Pacific Notes: Williams, Warriors, Brooks
Sasha Vujacic has been on the Clippers’ radar for quite some time now and it looks like they’re finally on the verge of signing him. The veteran guard has already undergone a physical and he is expected to be in a Clippers jersey tomorrow night when Blake Griffin & Co. take on the Nuggets. The move will give L.A. some extra reinforcements as Chris Paul is sidelined with a separated shoulder. More out of the Pacific..
- With Manny Harris‘ second 10-day deal set to lapse and Pau Gasol still on the mend, don’t be surprised to see the Lakers give Shawne Williams another look, tweets Ramona Shelburne of ESPNLosAngeles.com. Williams is right around the corner from the Lakers after recently hooking on with the Los Angeles D-Fenders.
- The Warriors are putting their plans for a gorgeous new stadium in San Francisco on hold by about a year (and possibly longer), write Philip Matier and Andrew Ross of the San Francisco Chronicle. Recently, Warriors co-owner Joe Lacob acknowledged that it would be tough for the club to get to their new home by the original target of 2017.
- Speaking of the Warriors, they announced that they have recalled Kent Bazemore and MarShon Brooks from the Santa Cruz Warriors of the D-League. Both players were assigned to Santa Cruz on Saturday and participated in the team’s 110-105 victory over the Bakersfield Jam at Kaiser Permanente Arena in Santa Cruz. Bazemore registered a game-high 25 points, along with three rebounds, three assists, three steals and a block in 33 minutes, while Brooks added six points, two assists, one rebound and a steal in 22 minutes. To keep up with all of this year’s D-League assignments and recalls, check out Hoops Rumors’ running list.
Hoops Rumors Originals
A look back at the original analysis generated by the Hoops Rumors staff over the past week..
- Chuck Myron examined Kyle Lowry as a trade candidate.
- Will the Raptors be sellers? Most of you say no.
- Chuck looked at the midseason signees on multi-year deals.
- Emeka Okafor probably won’t do much on the court this season but he figures to be a coveted trade piece. Chuck explains why the Suns big man will field calls over the next few weeks.
- Most of you say Joel Embiid will be the No. 1 overall pick in the draft.
- Here’s a look at trade exceptions that are set to expire courtesy of Chuck.
- We asked you to vote on the biggest All-Star snub.
- Did you miss out on Chuck’s Monday chat? Check out the transcript here.
- This week we launched our sister NFL site, ProFootballRumors.com, headed by former Hoops Rumors lead writer Luke Adams.
- Get the Hoops Rumors app today!
Week In Review: 1/27/14 – 2/2/14
The Wizards are high on Pistons big man Greg Monroe, but as it stands, he’s not going anywhere. Detroit has informed clubs calling on Monroe that they won’t be trading him between now and the February deadline. Here’s our look back at the week that was..
- Adam Silver officially took over as commissioner.
- The Pacers signed Andrew Bynum to a $1MM deal for the rest of the season. They swear it has nothing to do with keeping him away from the Heat.
- The Lakers, Wizards, and Bobcats have asked the Bulls about Taj Gibson.
- The Nets are eyeing Kevin Durant for 2016.
- Nate Robinson is done for the year.
- The Nuggets could activate trade candidate Andre Miller.
- Luol Deng was reportedly not happy to be traded to the Cavs, GM Chris Grant is expected to lose his job at the end of the year, and Kyrie Irving wants to go to the Knicks. Yikes.
- For his part, Irving denies that he wants out of Cleveland.
- Danny Granger and C.J. Miles are drawing interest.
- The Rockets are shopping Francisco Garcia.
- Several GMs would be surprised if Rondo gets moved. Meanwhile, the guard quickly cut off extension talks with the Celtics. The Knicks still want him.
- Mark Tatum is the new deputy commissioner.
- The Pelicans inked Luke Babbitt to a two-year deal.
- Tyshawn Taylor was acquired by the Maine Red Claws.
- The Bobcats are expected to be buyers at the trade deadline.
- Emeka Okafor could be a trade chip for the Suns.
- The sense around the league is that the Raptors will keep Kyle Lowry according to one report while another says that they’re actively shopping him.
- Daequan Cook is headed to Germany.
- Dante Exum will enter the 2014 draft.
- The Suns signed Leandro Barbosa for the rest of the season.
- The Spurs signed Shannon Brown and released Othyus Jeffers.
- The Hawks signed Cartier Martin to a 10-day deal.
- Shawne Williams is headed to the D-League.
- Royal Ivey signed with the Guangdong Southern Tigers.
- The Celtics re-signed Chris Johnson. They won’t re-up Vander Blue.
- The Hawks aren’t keeping James Nunnally.
Odds & Ends: Heat, Melo, Durant, Nuggets
If the Heat fall to the Pacers because of the Andrew Bynum signing, then the Heat weren’t going to win the title anyway, writes Ira Winderman of The South Florida Sun Sentinel. Bynum doesn’t figure to rise any higher in the Pacers rotation than the ninth or tenth man, and if that is the determining factor, then Miami has deeper issues with their roster than one player can change. Winderman believes the Heat tandem of Chris Bosh and Chris Andersen versus Roy Hibbert and Bynum should still be fine, as Andersen is a match for Bynum defensively. The Heat also tend to favor playing with smaller lineups, which won’t change their strategy against the Pacers.
More from around the league:
- LeBron James doesn’t have any insight on where Carmelo Anthony will play next season, writes Mitch Abramson of The New York Daily News. James said, “I don’t know (what he’s thinking). I’m a good friend of his but I don’t know what his mind is saying or what’s going through his mind. He loves to play basketball and just like the rest of us — we want to win. That’s the number one thing. When you do something your whole life you want to win at it and you want to work at it. You don’t want it to be easy but you want to give yourself an opportunity to win. But I don’t know what’s going through his mind.“
- Michael Lee of The Washington Post is the latest to weigh in on the possibility of Kevin Durant joining the Wizards in 2016. When Durant was asked about the possibility, he stated, “I don’t even want to think about that. I haven’t given it any thought, playing up here. I love Oklahoma City. I love coming here and visiting.” Whether or not he wants to give it any thought, it will be difficult not to if it’s a topic of conversation over the next two seasons.
- Gino Pilato of D-League Digest.com examines if Kevin Murphy is worthy of an NBA call-up. Murphy is currently with the Idaho Stampede, and is averaging 23.5 PPG, 6.0 RPG, and 1.4 APG in 32.2 minutes. Before joining the Idaho Stampede this season, Murphy played in 11 games with the Reno Bighorns on a D-League assignment from the Jazz last year, where he averaged 13.2 PPG, 3.0 RPG, and 1.6 APG. He didn’t make much of an impact during his time with the Jazz, playing in only 17 games, and averaging 0.9 PPG in 2012/2013.
- The Nuggets are at a crossroads this season. Do they tank for a better draft pick, or try to trade their way into a playoff berth? There is a third choice, writes Christopher Dempsey of The Denver Post. The team could try and follow the Pacers model of building a contender according to Dempsey. That team parlayed shrewd drafting and smart role-player signings into being a championship caliber team. The Pacers avoided pursing big-name free agents, and Dempsey believes this is the most realistic path for the Nuggets to take. The Nuggets currently sit at 22-23, and are 3 1/2 games out of the final playoff spot. A number of injuries to key players will make it difficult for the current roster to make the playoffs. Denver has two first-rounders this year, but will have to ship the lower of the two to the Magic, either their own, or the Knicks‘ pick they obtained from the Carmelo Anthony deal.
Celtics Recall Faverani From D-League
The Celtics announced today that they have recalled center Vitor Faverani from their NBA D-League affiliate, the Maine Red Claws. Faverani, a 6-11 center, has appeared in three games for the Red Claws this season and has averaged 16.3 PPG, 12.0 PPG, 3.7 APG, and 1.33 BPG , while logging 31.3 MPG.
During his recent assignment to the Red Claws, Faverani appeared in two games and recorded 16 points, 12 rebounds and three blocks against Delaware on Friday, and provided 20 points, 17 rebounds and six assists against Erie last night.
Faverani has played in 37 games this season for the Celtics, and has averaged 4.4 PPG, and 3.5 RPG, in 13.2 MPG. He’ll be in uniform for today’s game against Orlando.
Pistons Notes: Monroe, Gores
The Pistons are unlikely to trade Greg Monroe before the February 20th deadline, writes Vince Ellis of The Detroit Free Press. The idea of moving Monroe because of finances isn’t true, the team can fit him in their budget, as Andre Drummond‘s next contract is still two seasons away. The question is more to whether or not Monroe is worth signing to a big money extension. Ellis opines that teams are reluctant to give up on young, skilled big men of high character like Monroe. But, he also agrees that if a high-level player like Celtics point guard Rajon Rondo becomes available, then the Pistons would definitely have to consider making a deal. But the team trading Monroe just to add another shooter or solid rotation player that isn’t a game-changer? Highly unlikely, according to Ellis.
More from Detroit:
- Pistons owner Tom Gores is frustrated with the team’s record and performance so far, writes Vincent Goodwill of The Detroit News. “I’m not satisfied with the job I’m doing. I’m not satisfied with the job anybody’s doing, including myself,” Gores said yesterday. With the team’s record at 19-27, and considering the Pistons have given away a number of games this season with uneven fourth-quarter play, Gores said what most owners or general managers or coaches of an underperforming team would say, “The record isn’t indicative of the talent assembled on the roster“.
- Goodwill also believes that Gores shares part of the blame from when he all but demanded the Pistons make the playoffs this season, and made his desire known for the team to make a big splash in free agency. This resulted in the signing of Josh Smith, a player who didn’t necessarily fit the mold of what many expected the team should’ve been shopping for.
- Gores also stated that he is more focused on making their own players better right now, rather then making trades before the deadline, according to Goodwill’s piece. The owner hasn’t publicly demanded the Pistons make a drastic change to a roster that needs shooting in the worst way. But that could change if the Pistons’ woes continue.
- Keith Langlois of NBA.com puts a more positive spin on Gores’ outlook. He believes that the owner sees a lot of hope in the young roster. The Pistons average age among their starters is 23 years, and that allows Gores to maintain a measure of patience despite the inconsistencies that have dogged them over the season’s first 46 games.
Pacers Notes: Bynum, Bird, George
The Pacers didn’t need Andrew Bynum, and this may be the reason why the signing will work out, writes Bill Ingram of Basketball Insiders.com. After failed stints with the Sixers and the Cavaliers, the Pacers might be just what Bynum needs to get his career back on track. The team has the best record in the league without Bynum having logged a minute, so there isn’t pressure for him to come in and produce right away. There are also a number of quality veterans in the Pacers locker room who can lead by example and help Bynum adjust to his new team. Ingram also notes that Bynum should be aware that this is his last chance to prove that he can be an effective player and contribute to a winning team.
More on the Bynum signing:
- Larry Bird disputes the notion that Bynum will be a disruption on the team’s culture and locker room, writes Candace Buckner of IndyStar.com. “We’ve got protection for Roy Hibbert and Ian Mahinmi and we’ll see how it works out,” Bird said. “I think it’s a great upside for us, we don’t do anything that we don’t think is going to help us and I think this is going to help us.” Bynum has agreed to a $1MM deal for the rest of the season, and will return to Indianapolis early next week but will not be ready to play for at least several weeks. Bynum played in 24 games for the Cavs this season, averaging 8.4 PPG and 5.3 RPG. Also, Bird refuted earlier reports that the Pacers were merely interested in Bynum to keep him away from Eastern Conference rival Miami.
- Also in Buckner’s article, some of the Pacers players weighed in on the signing. Paul George said it’s a big gamble on the team’s behalf, and noted that, “He’ll have to prove a lot to himself, whether he wants to play or not. If he comes in ready to go, ready to put in the work, really buying into our program, we have no problem being there for him.” Ian Mahinmi is the player who stands to be most affected by Bynum’s minutes. He stated, “My only concern is for the team. Whatever makes us better as long as we keep winning and we keep taking steps toward the championship, I’m fine with that.” Not all the players were willing to discuss the new addition. Both David West and George Hill refused to discuss Bynum, and directed any questions towards Bird or coach Frank Vogel.
Odds & Ends: Cavs, Durant, Pistons
The Cavaliers have been all over the news the last few days, and not for anything good. There are rumors that Kyrie Irving wants to fire his agent and leave Cleveland, though he issued a denial about this. Then there are the rumors that coach Mike Brown has lost the locker room. Latest to weigh in is Jason Lloyd of The Akron Beacon Journal. Lloyd says that barring a significant turnaround before the trade deadline, the roster will likely face some major changes. That very well could include a trade of Dion Waiters, whose act has worn thin on his teammates and various members of the organization. Irving’s behavior has also irritated teammates and other members of the organization, but the Cavs are expected to offer him a max contract extension this summer and aren’t believed to be considering trading him.
Some more notes from around the league:
- It was reported earlier that John Wall would try to recruit Kevin Durant to join the Wizards when he becomes a free agent in 2016. Durant, in town to play the Wizards, weighed in on the possibility, writes Ben Standig of CSN Wahington.com. Durant was born in Washington D.C., and had this to say before the game, “I grew up here. I’ve got 100 people coming to the game tonight. That should tell you how much I care for this city.” He continued on to say, “Just growing up here, catching the subway down to the MCI Center at the time as a kid, and watching the games. I’m very fortunate, blessed to come back here and play. Every part of D.C. is embedded in my heart. Looking forward to playing tonight.” Durant didn’t say he was considering heading to the Wizards, but he also didn’t rule it out.
- Pistons owner Tom Gores said that he is concerned about his underachieving team but added that the focus is on improving the existing roster, not buying or selling before the upcoming NBA trade deadline, writes David Mayo of MLive.com. Gores’ stance is that the team should be performing better than they have with their current roster. He also stated the focus isn’t on the upcoming trade deadline, but on helping the current roster develop. Gores also denied the team was trying to trade Greg Monroe, whom our readers voted the Piston most likely to be moved before the trade deadline.
Lakers Notes: Lottery, Gasol, D’Antoni
The Lakers are in the midst of a tough season, and their long-term prospects aren’t that bright. The team currently has the sixth-worst record in the league at 16-31, and are not even close to being in the playoff hunt in the tough Western Conference. The Lakers have been down as a franchise before. There have been a couple of stretches since the early 1990’s where the team wasn’t in contention for a title. Rebuilding doesn’t happen overnight, but Ben Bolch of The Los Angeles Times has a five-point plan to fix the team:
- First, the Lakers need to finish the season with the worst possible record that they can, so they can benefit from a higher lottery pick. A big part of achieving this goal would be to convince Kobe Bryant to take it easy on his minutes when and if he returns this season. Losing more could mean the difference between the sixth pick and the third pick in the upcoming draft. Those three spots could be the gap between drafting a true franchise changing talent, or just a good rotation player.
- Bolch also says the team needs to move Pau Gasol before the trade deadline. This would allow the team to get something for him, rather than letting him leave after the season for nothing in return. The team could try to flip him to a contender for some expiring contracts and a draft pick.
- He also believes the team should cut ties with coach Mike D’Antoni. Bolch wants the team to aim high, and try to lure Phil Jackson out of retirement, or someone like George Karl, or Jeff Van Gundy, coaches who have had success in the playoffs, and are more adaptable to their personnel.
- Bolch doesn’t think the team should try to change their entire roster after the season. He believes players like Steve Blake, Jodie Meeks, and Nick Young have value. All three players can be key role-players, and the team should be able to retain them without breaking the bank. He also thinks that if Steve Nash doesn’t retire, the Lakers should use the stretch provision and waive him.
- Lastly, Bolch thinks the team should be wary of the free agent market. If they strike out on LeBron James or Carmelo Anthony, then they would be better off enduring another down season and going after Kevin Love or Kevin Durant the following year. This would be preferable to signing lesser players to bad deals that would hinder their salary cap for future moves.
Eastern Notes: Sixers, Melo, Cavs
It might be time for Sixers GM Sam Hinkie to give the Suns a call, writes Tom Moore of The Bucks County Courier Times. Moore thinks the Sixers should try and trade Evan Turner to the Suns for Emeka Okafor and a first-round draft pick. The Suns are reportedly looking to trade veteran big man Okafor (out indefinitely with a neck injury) and his expiring $14.5MM contract. Eighty percent of Okafor’s remaining salary will apparently be covered by an insurance policy. Moore believes the Suns would be willing to include one of their later first-round picks along with Okafor, if it would net them Turner. He doesn’t think the Suns would be willing to part with the Wizards top-12 protected pick, but may be willing to deal either their own (projected at 23rd), or the Pacers (projected at 29th) first-rounder.
More from the East:
- If the Knicks want to keep Carmelo Anthony past this season, they need to get another star before July, writes Al Iannazzone of Long Island Newsday. Getting another star by this year’s trade deadline would be preferable, but the Knicks lack of assets might make that difficult. If they are unable to swing a deal for a another star now, then Iannazzone believes they should make some trades for assets to use this summer. Making a deal after the season to acquire another star would make it easier to convince Anthony to re-sign with the team. If not, they will have to try and convince Anthony to hang on until 2015, when they will have plenty of cap space, and Rajon Rondo and Kevin Love will be free agents.
- There have been reports of major issues with the Cavaliers lack of discipline, and Mike Brown potentially losing the locker room. Both Brown, and Kyrie Irving have denied that there are major issues within the organization. Irving also denied the earlier report that he was close to firing his agent. Jodie Valade of The Cleveland Plain Dealer believes things are as bad as the rumors suggest. Valade says it’s not so much that there are issues, but rather the lack of accountability and ownership of them by the players that is the true problem.