Atlantic Notes: Chris Smith, Raptors, C’s
Let’s check out a few of the latest items from out of the Atlantic Division….
- The Knicks have assigned Chris Smith to the D-League, the team announced today (Twitter link). The regular season is set to get underway for the Erie BayHawks later this week, so Smith should get a chance to earn the minutes he wasn’t seeing in New York.
- Ryan Wolstat of the Toronto Sun believes the Raptors, as constructed, could be a playoff team in the East this season. However, Wolstat doesn’t endorse building around the current core long-term, suggesting that the pieces don’t really fit together. Wolstat adds (via Twitter) that what should be done with the roster and what can be done are two different things, since teams aren’t exactly “beating down [the] doors” to trade for Rudy Gay, DeMar DeRozan, or Kyle Lowry.
- The Celtics‘ offseason roster moves have forced Jeff Green into a more prominent role, but he may be miscast as a focal point of the offense, observes Steve Bulpett of the Boston Herald.
- Earlier today, we rounded up several Knicks rumors and passed along Danny Ainge‘s comments on Rajon Rondo trade rumors.
Danny Ainge Denies Discussing Rondo Trade
12:12pm: Ainge also spoke to Baxter Holmes of the Boston Globe, expressing in even stronger terms that no teams have inquired on Rondo and that he doesn’t expect any clubs to do so.
“Rondo is coming off an injury and I think people know how much we love Rondo, so I don’t expect anybody to inquire, quite honestly,” Ainge said. “People know that Rondo is a big part of our future and that we’re not going to trade him.”
I find it hard to believe that not one team has at least kicked the tires on Rondo, but either way, he seems to be unavailable. In Ainge’s words: “He’s going nowhere.”
11:57am: In what has become an annual ritual, Celtics GM Danny Ainge denied having trade talks about Rajon Rondo, according to Steve Bulpett of the Boston Herald. Previous reports have suggested that the Knicks inquired on the injured point guard, but Ainge wouldn’t confirm having talked to New York.
“I haven’t talked to any teams about Rajon Rondo,” said the Celtics GM, adding that Rondo remains very much a part of the club’s plans going forward.
I’m inclined to believe that the Knicks at least asked about Rondo, though based on the rumored package they suggested, it makes sense that the conversation wouldn’t have lasted long. So perhaps when Ainge says he hasn’t spoken to any teams about his point guard, he means he hasn’t actually entered any negotiations beyond that initial inquiry.
Rondo has been subject to trade rumors in the past, despite Ainge’s repeated public insistence that Boston isn’t looking to trade the last key member of the club’s championship core. According to Bulpett, the recent reports prompted several other teams to call Ainge and inquire about Rondo’s availability, which the C’s GM referred to as “frustrating.” I expect Ainge will be frustrated a few more times before February’s trade deadline, since the interest in Rondo should only increase as he gets healthier.
Warriors Plan To Sign Dewayne Dedmon
After seeing Jermaine O’Neal suffer a strained knee and groin during Saturday’s game against the Jazz, the Warriors will turn to free agency for a replacement, according to Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo! Sports. Wojnarowski reports (via Twitter) that Golden State intends to sign Dewayne Dedmon, who was with the team in training camp.
Dedmon, a 7’0″ center, declared his intent for the draft this past spring, but wasn’t one of the 60 players selected in June. He joined Golden State as a camp invitee, averaging 3.4 PPG and 4.0 RPG in five preseason games, and was believed to be in good position to earn a regular season roster spot. The Warriors ultimately cut the 24-year-old, but could re-sign him without a corresponding roster move, since the club has an open roster spot. Dedmon’s D-League rights had been retained by the Santa Cruz Warriors.
Rusty Simmons of the San Francisco Chronicle wrote earlier today that Dedmon would be a candidate to join the Warriors, and noted that the team even briefly considered asking assistant coach Brian Scalabrine if he’d come out of retirement to replace O’Neal. It’s not clear when Dedmon’s signing will become official, or how many minutes he’ll play after he does sign. In O’Neal’s absence, some combination of Marreese Speights, Ognjen Kuzmic, and Dedmon could back up Andrew Bogut at center.
Lamar Odom Will Only Sign With Clippers
MONDAY, 9:30am: A source close to Odom tells Jared Zwerling of Bleacher Report (Twitter link) that the veteran forward is doing well and that there’s a “90% chance” he eventually signs with the Clippers. There’s no timetable yet, but no other teams are in the mix, according to Zwerling’s source.
This report sounds similar to Friday’s, though a Saturday update suggested that nothing is expected to happen quite yet.
SUNDAY, 2:06pm: This week, we got some encouraging news when it was reported that Lamar Odom is looking sharp in workouts and could conceivably return to the hardwood this season. Both Los Angeles teams have interest in the forward, but it now appears that he’s only interested in a return to one of them. Odom has said that the Clippers are the only team he would play for, NBA executives who are not authorized to speak on the matter tell Broderick Turner of the Los Angeles Times.
Odom met with coach Doc Rivers for nearly two hours on Friday and Clippers players were left with the impression that he was on the verge of signing a deal, but that apparently wasn’t the case. The troubled forward has put in a month of encouraging workouts and while he had hoped for a second-half return, he could be ready to jump back in even sooner than that. Unsurprisingly, execs say that if Odom signs with the Clippers, it’ll be for the prorated portion of the veteran’s minimum.
It’s been a rough year for Odom who was arrested for suspicion of driving under the influence weeks before unnamed peers alleged that he was using hard drugs. Odom has played 12 of his 14 seasons in Los Angeles between the Clippers and Lakers.
Knicks Rumors: Shumpert, Thompson, Faried
Since word broke last week that the Nuggets and Knicks discussed a potential deal centered around Kenneth Faried and Iman Shumpert, several subsequent reports have added more details related to Shumpert’s availability. There’s reportedly leaguewide interest in Shumpert, who appears more and more likely to be moved at some point, since he represents the Knicks’ best trade asset.
Yesterday, we learned that the Knicks made a run at Rajon Rondo, but were rebuffed by the Celtics, who would be open to taking on Amar’e Stoudemire‘s contract if it meant moving Gerald Wallace and Courtney Lee. Meanwhile, reports also indicated Shumpert underwent a previously unreported surgical procedure, which could have negatively affected his trade value.
After an eventful weekend of rumors and rumblings surrounding Shumpert and the Knicks, let’s round up a few Monday morning leftovers….
- Frank Isola of the New York Daily News noted in yesterday’s piece that reports have linked the Knicks to the Kings, adding that Jason Thompson is represented by the same agency as many Knicks players. According to Marc Berman of the New York Post, the Knicks have indeed inquired with the Kings on Thompson.
- The Knicks’ proposal to the Celtics for Rondo would have included both Shumpert and Stoudemire, reports Ian Begley of ESPN New York. However, such a deal probably wouldn’t work for either side — Boston isn’t eager to move Rondo, while New York would prefer not to take back contracts like Wallace’s and Lee’s, since that would affect the Knicks’ ability to create significant cap room in the summer of 2015.
- According to Begley, the Knicks believed they had a trade completed with the Nuggets for Faried last Tuesday morning, but the deal fell through when Denver requested at least one draft pick from New York.
- Isola’s latest column for the Daily News focuses on Mike Woodson, whose “hands are tied” when it comes to some basketball decisions, according to one Knicks player. Minutes restrictions for Stoudemire and Kenyon Martin are being dictated by James Dolan and Knicks medical director Lisa Callahan rather than Woodson, says Isola, who adds that the coach isn’t in “imminent danger” of losing his job.
- While the Knicks are highly motivated to make a trade in the short term, most NBA teams aren’t interested in dealing until at least December 15th, when offseason signees become trade-eligible, writes Steve Kyler of HoopsWorld.
Odds & Ends: Jefferson, Mavs, Asik, George
Over his ten years in the league, Bobcats center Al Jefferson has been through a number of rebuilding projects with multiple teams, writes Gary Washburn of the Boston Globe. “I have been playing [a pivotal] role since I left Boston,” Jefferson said. “Minnesota was rough. Utah, I had a little success and that’s what got me here. I like my team. We’ve got a great group of guys, guys who have been going through some trials and tribulations themselves the last couple of years. I want to help turn this thing around and I think the coaching staff is amazing and I think we have a chance to do that.” Here’s tonight’s look around the Association..
- One draft-conscious observer told Bob Finnan of the News-Herald there could have been as many as 13 first-round picks playing in the Champions Classic (featuring Kentucky, Kansas, Michigan St., and Duke) in Chicago on Tuesday. Kentucky power forward Julius Randle and guards James Young and Andrew Harrison could be lottery picks along with Michigan State combo guard Gary Harris. The second game was Duke vs. Kansas, which could have three more lottery picks in Jayhawks small forward Andrew Wiggins, center Joel Embiid, and Duke small forward Jabari Parker.
- Mavericks star Dirk Nowitzki is glad that the club went out and signed free agents to multi-year pacts rather than last summer where they inked nine one-year deals, writes Bill Ingram of HoopsWorld. This offseason saw Dallas sign Monta Ellis to a three-year deal and Jose Calderon to a four-year contract.
- More from Ingram, who writes that a trade of Omer Asik would be a bad move for both the Rockets and the center. A trade demand makes it seem as though everyone hasn’t bought in to Houston’s philosophy, a bad sign for a team with championship aspirations. Meanwhile, the trade request makes Asik look selfish since he appears to be putting himself above winning.
- Pacers star Paul George can earn a pay hike by earning an MVP selection or making an All-NBA team, but he won’t get the maximum deal allowed by the Collective Bargaining Agreement, explains HoopsWorld’s Eric Pincus.
- Former player’s union official Joseph Lombardo faces 20 years in prison over fraud charges, according to the Associated Press. Authorities say Lombardo used a stamp to forge the signature of a deceased general counsel for the National Basketball Players Association and another employee, a move that directed $3MM to his firm over five years.
- The Knicks have fallen apart, writes Ohm Youngmisuk of ESPNNewYork.com. Even if the Knicks could deal Shumpert for a big who plays with effort like a Kenneth Faried, it’s not going to solve all the Knicks’ problems, Youngmisuk opines.
- Former NBA standout Grant Hill says that he’s proud of his career in retrospect and the way that he navigated through its ups-and-downs. “I’m proud of coming back and my last [five] years in Phoenix, finding great joy and fulfillment in sort of reinventing yourself,” Hill told Michael Lee of the Washington Post. “I know, in retrospect, that’s not an easy thing to do, either.”
- Wolves president of basketball ops Flip Saunders is drawing upon his time as coaching adviser for the Celtics in 2012 as he finds his way through his new job, writes Steve Bulpett of the Boston Herald. “One of the things I really noticed is the way things worked between Danny (Ainge) and management and the coaching staff,” said Saunders. “I think it helped that Danny had been a coach, but I really like the way people there worked together.“
- Jared Jeffries fits in well with the Nuggets front office, writes Christopher Dempsey of the Denver Post. The forward says that he’s glad to not be dealing with physical pain every day and seems content with his decision to retire and move on to a new chapter.
Hoops Links: Dwight, Grizzlies, Blazers, Martin
On this date in 2000, Suns guard Jason Kidd tied the NBA record for turnovers in a game when he turned the ball over 14 times in a 90-85 loss to New York. John Drew of the Atlanta Hawks committed 14 turnovers at New Jersey on March 1, 1978. That’s the kind of sloppy play that Kidd doesn’t endorse as head coach of the Nets.
Got a great basketball blog post that you want featured on Hoops Links? Send it to me at HoopsLinks@gmail.com. Here’s this week’s look around the basketball blogosphere..
- Red94 brings us another installment of DwightLife.
- 3SOB talks about what’s up ahead for their Grizzlies in their latest podcast.
- Blazer’s Edge wonders if C.J. McCollum’s return might give the offense a much needed boost.
- Hardwood Paroxysm discusses Kevin Martin and the importance of having the right coach.
- Raptors HQ wonders if trading Kyle Lowry might solve some of their problems.
- Grizzly Bear Blues wants to see Memphis do a better job of guarding the perimeter.
- Posting And Toasting ponders life without Iman Shumpert.
If you have a suggestion for this feature, Zach can be reached here.
Knicks Notes: Shumpert, Rondo, Celtics, Asik
Earlier today, Frank Isola of the New York Daily News reported that Knicks guard Iman Shumpert received a second offseason knee surgery that was kept under wraps from fans and others in basketball. The Knicks have chatted with the Nuggets about a possible deal involving Kenneth Faried and, as Isola reported, called the Celtics about Rajon Rondo, but today’s developments don’t bode well for his trade value. Here’s more on Shump and the Knicks..
- Right now, the Celtics have every intention of keeping Rondo and seeing if they can build around him, sources tell Chris Broussard of ESPN.com (on Twitter). That’s not surprising to hear as that has been the C’s public position ever since the club traded away Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce.
- If the Knicks want to try their luck with the Rockets and center Omer Asik, they might not get far. The club’s lack of draft picks (they can’t trade a first rounder or an unencumbered second-round pick before 2018) will be too much of an obstacle in a potential deal, tweets Chris Mannix of NBC Sports. “When dealing with Boston and Houston, it’s all about picks,” a rival exec told Mannix.
- While the C’s aren’t moving Rondo, they would take back Amar’e Stoudemire in a deal where they could unload the longer deals of Gerald Wallace and/or Courtney Lee, tweets Broussard.
- Marc Berman of the New York Post (Twitter link) hears that Shumpert’s surgery went down in mid-to-late August and was so minor that the guard didn’t even need to use crutches.
- The timing of Shumpert’s left knee surgery annoyed some people in the Knicks organization, tweets Ian Begley of ESPNNewYork.com.
- Adam Zagoria of SNY (Twitter link) notes that the offseason surgeries of Shumpert and Stoudemire were kept quiet by the Knicks and first reported by Isola, with whom the club is famously hostile.
Hoops Rumors Originals
Here’s a look back at the original analysis produced by the Hoops Rumors staff this week..
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Chuck Myron looked at how Omer Asik‘s backloaded deal affects potential trades.
- I recapped the Timberwolves’ very expensive offseason.
- Luke Adams recapped the 76ers’ summer as they look to rebuild once again.
- Luke explained the proration of partially-guaranteed contracts.
- I wrote that the Celtics will certainly take a step back after shipping Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce, and Jason Terry to Boston, but they might still be able to put themselves in the playoff conversation.
- Here’s my look back at the Knicks’ offseason, including the bizarre J.R. Smith saga.
- Chuck looked back on a summer of change in Atlanta.
- Is your favorite team Riggin’ For Wiggins? You can cheer them on with Hoops Rumors’ Reverse Standings.
- Most of you say the Rockets should trade Asik.
- The Pistons look quite different this season, I broke down their eventful summer.
- Luke says that the Bucks should have used this summer as a chance to build something bigger rather than do more of the same.
- The Blazers have to show that they’re not just a playoff team, but a contending team, writes Chuck.
- Did you miss out on Luke’s weekly chat Monday at 4pm CT? Don’t worry, we’ve got the transcript right here.
- The Lakers need to continue being patient, Chuck writes.
- Chuck writes that it’s still a work in progress in Denver.
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Luke asked Hoops Rumors readers to predict the top pick in the 2014 draft.
- We asked Hoops Rumors readers if the Wolves should move Derrick Williams now.
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Here’s how you can follow your favorite teams via Facebook, Twitter, and RSS feed.
Week In Review: 11/11/13 – 11/17/13
Omer Asik wants out of Houston, but will he get his way? The big man has been voicing his displeasure ever since he was bumped down a peg in the pecking order by this summer’s signing of Dwight Howard. The Rockets have reportedly engaged other clubs in talks, but for now, they contend the defensively-minded center is staying put. Here’s more from the week that was..
- The Knicks and Nuggets discussed a deal involving Kenneth Faried and Iman Shumpert, but talks didn’t get far as Denver values their forward and they would seek draft picks in such a deal, something New York can’t really offer earlier than 2018. On Friday, we learned that the Kings might have some interest in Shump.
- If Houston does decide Asik, you can expect the Raptors to have interest.
- Asik has apparently been making trade requests on a weekly basis. How annoying.
- Within the above story, Sam Amico of FOX Sports reports that there is league-wide speculation that the Pistons are looking to move the expiring contracts of Rodney Stuckey and Charlie Villanueva.
- Kris Humphries isn’t demanding a trade from the Celtics, but he’d welcome it.
- The Pelicans signed Josh Childress.
- The Pelicans waived Lance Thomas and Arinze Onuaku.
- The Cavaliers and Kings are actively seeking out trades.
- The Wolves made both Derrick Williams and Alexey Shved available, according to one report, but Wolves president of basketball ops Flip Saunders denied that.
- General Manager Mitch Kupchak says that he’ll stand pat for now rather than find a replacement out-of-house for Steve Nash.
- The Pelicans signed Louis Amundson.
- The Lakers and Clippers would consider Lamar Odom if he can get past his personal troubles, but the forward reportedly only has eyes for the Clippers.
- The Jazz signed Diante Garrett.
- The Bulls auditioned Reggie Williams.
- Josh Akognon is headed to China.
- The Jazz released Jamaal Tinsley.
- Sam Young signed a deal in Australia that includes an NBA out.
- Hassan Whiteside is going to Lebanon. Lucky guy, I love Lebanese food.
- Luther Head, who last played in the NBA with the Kings prior to the 2011 lockout, is fielding interest from teams in Turkey, Ukraine, and Australia.