Kenyon Martin Sr. Rumors | Hoops Rumors

Odds & Ends: Nets, D-Will, Heat, Iguodala

December 31st, 2012 at 6:21pm CST by Luke Adams

The Nets are looking to win their third straight game under P.J. Carlesimo tonight in San Antonio, and whether or not they can pull it out, the team appears to be in no rush to begin searching for a replacement for Carlesimo. Chris Broussard of ESPN.com echoes what we've heard over the last couple days, writing that the interim head coach will get a "legit shot" to finish the 2012/13 season. Phil Jackson remains Brooklyn's "dream hire," but the club recognizes that it's difficult to hire an established coach to take over mid-season (all Twitter links). As the Nets and Spurs play one of the final games of 2012, we'll take a look at a few Monday evening odds and ends:

According to Chris Bernucca of Sheridan Hoops, Deron Williams is "a Ferrari with engine problems" at the moment, which is particularly troublesome after the Nets signed Williams to a five-year, maximum-salary contract over the summer. D-Will says Avery Johnson's dismissal was a big wake-up call for the team as a sign of "what happens when you lose" (Twitter link via Rod Boone of Newsday), so we'll see if the point guard's performance improves in the coming weeks.
Asked about the possibility of the Heat signing Kenyon Martin, Ira Winderman of the South Florida Sun Sentinel suggests it's hard to argue that he wouldn't be an upgrade.
Despite being in a potential contract year, Andre Iguodala hasn't had to think about trade rumors this season, which has been a relief, as he tells Bill Ingram of HoopsWorld.
The Celtics still have plenty of time to turn things around, and the impending return of Avery Bradley should provide a boost, writes Chris Forsberg of ESPNBoston.com.

Atlantic Notes: Celtics, 76ers, Martin, Nets

December 30th, 2012 at 9:50am CST by Luke Adams

While the Nets' poor showing in December may have cost head coach Avery Johnson his job, another Atlantic Division team has been struggling this month as well. The Celtics have lost six of their last eight games, including their last two contests by a combined 47 points. Boston's only two wins in that span have come against the league's second-worst team (the Cavaliers) and those reeling Nets, in Johnson's second-last game. As we wait to see if the C's can get on the right track tonight against the 10-19 Kings, let's take a look at a few Atlantic-related links….

It's not clear whether the Celtics will still explore the free agent market, since even signing a player to a minimum-salary contract could adversely affect the team's cap situation, as Danny Ainge tells Gary Washburn of the Boston Globe. "We have restraints because of the [luxury tax] apron," Ainge said, presumably referring to Boston's hard cap. "And it puts limitations on us and I don’t want to get our backs against the wall where it limits us even more for significant progress in any sort of transaction that may come available later. So we’re trying to patient."
John N. Mitchell of the Philadelphia Enquirer believes that free agent big man Kenyon Martin would be a good addition to the Sixers' roster, and at least one unnamed Philadelphia player agrees: "His attitude has been an issue for him in certain places. But one thing you know is that he's going to play hard all the time, and he's going to bring emotion. I think he'd help us more than he would hurt."
The Nets' roster as constructed isn't championship-caliber, says Filip Bondy of the New York Daily News, adding that owner Mikhail Prokhorov "has a Chevy on his hands in Brooklyn that he believes to be a Rolls-Royce."

Celtics Interested In Dampier, Not Kenyon Martin

December 5th, 2012 at 9:12am CST by Zachary Links

The Celtics are in search of a rebounding big man and have considered bringing Erick Dampier in for a look, an NBA source tells Gary Washburn of the Boston Globe. However, the club hasn't been in touch with Kenyon Martin or his representatives since July.

“We’ve done a thorough analysis of the marketplace,” said agent Andy Miller, “and at this stage, Kenyon is obviously biting at the bit for an opportunity to get back in and show his wares. So we’ve broadened our scope from where we were originally, and that was obviously on the heels of free agency opening up. We wanted to be with a playoff-bound team and have a significant role.”

Dampier, 37, hooked on with the Hawks last season on a pair of ten-day contracts before signing for the remainder of the year. The center had a 15 game stint in total and saw just 5.5 minutes of action per contest. The bruising big man could provide the Celtics with the kind of interior play that they're seeking, but he'll have to have better conditioning than he did in Atlanta. Dampier is one NBA vet who doesn't need to return for the money as he has earned roughly $98MM over the course of his 16-year career.

Martin, 34, last played with the Clippers and his rocky relationship with coach Vinny Del Negro may have something to do with his current unemployment. The forward also saw his stat sheet take a hit as he was less involved offensively on a talented Clippers team. Martin averaged 5.2 PPG and 4.3 RPG in 22.4 minutes per contest for Los Angeles.

Celtics Notes: Kenyon, Sullinger, Joseph, Collins

December 2nd, 2012 at 12:21pm CST by Chuck Myron

The Celtics are scuffling in the early going, and after last night's loss to the Bucks, they're 9-8 and in eighth place in the Eastern Conference, just a game in front of the Pacers for the final playoff position. There's plenty of time left in the season, but with a defense that's right at the league average statistically and rebounding that's among the NBA's worst, the team's problems are clear. There's more on why the Celtics are hesitating to make a move that might address those issues, as well as other Boston news below.

In his weekly NBA roundup, Gary Washburn of the Boston Globe says the Celtics are shying away from signing free agent Kenyon Martin because of his personality, noting that differences between Martin and Clippers coach Vinny Del Negro led the Clips to pass on re-signing him this summer.
Glen Davis sees the similarities between himself and Jared Sullinger, and though he believes Celtics basketball president Danny Ainge envisions Sullinger as another Davis, Big Baby thinks the rookie has plenty to learn on the defensive end, as Washburn passes along.
In a separate piece, Washburn notes that Celtics second-round Kris Joseph, assigned to the D-League today for a second time, doesn't mind shuttling back and forth between Boston's affiliate and the big club.
Jason Collins has replaced Chris Wilcox as Kevin Garnett's backup, but Celtics coach Doc Rivers predicts the job will trade hands between two minimum-salary signees multiple times this season. A. Sherrod Blakely of CSNNE.com has details.
After two seasons of better than 40% shooting from behind the arc for the Rockets, Courtney Lee is knocking down just 24% of his three-point attempts since coming to the Celtics in an offseason sign-and-trade, as Chris Forsberg of ESPNBoston.com observes.

Eastern Notes: Varejao, Pietrus, Celtics

November 29th, 2012 at 10:36pm CST by Ryan Raroque

Cavaliers center Anderson Varejao received as good a vote of confidence as one can get from head coach Byron Scott, who called the Brazilian big man "the best center in the NBA right now." Sam Amico of FOX Sports Ohio writes that Varejao's statistical production makes Scott's statement a difficult one to disagree with, also mentioning that some fans have wondered if Cleveland should take advantage of his value and trade him. With that being said, Amico asserts that Cavaliers brass currently has no intention of dealing their most tenured veteran. For the rest of tonight's tidbits from the Eastern Conference, you can find them below:

Bill McCandless, the agent of Mickael Pietrus, told Chris Haynes of CSNNW.com about the other teams that that had been under consideration while they had waited for the right opportunity in free agency. Whereas the Rockets and Timberwolves were potential destinations in the West, McCandless listed the Bulls and Hawks as the other Eastern Conference teams which had been in the hunt along with Toronto.
Celtics coach Doc Rivers offered a poignant comment about Rajon Rondo and the current state of his team, telling reporters: “I don’t know if I want to rally around my 6-foot guard being the enforcer. That’s nice but at the end of the day, if that’s the threat you’re sending, the other team has to feel [good]" (Mike Petraglia of WEEI.com reports). Although we heard Rivers say earlier that the team is in no rush to make any changes to the roster, Petraglia hypothetically mentioned Kenyon Martin as a possible target if Boston decided to look into free agency for help.
Aside from wanting rookie guard Maalik Wayns to become a more accomplished defender, 76ers coach Doug Collins likes the direction of his development, writes Mark Narducci of Philly.com.
Jodie Valade of the Plain Dealer points out that Zydrunas Ilgauskas was at the Cavaliers' practice facility on Thursday to help Byron Scott teach forward Tristan Thompson about making quicker decisions and moves offensively to counter shotblockers.
Mary Schmitt Boyer (also of the Plain Dealer) discusses the challenge that Danny Ferry faces in building the Hawks into a playoff contender, just as he had done in Cleveland from 2005 to 2010.
Rick Bonnell of the Charlotte Observer writes that Bobcats coach Mike Dunlap has taken notice of Jeff Taylor's development as the rookie has stepped in to fill the void left by Gerald Henderson's injury. In another article, Bonnell mentions that the continued lobbying of New Orleans Hornets owners to rebrand their franchise could mean an opportunity for Charlotte to re-acquire the Hornets nickname.
Nate Taylor of The New York Times discusses Tyson Chandler's offensive efficiency as of late, noting that the 7'1 Knicks center is averaging a career best in points (12.0 PPG) and leading the league in field goal percentage at 71.8%.

Eastern Notes: Heat, Wright, Knicks, Wallace

November 22nd, 2012 at 8:30am CST by Sean Highkin

A glance around the Eastern Conference on Thanksgiving Day:

The South Florida Sun-Sentinel's Ira Winderman writes that the Heat do not see a need for free agent forward Kenyon Martin. Winderman says if Miami makes any move, it will be to sign or trade for a defensive-minded point guard.
Dorell Wright, acquired by the 76ers this summer, is not fazed by his decreased playing time, writes Tom Moore of PhillyBurbs.com.
Nate Taylor of the New York Times attributes the Knicks' early-season success to their defensive focus.
Jack Appleman of the New York Times examines the impact Gerald Wallace has on the Nets on the defensive end.

Darko Milicic Considering Leaving Celtics

November 20th, 2012 at 12:35pm CST by Luke Adams

TUESDAY, 12:35pm: It "doesn't look like" Darko will be coming back to the Celtics, according to coach Doc Rivers (Twitter link via Gary Washburn of the Boston Globe).

MONDAY, 8:05pm: If Milicic leaves the Celtics, the team would be in no rush to fill his roster spot, tweets Steve Bulpett of the Boston Herald, confirming our earlier suspicions.

1:42pm: The Celtics may soon be without Darko Milicic, as the Serbian big man is "leaning toward" leaving the team for the season to be with his ill mother in Europe, reports Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo! Sports. According to Wojnarowski, Milicic recently met with coach Doc Rivers, who advised him to take time to make a decision on his family and future.

Milicic, 27, was amnestied by the Timberwolves early in the summer, and weighed his free agent options for much of the offseason before eventually landing in Boston. The Celtics locked him up on a one-year, minimum salary contract.

While Milicic's decision could leave the Celtics with one fewer body in their frontcourt, it wouldn't have a significant impact on the team's rotation, barring injuries. So far, Darko has appeared in just one game for the C's, playing less than five minutes against the Bucks back on November 2nd. Wojnarowski indicates that the seven-footer's frustration with his lack of role in Boston may also play a part in his decision.

If Darko were to leave the Celtics, there's a chance Boston would look into signing Kenyon Martin, according to Wojnarowski. The team considered Martin earlier in the offseason, and some of the C's veterans have been pushing for the club to sign him. However, it's more likely that Boston would simply keep the 15th roster spot open to see who else might become available.

Celtics Rumors: Darko, Martin, Cap Situation

November 20th, 2012 at 10:07am CST by Luke Adams

We heard yesterday that Darko Milicic is considering leaving the Celtics to return to Europe to be with his mother, who is ill. It doesn't appear that Darko has made a definitive decision on his future yet, but we have a few notes on the subject, along with some other Celtics links:

With three young children here, Darko's decision involves much more than just basketball, writes Steve Bulpett of the Boston Herald. Bulpett adds that if Milicic were to return to Serbia, the Celtics likely wouldn't immediately fill his roster spot unless it was with someone Doc Rivers would use regularly.
Rivers will support whatever decision Milicic makes, as he told WEEI during his weekly appearance on the Boston radio station. "He has some family issues, more his [ill] mom, and not playing and being in another country," Rivers said. "The NBA hasn’t exactly gone great for him over his career. So it’s a lot of reasons for him to want to leave. I understand that, and I told him that. I pretty much left it up to him. He has my blessing either way" (link via ESPNBoston.com).
The Celtics need more energy from their bench, according to Gary Washburn of the Boston Globe, who hints that Kenyon Martin could be an option, as we heard yesterday.
Also at ESPNBoston.com, Chris Forsberg examines where the Darko situation stands.
Steve Kyler of HoopsWorld notes that the Celtics still have their bi-annual exception available, but points out that the team is also about $2MM into the luxury tax. Boston would likely reduce team salary slightly if Darko leaves (I'd assume a buyout would be negotiated). However, like the Bulls and a few other clubs, the Celtics remain hard-capped and are reluctant to use their BAE, reducing their flexibility when it comes to adding another player.

Western Notes: Grizzlies, Wolves, Jefferson, Brand

November 16th, 2012 at 1:19pm CST by Luke Adams

In his latest Insider piece for ESPN.com, John Hollinger explores the concept of the "second draft," an idea that involves acquiring players who had the talent to be high draft picks but who fell out of favor with their previous teams, for whatever reason. Hollinger points to the Grizzlies as one team taking full advantage of the "second draft" concept this season, with Jerryd Bayless, Quincy Pondexter, Wayne Ellington, and Marreese Speights making the club's bench one of the best in the NBA so far.

Here are a few more notes from around the Western Conference:

Before the Timberwolves signed Josh Howard, they "politely turned down" interest from Kenyon Martin's camp, and made the same minimum-salary offer to Mickael Pietrus, according to Darren Wolfson of 1500 ESPN Twin Cities. Howard accept the team's proposal first, as Pietrus' camp is still holding out for the mini mid-level.
Al Jefferson was upset after the Jazz' game against the Celtics that Boston media had interpreted his comments about his C's history to mean he wanted to return to Boston, according to James Patrick of the Deseret News.
While Mike D'Antoni won over the media when he was introduced in Los Angeles yesterday, it will be more important long-term for the Lakers' new coach to win over Dwight Howard, says Ken Berger of CBS Sports.
After he didn't land the Lakers' coaching job, Phil Jackson is unlikely to be considered a serious candidate for the next Team USA coach, according to Ric Bucher of 95.7 The Game, who says (via Sulia) that newly re-elected chairman Jerry Colangelo and Jackson aren't exactly close.
Elton Brand appeared on ESPN Radio Dallas to discuss the eventual return of Dirk Nowitzki and the adjustments that fellow offseason acquisition O.J. Mayo has had to make with the Mavericks (link via Sports Radio Interviews).

Odds & Ends: Lin, Crawford, Heat, Cavaliers

November 14th, 2012 at 1:55pm CST by Luke Adams

As the Pistons and Wizards hit the road in search of their first wins of the season, let's round up the latest odds and ends from around the NBA:

After his time with the Knicks came to an unexpected and disappointing end, Jeremy Lin is building a better relationship with the Rockets, as Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo! Sports writes.
When he was navigating free agency this summer, Jamal Crawford was advised to take his time and consider all his options. But, as he tells Arash Markazi of ESPNLosAngeles.com, Crawford had his eye on the Clippers from the start: "When I came here, I don’t know if I should say this or not, but they told me I was their first option at lunch. And I told them at the same lunch that they were my first option. My agent didn’t want me to say that, but I was just being honest and we made it happen."
In his latest mailbag for the South Florida Sun Sentinel, Ira Winderman fields questions on the possibility of the Heat signing Kenyon Martin and trading Mike Miller.
If the Cavaliers hope to contend for the playoffs this season, they may need to trade for outside bench help at some point, says Sam Amico of FOX Sports Ohio.
Yesterday's trade between the Bobcats and Hornets that sent Matt Carroll to New Orleans wasn't overlooked in Dallas by the Mavericks, writes Jeff Caplan of NBA.com.
Within his NBA AM piece at HoopsWorld, Lang Greene speaks to Ian Mahinmi about the sign-and-trade deal that sent him from the Mavericks to the Pacers.
Chad Ford of ESPN.com discussed the Lakers, Royce White, the 2013 draft, and plenty more in a chat with fans earlier this afternoon.