops.net tweets that Panathinaikos of Greece has signed Jason Kapono.
John Reid of NOLA.com reports that Matt Carroll has not yet reported to the Hornets since Tuesday's trade involving Hakim Warrick going to the Bobcats. Head coach Monty Williams says that there have been ongoing discussions between Carroll's agent and GM Dell Demps but did not elaborate on the specifics. The team hopes to give an update on the situation tomorrow.
Yahoo's Marc J. Spears relayed a quote from today's press conference in which Mike D'Antoni said he'd like to get the Lakers to play "Showtime basketball."Arash Markazi of ESPN LA tweets that D'Antoni's coaching debut will likely be on Sunday against the Rockets.
Nagging injuries have become a cause for uncertainty and concern for Heat superstar Dwyane Wade, writes Ira Winderman of the South Florida Sun Sentinel.
Dan Bickley of AZCentral sports says (via Twitter) that Charles Barkley would be interested in becoming the Suns GM if owner Robert Sarver were to make such an opportunity available in the near future.
The Raptors officially posted an injury update on their team website regarding Alan Anderson, Landry Fields, and Kyle Lowry. Anderson will remain out for another three to six weeks and Lowry for one to two weeks, according to the press release. There is no timetable set in place for Fields' return.

Odds & Ends: Kapono, Kidd, Muhammad, Pacers

November 15th, 2012 at 10:57am CST by Luke Adams

The owners of the D-League's Sioux Falls Skyforce received an offer from an unnamed NBA team this offseason to sell the franchise, according to Terry Vandrovec of the Argus Leader (hat tip to Gino Pilato of Ridiculous Upside). However, the proposal, which would have made the Skyforce a one-on-one affiliate for the unknown team, would have required the team to relocate, which didn't appeal to owners Mike and Greg Heinman.

The Skyforce are one of five D-League teams without a single affiliation, as Sioux Falls is currently the affiliate for the Heat, Magic, Timberwolves, and 76ers. With a new arena set to open next season, the Heinmans are hoping to land a hybrid single affiliation with the neighboring T-Wolves.

Here are a few more Thursday morning odds and ends from around the NBA:

After a pair of disappointing seasons with the Sixers and Lakers, Jason Kapono didn't land an NBA contract this summer. However, according to reports out of Greece, the sharpshooter could be headed overseas to join Panathinaikos. Emiliano Carchia of Sportando has the details.
Jason Kidd tells Marc Berman of the New York Post (Sulia link) that he was "very, very close" to signing with the Spurs in 2003 before he decided to return to the Nets.
Many members of the Knicks, including Kidd, Tyson Chandler, and GM Glen Grunwald, were happy to see Mike D'Antoni land the Lakers' coaching job, as Berman writes in a piece for the Post.
An overheard conversation has raised questions about whether the NCAA has prejudged the case on Shabazz Muhammad's eligibility, reports Baxter Holmes of the Los Angeles Times. Muhammad's representatives believe the revelation is enough for the NCAA to declare the UCLA freshman eligible immediately.
Discussing how to "fix" the Pacers, Mike Wells of the Indianapolis Star essentially rules out the possibility of a trade, since David West's expiring contract is one of Indiana's only real assets.

Pacific Notes: Fredette, Kapono, Jackson, Brown

November 11th, 2012 at 11:21am CST by Chuck Myron

There's no shortage of opinions on the Lakers coaching search this weekend, and as we track the hard news about who'll wind up in that job, we'll share the views of a few NBA writers, along with other news from the Pacific right here.

Kings guard Jimmer Fredette says he "definitely" isn't asking to be traded, and team basketball president Geoff Petrie said he's still in the Kings' plans, writes Jason Jones of the Sacramento Bee. "I'm torn up because this young man is doing everything he can and not able to get on the floor," coach Keith Smart said. "I've just got to look at it because his efficiency ratings are starting to move up when he's on the floor and he's been a positive. So I've got to try to get him on the floor more."
Jason Kapono, who last saw NBA action with the Lakers in 2011/12, is discussing a deal with Greek club Panathinaikos for this year, the Greek website Sport-FM reports (translation via Sportando). Kapono could wind up replacing Hilton Armstrong, whom the team wants to release, according to the report.
Benjamin Hochman of the Denver Post asserts that the Lakers would be better off with Phil Jackson coaching them, but they're too talented not to win the Western Conference no matter who the coach is.
Mike Brown's shortcomings as coach of the Lakers were the same problems that hung over him when he was with the Cavs, observes Sam Amico of Fox Sports Ohio.
Brown couldn't get the Lakers to buy into his message, but Jackson would command the team's attention, opines Sean Deveney of The Sporting News.
Rick Bonnell of the Charlotte Observer lists the rise of the Clippers as one reason Brown is out of a job.

Jason Kapono Working Out With Spurs

September 6th, 2012 at 12:38pm CST by Luke Adams

Free agent sharpshooter Jason Kapono has been working out with the Spurs this week, according to Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo! Sports (via Twitter). The nine-year veteran hasn't had a spot on an NBA roster since last year's trade deadline, when he was acquired from the Lakers by the Cavs, and subsequently waived.

Kapono has contributed next to nothing for the 76ers and Lakers over the last two seasons, playing limited minutes and making just nine of his 35 three-point attempts. However, he's still just 31 years old and has a career .434 3PT%. He would have to show flashes of his old self before he'd be considered a worthwhile investment for any NBA team, but it's possible he could help a club in need of outside shooting.

With Manu Ginobili, Kawhi Leonard, Stephen Jackson, Gary Neal, Danny Green, Derrick Byars, and Nando De Colo already at the two and three spots, the Spurs don't have a real need for Kapono, so I wouldn't be surprised if the workouts were simply due diligence. Adding a big man or two will probably be a stronger priority for the Spurs, particularly if they find a taker for DeJuan Blair.

Odds & Ends: Bobcats, Kapono, Griffin, Mavs

August 9th, 2012 at 1:20pm CST by Luke Adams

The Bobcats have been linked to a number of power forwards this summer, including Carl Landry, Antawn Jamison, and Louis Amundson. However, Rick Bonnell of the Charlotte Observer says (via Twitter) that the idea Charlotte is "desperate" to add another power forward is off base. Here are a few more Thursday afternoon odds and ends from around the Association:

Jason Kapono turned down an offer to play for Orleans in France, according to Gabriel Pantel-Jouve of Catch and Shoot (French link).
According to Chris Haynes of CSNNW.com, the Bulls turned down the Magic when Orlando asked permission to interview Chicago assistant Adrian Griffin for its lead assistant position. The Bulls appear to only be allowing Griffin to interview for head coach openings, says Haynes.
Earl K. Sneed of Mavs.com wonders how the Mavericks stack up against their Western Conference foes, following the team's offseason moves.
Having signed a three-year deal with the Suns, Michael Beasley is looking forward to getting a fresh start in Phoenix, as he tells Alex Kennedy of HoopsWorld.
Lang Greene of HoopsWorld identifies a few teams whose summer acquistions may have them ready to make the leap from the lottery to the playoffs in 2012/13.

Finnan On Sessions, Kapono, Walton, Boykins

March 18th, 2012 at 9:44am CST by Daniel Seco

Three games behind the surging Knicks in the Eastern Conference playoff picture, the Cavaliers have a vastly different roster than they did a week ago heading into the final stretch of the season. They'll play host Sunday afternoon to the Hawks amidst a full slate of NBA action. Let's take a look at what The News-Herald's Bob Finnan has to say about the current state of the Cavaliers in the wake of what was a busy trade deadline for the club.

Lakers general manager Mitch Kupchak is very pleased to have been able to acquire Ramon Sessions from the Cavaliers for a first-round pick projected in the mid-20s. "In terms of the draft picks, I don't think we could've found a Ramon Sessions if he were available in the 20s this year in the draft," Kupchak said.
The Cavs' decision to cut Jason Kapono wasn't a premeditated move by the team but rather a numbers game given that the Cavs needed to find a roster spot for Manny Harris. As part of the Sessions trade, the Lakers provided the Cavs with enough money to cover the cost of waiving Kapono.
Much of the criticism surrounding what the Cavaliers received from the Lakers stems from Luke Walton's $6.1MM contract for next year. The hefty price tag for adding a first-round pick hasn't deterred Cavs head coach Byron Scott from feeling optimistic about the team's standing heading into the draft. "I'm very excited about what we did as far as getting another first-round pick, which is very exciting for us to go along with the one we have and our two second-round picks," Scott said. "So, like I said in the short term and in the long term, it was the best thing for us to do and we feel pretty good about it."
If the Cavs didn't resign Harris, they would have seriously considered adding Earl Boykins to the mix. Boykins, 35, was serviceable last season with the Bucks where he averaged 7.2 PPG in limited action.

Cavs Waive Kapono, Sign Harris

March 17th, 2012 at 1:47pm CST by Chuck Myron

The Cavs have waived forward Jason Kapono and signed guard Manny Harris, the Associated Press confirms. The moves had been anticipated last night.

Harris returns to the team after signing a pair of 10-day contracts earlier this year. His contract, likely for the minimum salary, will be guaranteed for the rest of the season. Harris played 54 games with the Cavs last year and with the team in training camp before this season began, but was cut after suffering a bizarre freezer burn injury at Nike facilities in Oregon. The 6'5", 185-pound University of Michigan product has averaged 5.8 points, 1.5 assists and 2.5 rebounds in two seasons.

Kapono, acquired in the deal that sent Ramon Sessions to the Lakers, is a three-point specialist who's fallen on hard times. A career 43.4% three-point shooter, his long-distance accuracy has slipped to 25.7% over the last two seasons.

Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo! Sports first tweeted last night that Kapono would likely be waived. Jason Lloyd of the Akron Beacon Journal reported via Twitter that Harris would replace him. Tom Reed of The Plain Dealer added detail.

Cavs To Waive Jason Kapono, Sign Manny Harris

March 16th, 2012 at 12:00pm CST by Chuck Myron

9:01pm: Cleveland is expected to sign Manny Harris to replace Kapono on the roster, tweets Jason Lloyd of the Akron Beacon Journal. The team had signed Harris to a pair of 10-day deals earlier this year, so his latest contract will be for the rest of the season. With signing of Donald Sloan earlier today, Harris would put the Cavs roster back at 15 players.

7:12pm: The Cavs plan to waive small forward Jason Kapono, whom they acquired from the Lakers via trade yesterday, tweets Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo! Sports. Tom Reed of The Plain Dealer adds detail in a story.

Kapono is on a one-year minimum-salary deal, making $1,223,166. He counts for $854,389 against the cap, which the Cavs will still be on the hook for unless someone puts in a claim for him. Their post-trade payroll of $70.5MM is well over the cap, but because $18MM of that is a cap hold for the expired Wally Szczerbiak, they are nowhere near the luxury tax threshold.

The 6'8", 213-pound Kapono's specialty has been the three-point shot, having made 43.4% of his long-range attempts throughout his nine-year career. This year, though, the 30-year-old's three-point percentage is only 29.6% in spot duty for the Lakers. He averaged 2.0 points in 10 minutes a game for L.A.

Reactions To The Ramon Sessions Trade

March 15th, 2012 at 9:52pm CST by Sean Highkin

Earlier today, the Lakers traded Luke Walton, Jason Kapono, and a first-round pick to the Cavaliers for Ramon Sessions and Christian Eyenga. Here's a roundup of reactions to the deal from around the web:

CBS Sports' Royce Young thinks both teams made out well, with the Lakers getting a major upgrade at point guard and the rebuilding Cavs adding a first-round pick and flexibility for free agency in 2013.
Kurt Helin of NBC's ProBasketballTalk blog thinks the Lakers got better at point guard but cautions that Sessions isn't the slam-dunk the fans were hoping for.
The Los Angeles Times' Mark Medina points to Sessions' efficiency in the pick-and-roll as another way of creating offense to take pressure off Kobe Bryant.
ESPNLosAngeles.com's Brian Kamenetzky echoes the view that Sessions is a significant upgrade at point guard, while also pointing out that the Lakers didn't burn their trade exception from the Lamar Odom trade.
The Cleveland Plain-Dealer's Tom Reed praises the Cavs' accumulation of draft picks in the deal, which he believes sets them up well for the future.

Recap Of Trade Deadline Deals

March 15th, 2012 at 5:33pm CST by Sean Highkin

Here's the complete list of trades that took place this week leading up to the trade deadline earlier today:

On Tuesday, the Warriors sent Monta Ellis, Ekpe Udoh, and Kwame Brown to the Bucks for Andrew Bogut and Stephen Jackson.
The Warriors then flipped Jackson to the Spurs for Richard Jefferson, T.J. Ford, and a first-round pick on Thursday.
The Grizzlies traded Sam Young to the 76ers for the rights to former second-round pick Ricky Sanchez.
The Pacers acquired Leandro Barbosa from the Raptors in exchange for a second-round draft pick and cash considerations.
The Blazers entered rebuild mode by trading Gerald Wallace to the Nets for Mehmet Okur, Shawne Williams, and a 2012 first-round draft pick with top-3 protection.
Portland also sent Marcus Camby to the Rockets for Jonny Flynn, Hasheem Thabeet, and a second-round pick.
The Rockets acquired Derek Fisher from the Lakers as well as the Mavericks' 2012 first-round pick (from the Lamar Odom trade) for Jordan Hill.
The Lakers also traded for Ramon Sessions, sending Luke Walton, Jason Kapono, and a 2012 first-round pick to the Cavaliers and also receiving Christian Eyenga. The Cavs will also have the ability to swap the Heat's 2013 pick (which they own from the LeBron James sign-and-trade) with the Lakers' pick that year.
The Nuggets, Wizards, and Clippers agreed to a three-team deal that will send Nene, Brian Cook, and a future second-round draft pick to Washington; Nick Young to the Clippers; and JaVale McGee and Ronny Turiaf to Denver.