Odds & Ends: NBPA, Team USA, Pietrus, Bulls
While Billy Hunter's job status is the main focus for the NBPA right now, Jerry Stackhouse believes that it's not just Hunter who needs to go. Calling for "wholesale changes," Stackhouse tells Vincent Goodwill of the Detroit News that he belives the union needs to have a new executive committee, president, and executive director in place by the time Adam Silver takes over as commissioner next February.
Here are a few more notes from around the NBA:
- USA Basketball is putting off a decision on its next coach in hopes that Mike Krzyzewski can be talked into one more run with Team USA, reports ESPN.com's Marc Stein. Optimism is rising within the program that Coach K will reconsider his stance, even though he told ESPN.com's Andy Katz this week that "nothing has changed with anything," writes Stein.
- Mickael Pietrus wanted to return to the Celtics this season, and hoped that offseason surgery on his knee would help convince the club to bring him back, according to Gary Washburn of the Boston Globe.
- Although backup center continues to be an issue for the Bulls, the team can't afford to squeeze another free agent under the hard cap yet, so reinforcements don't appear likely in the short term, writes Nick Friedell of ESPNChicago.com.
- Grizzlies VP of basketball operations John Hollinger spoke to Kevin Arnovitz of ESPN.com about the difference between watching basketball as an executive and as a writer.
Pierce Not Interested In Being Part Of Rebuild
Paul Pierce has repeatedly expressed a desire to retire as a Celtic, and believes that this year's team, even without Rajon Rondo, is still strong enough to be a legit contender in the Eastern Conference. If president Danny Ainge disagrees and decides to launch a full-fledged rebuild, Pierce isn't interested in being part of it, as he tells Steve Bulpett of the Boston Herald.
"It’s all on what they plan on doing," Pierce said. "If they try to go into a rebuild mode, then, you know, I don’t know if I want to be a part of that. But that’s up to them and what they need to do. I don’t want to go out on a rebuild mode…. I want an opportunity to at least try to win another championship, simple and plain. And if that’s not going to be here — if that’s going to be somewhere else — so be it. That’s what it has to be. I mean, even the greatest players played for other franchises."
Pierce has been the subject of a number of trade rumors this season, particularly since Rondo's season-ending injury. Ainge, like Pierce, has said he wants to see No. 34 retire in Boston, though Ainge also acknowledged that he had to act in the club's best interest, regardless of his personal ties to any one player, a stance that Pierce understands.
"Sometimes it’s not about the player," Pierce said. "It’s about the franchise moving forward and doing what they feel is best for them. And players have their agendas, too, as far as older players as they wind down their career wanting to finish on successful teams."
Pierce has a $15.33MM player option for next season, which will be partially guaranteed for $5MM if he exercises it. The 35-year-old indicated to Bulpett that he would also consider retirement this summer if he's still a Celtic and the club has entered rebuilding mode. For now though, Pierce remains fully committed to Boston and is convinced that the team still has the ability to be in the mix for a title.
Sixers Sign Jeremy Pargo
The Sixers have signed Jeremy Pargo to a 10-day contract, the team announced today in a press release. No corresponding move will be required, as the team had two open roster spots after deciding not to re-sign Shelvin Mack when his second 10-day deal expired.
After appearing in 44 games last season for the Grizzlies, Pargo was dealt to the Cavaliers, where he averaged 7.8 PPG in 25 contests, including 11 starts, in 2012/13. However, the 26-year-old was the odd man out when Cleveland acquired Marreese Speights, Wayne Ellington, and Josh Selby from Memphis last month, and was waived to clear room on the roster.
Since the contract guarantee deadline passed a month ago, the Sixers have employed a revolving-door approach, using 10-day contracts to bring aboard a number of guards. Prior to Mack's two 10-day deals, the team had signed Maalik Wayns to a 10-day contract.
Pargo's older brother, Jannero Pargo, is also currently on a 10-day contract, with the Hawks.
Latest On Billy Hunter, NBPA
The National Basketball Players Association placed executive director Billy Hunter on indefinite leave last week, the first step in removing his from his position. However, speaking to Howard Beck of the New York Times, Hunter insists that he feels he's being unfairly targeted, and won't go down without a fight.
"I intend to exercise all my options, as of this moment," Hunter said.
Hunter's contract, which pays him another $10.5MM through 2016, was never formally approved by player representatives, but Hunter and lawyer Thomas Ashley believe the union chief is still entitled to his remaining salary. According to Ashley, the contract is binding under Delaware law, where the union is incorporated. Additionally, Hunter and Ashley contend that the union bylaw which requires player reps to approve an executive director's contract applies to a new hire, rather than subsequent contract renewals.
An audit of the union by the law firm of Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton and Garrison concluded that Hunter had acted in his own best interests at times, an allegation Hunter strongly denied. Ashley referred to the report, which relied heavily on anonymous witnesses as "clearly unfair" and Hunter contends that the allegations are made up of a lot of "little things" that don't amount to much.
"It’s almost like you put enough together, and you throw it up against the wall, hopefully something will stick," Hunter said. "But when you look at them each individually, we can rebut them."
The decision to retain or dismiss Hunter is expected to be made by the 30 player reps at the union's meeting during All-Star weekend, where Hunter is hoping to address the membership. According to Beck, at least 11 player reps are believed to be in favor of firing the union chief. However, despite not being able to reach out to players to make his case during his forced leave, Hunter is confident that he has the support of a number of players, and believes there are more that are eager to hear him out.
Los Angeles Notes: Howard, Tax, Grant Hill
Even during a year when neither team has lived up to preseason expectations, a matchup between the Lakers and Celtics is worth circling on the calendar. The contest in Boston tonight is particularly intriguing, given the injury woes that have beset both clubs recently. Despite being shorthanded, the Lakers and C's have been two of the league's hottest teams, with the latter riding a five-game winning streak and the former having won six of seven. As we wait to see which team cools off tonight, let's check in on a few items out of Los Angeles….
- Kobe Bryant tells Jackie MacMullan of ESPNBoston.com that he feels like Dwight Howard is too preoccupied with how he's perceived by fans and media. "He just wants people to like him," Bryant said. "He doesn't want to let anyone down, and that gets him away from what he should be doing."
- In detailing how the CBA's increasing tax penalties will affect NBA teams next season and beyond, Sam Amick of USA Today notes that few teams will be hit harder than the Lakers. If the club signs Howard to a max deal, it will have about $100MM committed to just nine players for next season, which would result in over $70MM in tax payments. As such, it's no surprise that a player like Pau Gasol, who is earning $19MM+ next season, has an uncertain future in L.A.
- Despite having a partially guaranteed contract for next year, Grant Hill strongly hinted that he's likely to retire after this season, according to Brian Schmitz of the Orlando Sentinel.
- Earlier this morning, we heard from Steve Kyler of HoopsWorld that the Lakers are in no rush to add a free agent following Gasol's foot injury.
Kyler On Randolph, Lakers, Redick, Magic
With just two weeks remaining until this season's trade deadline, we may not see any deals consummated today, but it's only a matter of time before talks heat up. Steve Kyler of HoopsWorld has the latest on a few teams and players that could be involved in those talks, so let's round up his updates….
- Despite some rumblings that Zach Randolph could be a trade candidate, Kyler's sources downplay the possibility of the veteran forward being moved by February 21st, noting that the Grizzlies certainly aren't "shopping" him. While the right offer can change a team's stance, Memphis will likely hang on to Randolph at least through the deadline.
- With Pau Gasol expected to miss a significant period of time and Dwight Howard's status up in the air, the Lakers may feel some pressure to add a frontcourt player to the roster. However, Kyler hears from Lakers sources that the club isn't anticipating adding a body via free agency in the short-term.
- The Lakers' thinking is that integrating a free agent may be more trouble than its worth, and even if they want to add a player, better options could arise at the trade deadline or at the buyout deadline.
- Despite plenty of interest in J.J. Redick, the Magic still seem more inclined to retain the sharpshooter. According to Kyler, Redick has expressed a desire to re-sign or at least work out a sign-and-trade this summer in exchange for not being moved at the deadline, which appeals to Orlando.
Odds & Ends: NBPA, Joseph, Lakers, Burks
The latest news and notes from around the NBA on Wednesday evening:
- Agent David Falk tells Jorge Sierra of HoopsHype that the NBPA needs to band together to force a change in union leadership.
- Kris Joseph is returning to the D-League, reports Steve Bulpett of the Boston Herald.
- Mark Medina of the Los Angeles Daily News writes that Dwight Howard should look to Lakers teammate Kobe Bryant as an example of how to play through injuries.
- Bill Oram of the Salt Lake Tribune writes that Alec Burks is succeeding in playing out of position at point guard to replace Earl Watson for the Jazz.
- The Bulls' rash of injuries have forced Tom Thibodeau to improvise his rotations, writes Neil Hayes of the Chicago Sun-Times.
- Mavericks coach Rick Carlisle tells Chris Haynes of CSNNW.com that J.J. Hickson has been a smart pickup for the Blazers.
Wolves Notes: Love, Gelabale, Spurs
Ray Richardson of the St. Paul Pioneer-Press has several updates on Wednesday concerning the Minnesota Timberwolves:
- Kevin Love is back practicing with the team after fracturing his hand on January 3. He is not expected to return to action until mid-March.
- The San Antonio Spurs seriously considered signing swingman Mickael Gelabale, whom the Timberwolves ultimately added to their roster.
Sixers Waive Shelvin Mack
Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo! Sports reports that the Philadelphia 76ers have waived guard Shelvin Mack after signing him to two consecutive 10-day contracts. Mack's second deal expired on Wednesday, and the Sixers were forced to choose between signing him for the remainder of the 2012/13 season and waiving him.
Mack appeared in four games for Philadelphia over the course of his two 10-day contracts, and scored a total of 2 points.
DiLeo On Sixers, Bynum, Trade Deadline
The Philadelphia 76ers were dealt a blow on Wednesday when it was announced that guard Jason Richardson would miss the remainder of the season after undergoing knee surgery. Sixers GM Tony DiLeo spoke to media before Wednesday's game and touched on several areas of interest concerning the team. Tom Moore of PhillyBurbs.com has quotes.
On the progress of Andrew Bynum's rehab:
“When he practices, bangs, jumps, moves — that’s really the most critical part,” DiLeo said on the court prior to Wednesday’s game against the Pacers. “We’ll just have to see how he reacts during that phase.”
On whether the team will look to make a deal before the February 21 trade deadline:
“We haven’t seen our team out there yet,” DiLeo said. “It’s hard to really plan because we don’t have all the answers. Hopefully, we’ll have all the answers by the end of the year and be able to go forward.”
On taking the long view with regards to the roster:
“We don’t want to jeopardize anything short term,” DiLeo said. “We’re looking to build.”