One of the unfortunate trends that is defining the 2014/15 season thus far is player injuries. Beginning with Paul George having been lost for the year after fracturing his leg during a Team USA intrasquad scrimmage this summer, training staffs around the league have had their hands full. Among the players currently earning their paychecks while in street clothes are Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook, Bradley Beal, and Marcus Smart. The latest player to fall victim to the injury bug is Timberwolves point guard Ricky Rubio, who severely sprained his left ankle this past week and is expected to miss seven to eight weeks of action.
Here’s more from the week that was…
- The Lakers are likely to make a run at Rajon Rondo when the point guard hits free agency next summer.
- Free agent guard John Lucas III has had inquiries from the Thunder, Pacers, and Grizzlies, but is maintaining the hope that he can make a return to the Bulls sometime this season.
- The Pacers intended to sign free agent Gal Mekel to a contract, but visa issues prevented the deal from being completed.
- Jordan Hamilton was waived by the Jazz.
- The Pacers signed A.J. Price using the hardship provision that the league had granted the franchise.
- Also decimated by injuries, the Thunder signed Ish Smith using the hardship provision they were granted.
- There were rumors that the Knicks and Pacers were discussing a deal that would send J.R. Smith to Indiana and Chris Copeland back to New York.
- The Grizzlies re-signed training camp invitee Kalin Lucas.
- The Mavs intend to make a run at signing the Blazers‘ LaMarcus Aldridge when he hits free agency next summer.
- The Thunder are among the teams in talks with free agent Dwight Buycks, who reached a buyout agreement with Valencia of Spain last week. There are conflicting reports about whether the Lakers are one of them.