Cavs Notes: Hudson, Draft, Varejao
The struggling Cavs host the Dwight Howard-less Magic this afternoon as another season of struggles winds down for Byron Scott's club. One of the few bright spots has been rookie Kyrie Irving, who has shown flashes of brilliance after being selected with the top pick in last year's draft. Let's head to Cleveland to check up on the latest news and happenings with the Cavs.
- Bob Finnan of The News-Herald thinks the Cavs may have found another D-League success story in Lester Hudson, who has been a strong contributor of late and may find himself on the roster next season. With his ability to play both guard positions even with his limited size (slightly taller than six feet), the former Tennessee-Martin star has provided a spark for the Cavs and even had team owner Dan Gilbert calling his success, "Lesanity" on Twitter. In 10 games with the Cavs, Hudson has averaged an eye-opening 19.6 PPG, 6.0 RPG and 4.7 APG.
- Look for the Cavs to add an offensively-minded wing player and another shooting guard either through the draft or free agency this offseason, writes Tom Reed of The Plain Dealer.
- Reed ponders what it would take for the Cavs to deal Anderson Varejao considering how his level of play will likely diminish once the team's core of young players is ready to contend. The Blazers could be a good match as a trade partner as they currently hold two 2012 lottery picks. Giving up one of them would be enough to send the former first-round pick to Portland as the deal would provide the Cavs yet another young player to add to their youth movement.
Mavs Notes: Playoffs, Carlisle, Kidd
The Mavs take on the Lakers at the Staples Center later this afternoon in a matchup with playoff seeding on the line for the two Western Conference rivals. Unfortunately for the Mavs, the Lakers have played well even with an injured Kobe Bryant on the shelf as players like Andrew Bynum and Matt Barnes have taken their game to the next level in their superstar's absence. Let's check in with the Mavs to find out what's making headlines with the reigning NBA champions.
- Jeff Caplan of ESPNDallas.com says the chances of the Mavs missing the playoffs has become highly unlikely as other contenders faltered in important contests on Saturday night. Caplan predicts the Mavs will take the sixth seed which would mean Sunday afternoon's battle against the Lakers could potentially be a preview of the first round of the playoffs. If the Mavs somehow collapse and fail to secure a playoff spot, it would mark the first time a reigning champion missed the postseason since the Bulls in 1999.
- While he won't be taking home any hardware for his coaching performance this season, Mavs head coach Rick Carlisle has successfully handled a difficult season, writes Eddie Sefko of The Dallas Morning News (subscribers only). From losing six players off of a championship-winning squad to the Lamar Odom debacle, Carlisle has been able to keep his team focused on winning basketball games amidst myriad setbacks.
- Dwain Price of the Star-Telegram says a healthy Jason Kidd has been a major reason why the Mavs can now breathe a little more easily about their hopes for the playoffs. With Kidd dealing with a strained right groin, the Mavs went 1-3 and fear set in surrounding their chances of making the playoffs. While he'll be in the starting lineup today against the Lakers, the Mavs plan to periodically rest Kidd over the remainder season with hopes of keeping the future Hall of Famer fresh for the playoffs.
Knicks Notes: Atlantic, Heat, Shumpert, Woodson
On a Sunday chock full of NBA action, let's first head to Madison Square Garden to check in on the latest news from the Knicks.
- While some pundits question if the Knicks will even make the playoffs, the team has its sights on stealing the Atlantic Division title from the Celtics, writes Marc Berman of the New York Post. Knicks head coach Mike Woodson wants his players hungry and believing in themselves that they can make up the three games that separate the Knicks and the Celtics in the standings. The Knicks are 9-0 at home since Woodson took over as the interim head coach of the team on March 14th and would be the fourth seed in the playoffs if they win the Atlantic.
- Mitch Lawrence of the New York Daily News says the Heat would face the Knicks in the first round of the playoffs if the season ended today but do not view them as an easy opponent. Lawrence contends LeBron James has too much respect for Carmelo Anthony as a player to publicly dismiss the Knicks' chances of giving the Heat a competitive series. The Heat head to the Garden Sunday afternoon in their lone Manhattan appearance of the season.
- Knicks rookie Iman Shumpert sat down with New York Post columnist Steve Serby and expressed his confidence in the Knicks with the playoffs looming. Not only does Shumpert believe the Knicks will make the playoffs, but the former Georgia Tech star expects his team will be able to compete with the Heat if the two teams are matched up against each other in the first round. In what proves to be a compelling interview, Shumpert discusses his love for defense and what it's like to guard some of the top players in the league.
- Mike Lupica of the New York Daily News makes the argument that Mike Woodson should remain the head coach of the Knicks heading into next season given his body of work. He's led the team to a 13-4 record since taking over the team and has gotten more out of beleaguered superstar Carmelo Anthony than Knicks fans ever thought possible. Lupica says Woodson has held the team accountable and developed a sound defensive system that was non-existent under former head coach Mike D'Antoni.
Top 5 Offseason Acquisitions Of 2011/2012
While not all trades or free-agent signings work out as planned (right, Lamar?), an offseason addition can mean the difference between making the playoffs and spending late spring on an early vacation. Whether a player provides MVP-like numbers or veteran leadership to a youthful squad, adding the right player to the right team can prove to be a difficult process. Let's look at the top five offseason acquisitions of the 2011/2012 and see how these players impacted their respective teams.
- Chris Paul: Almost landing with the other Los Angeles team, Paul has done wonders for the Clippers as the squad has solidified its standing as one of the best in the Western Conference. The former Wake Forest star has given the youthful team an identity while improving the play of his teammates, especially young big men Blake Griffin and DeAndre Jordan. With averages of 19.3 PPG and 8.9 APG, Paul is among the top contenders for league MVP.
- Tyson Chandler: After helping the Mavericks take the NBA title last season, Chandler landed with the Knicks after it became clear the squad wasn't going to be able to land Paul or Dwight Howard. Brought in to provide a big body in the paint and championship experience, Chandler has exceeded all expectations with his quality of play and locker room leadership. While factors outside of Chandler's control have kept the Knicks from achieving their lofty preseason goals, the team could still make some noise in the playoffs as the seventh or eighth seed in the Eastern Conference.
- Jeremy Lin*: Technically acquired after the start of the season (two days after Christmas), Lin captivated the basketball world with a dynamic style of play during the month of February. The undrafted former Harvard star struggled in his first season as a member of the Warriors before going on to average 14.6 PPG and 6.1 APG in 35 appearances with the Knicks. Unfortunately for Lin, his season came to an early end when he had surgery on April 3rd to repair a torn meniscus.
- Shane Battier: Not known for his ability to score 20 points in a game or grab double-digit rebounds, Battier has made a living in the NBA by playing highly-effective basketball. The former Duke star has provided exceptional defense to a Heat squad loaded with offensive firepower. As his value to his team doesn't always show up in the box score, Battier must be judged beyond his 4.8 PPG and 2.3 RPG with the Heat.
- Brandon Bass: With sincere apologies to David West, the Celtics' trade with the Magic to rid themselves of Glen Davis netted them arguably the fifth-best acquisition of the entire 2011/2012 offseason. Originally slotted to provide the Celtics' second unit with depth and a youthful spark off the bench, Bass' role quickly shifted when injuries plagued the team's roster. Given the opportunity to start regularly for the first time in his career, Bass has responded with 12.3 PPG and 6.1 RPG as the squad's starting power forward.
Pacific Notes: Lakers, Kings, Suns
The playoff-bound Clippers knocked off the Warriors by the score of 112-104 in Saturday's early action. Led by 28 points and 13 assists from MVP candidate Chris Paul, the Clippers moved to within one game of the idle Lakers for the division lead and the third seed in the playoffs. Here's the latest news and happenings from around the Pacific Division.
- Matt Moore of CBSSports.com says that while the Lakers aren't the favorites to make it out of the Western Conference this season but nothing would surprise him given the way the team has played this season. Moore says the Lakers have looked like a team that could win the NBA title this season while just as easily ending as a squad that gets pummeled come playoff time. A healthy Andrew Bynum has given the Lakers a franchise center but the fate of the squad rests on head coach Mike Brown's shoulders and the game plan he draws up going forward.
- While the Sacramento arena deal is seemingly dead at the moment, Kings co-owner George Maloof would be willing to restart negotiations if Sacramento mayor Kevin Johnson removed himself from the process, writes J. Michael Falgoust of USA Today. According to Falgoust, Maloof is unhappy with how Johnson has treated Maloof and the rest of his family members and how Johnson has portrayed the family publicly. "We're disappointed in comments made by the mayor that we feel were shots to us that were unfair and not truthful."
- Paul Coro of The Republic considers the Suns' chances for making the playoffs now that they have finished the most difficult part of their closing schedule. With three spots in the Western Conference up for grabs, the Suns have an opportunity to make up lost ground as they play five of their next six games at home. If the team comes up short, it would make the second straight season in which the Suns missed the playoffs.
Eastern Notes: Raptors, James, Green
With the Bulls and the Heat staking claim to the top two seeds, the rest of the Eastern Conference playoff picture remains up in the air as the season winds down. The Celtics, currently the fourth seed, are in action tonight against the lottery-bound Nets while the Pacers, a surprising three seed at the moment, battle the Bucks, still in the mix as the ninth seed. Let's check in with the rest of the conference to see what other stories are making headlines.
- Stephen Brotherston of HoopsWorld considers what the Raptors should do as a franchise after suffering through a disappointing season. Team general manager Bryan Colangelo has cleared a great deal of cap space to build around the team's young talent but still has many holes to fill heading into next season. Brotherston identifies Steve Nash as a potential free-agent signing for the Raptors that would provide the team with a buzzworthy star they have been lacking the past few seasons.
- It may have taken awhile, but LeBron James and his family have finally reached a level of comfort where they feel at home in Miami, writes Ethan J. Skolnick of the Palm Beach Post. The former Cavs superstar may not know how to speak Spanish or how to get around Miami without a GPS, but James is enjoying being able to raise his two sons in South Florida for the majority of the year. James' affinity for Florida living has positively impacted his game as he is currently averaging 26.8 PPG and 7.9 RPG on the season.
- A. Sherrod Blakely of Comcast SportsNet tweets Gerald Green would prefer to re-sign with the Nets, but would consider signing with the Celtics. Green, originally taken in the first round of the 2005 draft by Boston, had been out of the league since the 2008/2009 season before signing the first of two 10-day contracts with the Nets in February, where he has made the most of his opportunity. The forward from Gulf Shores Academy in Houston should attract significant attention this summer given his 13.0 PPG and 3.3 RPG in 25 games with the Nets.
Odds & Ends: Blazers, Pacers, Heat, Harangody
With six more games yet to be played this Saturday evening, let's take a look at the latest news and happenings from around the league before tonight's action gets underway.
- Comcast SportsNet NW's Chris Haynes tweets the Blazers have not yet interviewed the team's acting general manager Chad Buchanan for an opportunity to secure the position for next season and beyond.
- While the Pacers are on track to secure the third seed in the Eastern Conference, the team hasn't enjoyed the same kind of success with selling tickets to home games this season, writes Benjamin Hoffman of The New York Times. Hoffman points to the fact that the Pacers lack a superstar talent like a LeBron James or a Kobe Bryant that helps drive ticket sales. The team's lack of popularity also exists on the road where fans are more likely to be wearing a Reggie Miller jersey than one featuring Danny Granger's name on the back.
- Ira Winderman of the South Florida Sun Sentinel, writing in his mailbag column, believes this offseason will be critical to the Heat's development of Dexter Pittman, Norris Cole and Terrel Harris. The trio will be able to play in the Las Vegas summer league unlike last summer in which the lockout kept basketball from being played in Sin City. Only Cole, as a first-round pick from last year, has a guaranteed contract for next season.
- The Cavs will send Luke Harangody back to the D-League after tonight's game against the Wizards, reports Mary Schmitt Boyer of The Plain Dealer via Twitter.
Pacific Rumors: Barnes, Kings, Udoh, Hill
Three of the five Pacific Division teams are in action today, as the Clippers and Warriors clash in a matinee while the Suns travel to San Antonio for a game tonight. Let's check the pulse of the Pacific:
- Matt Barnes is in the waning days of his two-year, $3.67MM contract with the Lakers, but his ability to step up while Kobe Bryant has missed games with a shin injury has helped keep the team afloat, write Mark Medina of the Los Angeles Times and Mike Trudell of Lakers.com.
- Kings coach Keith Smart is trying to keep his players focused amidst all the arena-related upheaval in Sacramento, and speaks favorably of the progress center Hassan Whiteside made this year before getting knocked out for the rest of the season with a sprained right ankle, writes Jason Jones of the Sacramento Bee. The team must decide by July 15 whether to guarantee his $854K contract for next season.
- Ekpe Udoh was caught off guard when he found out from a television report that the Warriors had dealt him to the Bucks, reports Vince Ellis of the Detroit Free Press. "Coming off the court in Sacramento, I will never forget seeing on TV that I had been traded," Udoh said. "It's surreal, really. But it's a business, and I got a firsthand glimpse of that. I understand that now, and now I'm with the Bucks, and I'm going to give it my all."
- Tim Griffin of the San Antonio Express-News talked to a few Spurs players who are impressed with the way 39-year-old Grant Hill continues to perform as one of the league's top perimeter defenders for the Suns. Hill will be a free agent this summer.
Bobcats Sign Jamario Moon
The Bobcats are signing Jamario Moon to a contract that covers the rest of the season, confirms Rick Bonnell of the Charlotte Observer. SI.com's Sam Amick first reported the move via unnamed sources earlier today.
Rod Higgins, Bobcats vice president of basketball operations, said the team was looking for an athletic wing player to replace Corey Maggette, who's out for the season with a strained Achilles' tendon. Moon, listed at 6'8" and 215 pounds, averaged 17.7 PPG and 7.8 RPG in 12 regular season games with the D-League's Los Angeles D-Fenders this season. The 31-year-old, undrafted out of Meridian Community College, has played parts of five D-League seasons and four NBA seasons, averaging 6.4 PPG and 4.3 RPG in the NBA. He split last year between the Cavs and Clippers, and started 75 games for the Raptors in 2007/08.
The Bobcats had 14 players on their roster, so they won't have to make a corresponding move.
Southwest Notes: Boykins, Duncan, Diaw
If the postseason began today, the Southwest Division would boast the greatest number of playoff participants, with four. The Spurs can clinch the division title in the next few days, while the Grizzlies, Mavericks and Rockets scramble for favorable seedings behind them. Even the lowly Hornets have gotten positive news lately, as Eric Gordon has returned from injury and new owner Tom Benson is already providing stability. Here's the rest of what's up around the Southwest:
- Earl Boykins' second 10-day contract with the Rockets expires after today, but indications are the Rockets will sign him for the rest of the season, reports Jonathan Feigen of the Houston Chronicle. He practiced with the team today and boarded a flight to Denver ahead of Sunday's game with the Nuggets (Twitter links). Keep tabs on all the 10-day deals with our tracker.
- Speaking with Harvey Araton of the New York Times, Tim Duncan said he doesn't understand why players change teams simply to get to a larger market, and said none of the league's young superstars have sought his advice on becoming a franchise fixture as he has with the Spurs.
- Boris Diaw speaks fondly of his time in Phoenix to Tim Griffin of the San Antonio Express-News as the Spurs and Suns prepare for a possible preview of a first-round matchup tonight. Diaw, who signed with the Spurs after being bought out by the Bobcats, is a free agent this summer.