Western Notes: Allen, Grizzlies, McDaniels, Shaw
The Mavericks, who currently hold the sixth seed in a tight Western Conference, must improve their level of play and toughness in order to make the playoffs, opines Eddie Sefko of the Dallas Morning News. After losing two straight, the Mavericks will face the Pelicans on Monday in a game Sefko called “urgent,” given the level of competition the Mavericks play against afterward. The Mavericks play winning teams in 10 of their next 12 games.
Here’s more from the Western Conference:
- Ray Allen will not be joining the Grizzlies, according to Ronald Tillery of the Commercial Appeal (via Twitter). Late last month, Tillery reported that Memphis was still maintaining interest in the veteran guard. Of course, at this stage, it’s not clear if Allen will sign with anyone at all. If he does come back, he apparently won’t be suiting up for the Cavs, either.
- K.J. McDaniels bet on himself last summer by turning down a four-year contract from Sixers GM Sam Hinkie and instead signing for a single season, as Michael Kaskey-Blomain of Philly.com writes. Over the first portion of the season in Philly, the Clemson product was getting tons of playing time and exposure. Now with the Rockets, he’s not seeing nearly as much playing time and isn’t getting a chance to really showcase himself.
- It sounds like the Nuggets players are still restless under head coach Brian Shaw. In the fourth-quarter late into Denver’s 104-82 loss to the Jazz, the team broke a huddle with the phrase, “1-2-3…six weeks!,” according to Christopher Dempsey of The Denver Post. Of course, there are roughly six weeks to go in the regular season.
Will Joseph contributed to this post.
Central Notes: Monroe, Pistons, Rose
After getting kicked below the belt by James Harden, LeBron James is predictably none too pleased with the Rockets guard. “Obviously that’s not a basketball play,” the Cavs star said, according to Joe Vardon of The Plain Dealer. “Obviously the league will probably take a look at it. I have no idea why he would do that, but you know, just two competitors trying to go at it and he won this one.” Ultimately, it was the Rockets that won the game, 105-103 in overtime. Here’s more from the Central Division..
- When asked if client Greg Monroe will consider the Pistons in free agency, agent David Falk responded, “absolutely, absolutely,” David Mayo of MLive.com writes. Meanwhile, he says that he hasn’t talked free agency with Monroe and only knows that finding the best fit will be the highest consideration. “Only the media discuss this kind of stuff during the season,” he said. “I don’t ever sit down game to game and take his temperature. It’s like the playoffs — the only thing that matters is where is his head at on July 1? We’ve got a long ways to go before we get there. It’s all speculation and he can change his mind 20 times between now and then. So I leave him alone. There’ll be a time for discussion and that time is not now.”
- Pistons coach/exec Stan Van Gundy believes in stats and wants to beef up the team’s analytics staff, Keith Langlois of Pistons.com writes. The Pistons were represented by four front-office members at the weekend’s Sloan Sports Analytics Conference and SVG was a guest in previous years when he was between coaching jobs.
- Just one day after having a meniscectomy to repair a torn medial meniscus in his right knee, Derrick Rose was back at the Bulls‘ training facility on Saturday beginning his rehab process, Nick Friedell of ESPNChicago.com writes. Rose is expected back on the floor within four-to-six weeks.
Atlantic Notes: Celtics, Robinson, Jackson
Isaiah Thomas has opened eyes with his three point shooting, but there is another aspect of his game that has impressed the Celtics, according to Steve Bulpett of The Boston Herald. The newly acquired guard, who came to Boston from Phoenix in a deadline-day deal, has eight three-pointers in his first three games as a Celtic. Coach Brad Stevens said his ability to space the floor is just as valuable. “We started the season playing very skilled at the 4 and the 5,” Stevens said, “but I think the ability to get in the paint, again, off of his (Thomas’) creation — but then the next guy getting into the paint because of it — is probably the key.” More from the Atlantic Division..
- The 76ers grabbed Thomas Robinson off waivers to spite the Nets, according to Gary Washburn of the Boston Globe. They needed another contract on the books since they’re at the salary floor and wanted to take a closer look at the forward, but GM Sam Hinkie also knew that they playoff-hopeful Nets were interested in his services. Hinkie was at odds with Nets GM Billy King over the handling of Andrei Kirilenko, who was traded from Brooklyn to Philly with the belief that he would be bought out. Instead, the 76ers demanded that he report to the club and then eventually waived him.
- One year later, there are still questions about whether Phil Jackson can build the Knicks into a contender, Mike Lupica of the New York Daily News writes. Jason Kidd‘s young and athletic Bucks, less than a year into Kidd’s time in Milwaukee, are closer to being a real contender for the title than the Knicks are, or might be anytime soon. Knicks fans clamored for the Zen Master in 2014, but it’s now unclear if he’s the answer for them or whether Derek Fisher has what it takes to be a successful coach.
- In a video interview, new Celtics forward Jonas Jerebko tells A. Sherrod Blakely of CSNNE.com that he is enjoying his “fresh start” in Boston. He has averaged 12 points and 5.3 rebounds in three games since being traded from the Pistons. “I appreciate Detroit and all they did for me, but it was time for me to move on,” Jerebko said. “I feel great in this new situation. It’s a great organization and I’m honored to play for the Boston Celtics.”
Arthur Hill contributed to this post.
JaVale McGee, Sixers Discuss Buyout
6:29pm: McGee threw the idea of a buyout into question as he spoke before this evening’s game, saying he preferred to remain with Philadelphia, as Pompey relays in a full story. “I hope it’s false,” McGee said of Stein’s report. “But you never know, though. You hear stories all the time. I didn’t hear anything about coming to Philly. So you never know.” In any case, a buyout is unlikely, a source tells Stein, who hears that while McGee’s reps continue to talk with the team, a buyout is contingent upon the center’s camp identifying a suitor for him if he were to hit free agency (Twitter links). However, the B.J. Armstrong client cast doubt on the idea that anyone is gauging interest from other teams for him.
“Not on my part, it’s not true,” McGee said, according to Pompey. “They might be talking to somebody. But the people I talked to, I haven’t [heard anything]. And I know nothing about it.”
12:23pm: The Sixers and center JaVale McGee are having buyout discussions with an important deadline looming at midnight, tweets Marc Stein of ESPN. Players must hit waivers by midnight today to be eligible for this year’s playoffs with their new teams.
McGee was acquired last month in a deadline-day deal from the Nuggets along with the Thunder’s 2015 first-round pick and the rights to Nigerian forward Chu Chu Maduabum in exchange for the rights to Cenk Akyol.
Sixers coach Brett Brown defended McGee’s performance in Philadelphia, according to a series of tweets by Keith Pompey of The Inquirer. “He’s kind of maligned in some ways to me where, you know, people view him in a certain way. He’s been a great teammate,” Brown said (Twitter link). “It’s not like I’m starting him. It’s not like I’m giving him 25 minutes. (Twitter link). I can’t ask for any more in regards to how he’s fit in, and how he’s just been extremely receptive and coachable.” (Twitter link).
Hoops Links: 76ers, Jennings, Westbrook
On this date in 1978, John Drew of Atlanta committed 14 turnovers in a game against the Nets in New Jersey, an NBA record. Years later, Suns guard Jason Kidd tied the record by committing 14 turnovers against the Knicks on November 17th, 2000.
Got a great basketball blog post that you want to see featured on Hoops Rumors? Send it to Zach at HoopsLinks@gmail.com. Here’s this week’s look around the basketball blogosphere…
- Posterized Basketball looked at the polarizing 76ers.
- Know Hitter reflects on the Bucks’ savvy trade of Brandon Jennings.
- Slam Dunk Zone talks Russell Westbrook and consecutive triple-doubles.
- New York Sports Guys wonders if OKC is in Tom Thibodeau’s future.
- Green Street says the playoffs are a real possibility for the Celtics.
- Pounding The Rock says the Spurs have nothing left to prove.
Please send submissions for Hoops Links to Zach at HoopsLinks@gmail.com.
Hoops Rumors Originals
Here’s a look at the original analysis generated by the Hoops Rumors staff in the last week..
- The Pistons pulled the rare trifecta of lowering their payroll for this season and clearing $3MM from their books for next season while adding a player who’s more well-regarded than any they gave up, Chuck Myron writes.
- In his financial rundown of the Atlantic Division, Chuck looked at the Isaiah Thomas deal, Kevin Garnett‘s departure from Brooklyn, and more.
- Will the Heat make the playoffs? About 55% of you voted yes in Chris Crouse’s poll.
- Eddie Scarito fielded your questions in this week’s mailbag.
- Chuck looked at the financial impact of the deals in the Southeast Division, including the Goran Dragic trade.
- Chuck also looked at the Pacific Division, including the ultra-busy Suns.
- In the Southwest Division, Chuck looked at the financial impact of the moves made by the Rockets and Pelicans.
- We rounded up the best of your comments in this week’s edition of Hoops Rumors Featured Feedback.
- If you missed out on this week’s chat, check out the transcript.
- Play nice, everyone. Here’s a refresher on our commenting policy.
Week In Review: 2/23/15 – 3/1/15
Our look back at the week that was..
- Derrick Rose has a torn meniscus in his right knee for the second season in a row and will require surgery. The good news is that he’s expected to return in four to six weeks.
- Larry Sanders isn’t sure that he’ll ever return to the NBA.
- The Sixers claimed Thomas Robinson off waivers from the Nuggets, spoiling Brooklyn’s deal to sign him. To make room, Tim Frazier was released from his 10-day deal.
- The Pistons claimed Shawne Williams off waivers.
- Three-time All-Star and 14-year NBA veteran Richard Hamilton announced his retirement.
- The Cavs officially signed Kendrick Perkins.
- Mike Miller plans on picking up his $2.8MM player option for next season.
- Brandon Knight acknowledged that remaining with the Suns beyond this season is an attractive option for him.
- It’s unclear if Ray Allen will return this season, but if he does, it won’t be for the Cavs.
- A person familiar with coach George Karl’s thinking says the Kings wouldn’t rule out trading DeMarcus Cousins or anyone else on their roster at the trade deadline.
- More bidders have emerged for the Hawks.
- The Bulls have engaged in exploratory talks for Nate Robinson.
- Lakers coach Byron Scott announced that Ronnie Price will miss the rest of the season after surgery to repair a bone spur in his right elbow, though he could conceivably be back before the finale.
- The Celtics reportedly promised Tayshaun Prince that they would buy him out but reneged when they traded him to the Pistons.
- The Thunder let the Nets know they wouldn’t do the proposed Jackson/Brook Lopez trade just 15 minutes before the deadline.
- The Bulls reached out to the representatives for Mike James and Jannero Pargo, but they won’t fill their open roster spot now that Rose is slated to return in four to six weeks.
- There’s little optimism that Darren Collison will play again this season.
- The Sixers supposedly didn’t want a buyout with JaVale McGee, and he didn’t want one either. However, the two sides are now having discussions about a potential buyout.
- The Jazz and draft-and-stash prospect Tibor Pleiss were working on a deal that would bring the 7’2″ center to Utah, but it appears that they won’t get anything done this season.
- The Clippers signed Jordan Hamilton to a 10-day pact.
- The Heat signed Michael Beasley to a 10-day contract.
- Isaiah Thomas insists he didn’t verbally push the Suns to deal him to the Celtics last week.
- The Jazz signed Jack Cooley to a 10-day deal.
- The Jazz signed Bryce Cotton to a 10-day deal.
- Former Trail Blazers forward Victor Claver will sign with Russia’s Khimki Moscow.
- Former Mavs and Pelicans point guard Gal Mekel has signed with Russia’s Nizhny Novgorod.
- Small forward Darius Miller has signed with Brose Baskets Bamberg.
- The Grizzlies and JaMychal Green agreed to a three-year pact.
Southwest Notes: Morey, Stoudemire, Spurs
Rockets GM Daryl Morey would like to see some changes to the NBA’s trade rules, reports Dan Feldman of Pro Basketball Talk. Morey said teams should be able to link options with incentives and have traded picks adjusted based on the performance of the players who were received in return. “I think that could allow teams to not ever have fear,” Morey said. “Like if that Harden trade had, oh, if he becomes an All-Star, you have to send yet another future first-round pick. Or if he fails, we get back a pick. I think that would grease a lot of deals.”
There’s more news from the Southwest Division:
- Amar’e Stoudemire said he has no regrets about how things worked out in New York, writes Tim Bontemps of The New York Post. Stoudemire joined the Mavericks last month after agreeing to a buyout with the Knicks. He had been expected to become the cornerstone of the New York franchise when he signed a five-year, $100MM contract nearly five years ago. “I can’t control how my body reacts to certain things,” he said, referring to recurring knee problems. “But, other than that, I have no regrets.”
- Coach Gregg Popovich didn’t sound impressed after the Spurs won the top award at this year’s Sloan Sports Analytics Conference, according to Jeff McDonald of The Express-News. San Antonio was recognized as “Analytics Organization of the Year” at the annual gathering at MIT in Boston. Informed of the news before Saturday’s game in Phoenix, Popovich responded, “I had no idea there was such a conference or such an award.”
- “March Madness” isn’t just for the collegians, writes Jimmy Smith of The Times-Picayune, who says the Pelicans are heading into a crucial stretch for their postseason hopes. Still, coach Monty Williams doesn’t want scoreboard watching to dominate the locker room. “It’s not that I don’t recognize the big picture, I just don’t talk about it a lot,” Williams said. “… I think it allows us to focus on what’s important right now and I think everything else will take care of itself.”
Northwest Notes: Garnett, Neal, Nuggets, Burks
Kevin Garnett has a future with the Timberwolves as a player if he wants it, but owner Glen Taylor said he can’t talk about the idea that Garnett will one day own the team, writes Sid Hartman of The Star Tribune. Taylor stressed that the team is not for sale, although there is speculation that he and other owners are waiting to see what price the Hawks fetch before going forward with sale plans. The Wolves were valued at $625MM in a recent list by Forbes Magazine. Taylor said he hopes Garnett’s playing career doesn’t end this season. “I feel like if he feels healthy and strong and wants to, I would like to have him come back next year and play with this team,” the owner said. “I just think he would be a great asset.”
There’s more from the Northwest Division:
- The arrival of March 1 means no playoffs for Gary Neal, tweets Darren Wolfson of 1500 ESPN Twin Cities. Timberwolves president of basketball operations Flip Saunders has rejected all buyout attempts by Neal’s representatives, Wolfson reports. Players must be waived by today in order to sign with another team and be eligible for this year’s playoffs. Neal was traded from the Hornets to the Wolves last month in exchange for Mo Williams and Troy Daniels.
- Keeping the Nuggets focused through the remainder of a lost season is the biggest challenge facing coach Brian Shaw, according to Christopher Dempsey of The Denver Post. Shaw was searching for answers after Friday’s 22-point loss to the Jazz. “I’m frustrated in myself because I feel that I need to figure out a way to do a better job at trying to get that out of us, get that hustle and those kinds of plays and to play with more of a sense of urgency, play with more tenacity,” he said.
- Alec Burks can’t play or practice with the Jazz, but that hasn’t prevented him from staying part of the team, reports Jody Genessy of The Deseret News. Burks, sidelined with a shoulder injury, accompanied the Jazz on a recent trip to Denver and is helping the team prepare for games. “It’s really good that he’s here, that he’s with us,” coach Quin Snyder said. “He wants to be with us. He’s in the film sessions.”
Southeast Notes: Wizards, Stephenson, Harkless
Despite having a roster spot open, the Wizards aren’t anticipating a move, according to J. Michael of CSNWashington.com. Washington hasn’t filled the opening it created by waiving Glen Rice two months ago, and the Wizards don’t seem intrigued by any of the available options. Today is the last day players can hit waivers and still be eligible for the playoffs with another team, although that deadline applies only to players who have appeared in the NBA this season. “Nobody is going to be added to the team. That’s the reality of it,” coach Randy Wittman said earlier this week.
There’s more from the Southeast Division:
- Despite a post-All Star Game slump, the Wizards aren’t considering a coaching change, Michael writes in a separate story. Before Saturday’s win over the Pistons, Washington had dropped 11 of 13 games, causing some to question Wittman’s future with the team. Michael reports that Wittman still has the support of star player John Wall and there are no indications that he has “lost the locker room.”
- Hornets coach Steve Clifford blames unreasonable expectations for Lance Stephenson‘s early struggles in Charlotte, according to Rick Bonnell of The Charlotte Observer. “A lot of this is totally off base among basketball people,” Clifford said of the hype that accompanied Stephenson. “He’s 23 years old. He’d played for one coach in one offense.” Many thought Stephenson would be the missing piece for the Hornets after signing as a free agent during the summer. Instead he has struggled to find his shot, connecting on just 36.6 percent from the field this season and 15.1 percent from 3-point range.
- St. John’s basketball coach Steve Lavin said an extra year in college would have helped the Magic’s Maurice Harkless improve his draft status, tweets Josh Newman of Asbury Park Press. Lavin said NBA general managers told him that Harkless could have been a top three choice in the 2013 draft. Instead, he left St. John’s in 2012 and was selected 15th.