Nets rookie Mason Plumlee has been looking sharp this summer, but with a loaded bench in Brooklyn, he's likely ticketed to start the season with the team's D-League affiliate, GM Billy King told GoDuke.com (video link). "I think Mason has done a good job being a rookie and not getting in the way of the veterans and listening to them," King said. "For him to have Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce, Brook Lopez, those guys can show him the right way to be a pro. It's going to help him for his long-term career. It's a great upside and the foundation for him will continue. This year, he'll have a chance. we're deep. But I think he'll play a lot of time in the D-League. If the opportunity arises, I'm sure he'll play for us as well." More from the Atlantic..
- Knicks coach Mike Woodson says that one difference between last season and this season is that the club is stacked at both point guard and shooting guard, writes Marc Berman of the New York Post (Sulia link). Woodson relied heavily on a two point guard lineup last season but with a healthy Iman Shumpert, J.R. Smith, and rookie Tim Hardaway Jr., he won't have to sacrifice size or offense.
- Sixers GM Sam Hinkie is excited about what Gani Lawal can do for his squad, tweets Keith Pompey of the Philadelphia Inquirer. “Gani is another young athletic player who we hope to put in our pipeline and a guy that has a chance to develop and sees opportunity here, which is why he did what he did and is willing to come here and compete for a spot," said Hinkie. The Sixers formally announced the signing of Lawal earlier today.
- Assistant coach Ron Adams brings experience to the staff under new Celtics coach Brad Stevens, writes Steve Bulpett of the Boston Herald.
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