Pacific Notes: Lakers, Russell, Warriors
Executives around the league believe that the Lakers selecting D’Angelo Russell with the No. 2 overall pick is a legitimate possibility, Scott Howard-Cooper of NBA.com writes. Howard-Cooper believes the scenario is more plausible if Minnesota selects Karl-Anthony Towns with the No. 1 pick. Bypassing Jahlil Okafor may be an easier choice for the team because of the overlapping skills that he shares with last season’s first round pick Julius Randle. They are both talented on the offensive end, but getting better on defense is expected to be a project for both players.
There’s more from the Pacific Division:
- “Continuity” played into Golden State’s decision last summer not to pursue a Klay Thompson-for-Kevin Love trade, tweets Sean Deveney of The Sporting News. “If you want to be good,” said coach Steve Kerr, “you have to have continuity.” Thompson had a different reaction to the rumors about being dealt for a player he grew up with in Oregon. “I thought it was pretty cool, actually,” he told Rusty Simmons of The San Francisco Chronicle (Twitter link).
- Part of the reason for the Warriors‘ success is that a pair of former All-Stars have embraced reserve roles, writes Ryan Wolstat of The Toronto Sun. Andre Iguodala and David Lee were established starters when they came to Golden State, but both now come off the bench without complaining. “Selflessness, that’s been the tone of this team, but that’s something that [Iguodala] started off with his decision,” said fellow reserve Festus Ezeli. “To be able to accept his role and then we all accept our role and that’s how a team works.” Iguodala is signed through the 2016/17 season. Lee will be an unrestricted free agent in 2016.
Chris Crouse contributed to this post.
Draft Notes: Looney, Payne, Workouts
UCLA Product Kevon Looney told Zach Links of Hoops Rumors (Twitter link) that his agents hear that he could be drafted anywhere from No. 7 to No. 20 in the draft. The forward is represented by both Aaron Goodwin of Goodwin Sports Management and Todd Ramasar of Stealth Sports, as our Agency Database shows. Looney also tells Links (Twitter link) that he has scheduled workouts with the Hawks, Heat, Bucks, Raptors, Hornets, Celtics and Knicks.
Here are some notes from Gery Woelfel of the Journal Times on the upcoming draft:
- Woelfel is hearing that Looney won’t be taken until late in the first round due to concerns about his asthma. Scouts that have monitored his career since he was in high school believe it has adversely affected his play. Woelfel notes that other scouts are not overly concerned because there were several NBA players with asthma who’ve had productive careers with the proper medication.
- In a poll of four longtime NBA scouts, Looney was ranked as the 10th best prospect in the draft.
- Cameron Payne was expected to work out for the Bucks, but his agent informed the team that the point guard won’t be coming to Milwaukee because he believes Payne will be drafted before that.
- Payne is still expected to work out for the Kings, who own the No. 6 selection. Payne has previously worked out for the Pacers and the Thunder.
Northwest Notes: Brooks, Cook, Jazz, Blazers
Kendrick Perkins didn’t see the firing of his former coach Scott Brooks coming, Anthony Slater of the Oklahoman writes.
“I was surprised. I was surprised. You can have all the talent you want. But one thing about Scotty is he won games,” Perkins said. “A lot of people talk about the offense, but he allowed KD and Russ to play their games. He let them play with a lot of freedom. But sometimes, I guess, you just gotta roll with a new voice. I wish them nothing but the best.”
Here are some notes from the Northwest Division:
- The Jazz will bring in Quinn Cook for a workout, according to the team’s Twitter feed. Cook believes he is better prepared for the NBA than some of the other guys in this year’s draft class thanks to spending time under coach Mike Krzyzewski, as he tells Zach Links of Hoops Rumors.
- Utah will also work out Terran Petteway, Montrezl Harrell, Kenny Chery, Darrun Hilliard and Maurice Walker, according to the the team’s Twitter feed. The Jazz own the No. 12, No. 42 and No. 54 selections in the draft, as our Draft Order page shows.
- The Blazers will work out Delon Wright, J.P. Tokoto, Jordan Mickey, Norman Powell, Vince Hunter and Keifer Sykes, according to Joe Freeman of the Oregonian (Twitter link).
Atlantic Notes: Sixers, Williams, Nash, Payne
Five second-round picks will give Sixers GM Sam Hinkie a lot of flexibility on draft night, writes Tom Moore of Calkins Media. In addition to the third pick overall, Philadelphia owns picks number 35, 37, 47, 58 and 60. Hinkie also had five second-rounders entering last year’s draft and came out of it with K.J. McDaniels, Jerami Grant, Serbian point guard Vasilije Micic, Jordan McRae, the rights to guard Pierre Jackson and cash considerations. Moore expects the Sixers to be dealing on draft night, possibly trading two of the second-round choices for a late first-rounder. Or they could deal some of them for future picks and a chance to control the second round again next year.
There’s more news from the Atlantic Division:
- Reports that the Raptors were trying to lure former Pelicans coach Monty Williams to their staff as an assistant were incorrect, tweets Ryan Wolstat of The Toronto Sun. He adds that Williams just called the team to recommend another coach, and although nobody is saying who it was, Wolstat notes that former Williams assistant Bryan Gates has a long player development background and coaching success in the D-League (Twitter link). Wolstat also reports that the Celtics refused to allow lead assistant Darren Erman to go to a division rival (Twitter link).
- Celtics guard Marcus Smart is helping former Oklahoma State teammate Le’Bryan Nash prepare for the draft, according to Mark Murphy of The Boston Herald. Nash worked out for Boston earlier this week, and Smart paid a visit to his hotel the night before to help Nash prepare. “I just try to take advice from him, asking him so many questions — how are practices, how are road games — so many questions I think he got tired of me asking him so many questions,” Nash said.
- Murray State point guard Cameron Payne has a scheduled workout with the Knicks, tweets Marc J. Spears of Yahoo Sports. He will also work out for the Lakers.
Warriors, Barnes Share Interest In Extension
Extending Harrison Barnes‘ contract should be high among the Warriors’ offseason priorities, writes Marcus Thompson of The Bay Area News Group. Citing multiple sources, Thompson reports that Barnes will be seeking an extension this summer and the Warriors would like to give him one. He will be eligible for an extension from July 1st to October 31st.
The only question is money, as a new deal is likely to net Barnes $10MM to $12MM annually, Thompson estimates. The columnist contends that Golden State can afford those terms because the extension wouldn’t take effect until 2016/17, when David Lee‘s $15MM salary will no longer be on the books. If the salary cap for 2016/17 is about $90MM and the luxury tax kicks in at around $108MM, as Commissioner Adam Silver estimated Thursday, the Warriors could have their core of Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, Draymond Green, Andrew Bogut, Andre Iguodala and Shaun Livingston signed for about $72MM total. That leaves plenty of room for Barnes and four projected draft picks over the next two years.
If the Warriors don’t extend Barnes, Thompson notes, he will become a restricted free agent next summer and Golden State will have to worry about matching a large offer from elsewhere. He mentions the Hornets, Grizzlies and Clippers as teams that would have different reasons for pursuing Barnes, while the Blazers, Pelicans, Heat and Bulls are all playoff contenders with a need for a player of his type.
Pacific Notes: Mudiay, Lakers, Hollis-Jefferson
Emmanuel Mudiay, who worked out for the Lakers today, told Broderick Turner of The Los Angeles Times that he identifies with Kobe Bryant‘s passion for the game. “Kobe, I admire his determination,” Mudiay said. “That’s what made me a fan of his. He’s got a dog in him and that’s kind of how I approach the game. You got to be a dog.” Mudiay, widely considered to be a top four pick in this year’s draft, is also reportedly working out for the Timberwolves, Sixers and Knicks. He reneged on a commitment to play college ball at SMU and spent the past season with the Guangdong Southern Tigers in China, making him somewhat of a mystery to American fans. The Lakers got an up-close look at his talents, with coach Byron Scott and GM Mitch Kupchak monitoring the workout.
There’s more draft news from the Pacific Division:
- Mudiay wasn’t the only player working out for the Lakers today, tweets Chad Ford of ESPN.com. Also present were Kentucky’s Willie Cauley-Stein, Devin Booker and Dakari Johnson, while Ohio State’s D’Angelo Russell will work out for the team soon. Of the group, only Russell is expected to be in the mix for the number two overall pick that the Lakers own.
- Arizona’s Rondae Hollis-Jefferson was comfortable and confident after Friday’s workout with the Suns, according to Matt Peterson of NBA.com. After averaging 11.2 points and 6.8 rebounds as a sophomore with the Wildcats, Hollis-Jefferson is hoping to attract the attention of a lottery team. The Suns hold the 13th overall pick. “[It doesn’t matter] if you’re the underdog or if you’re being talked about or mentioned more,” he told reporters. “You should be ready no matter what.”
- The Suns held several other workouts Friday, according to Paul Coro of The Arizona Republic (Twitter links). The group included Louisville’s Montrezl Harrell, Georgia State’s R.J. Hunter, UNLV’s Rashad Vaughn and Christian Wood, Utah’s Delon Wright, California-Santa Barbara’s Alan Williams, Arizona’s T.J. McConnell, Wyoming’s Larry Nance Jr., Temple’s Will Cummings, Bosnian player Nedim Buza and D-League player Jarvis Threatt.
Southeast Notes: Pierce, Gooden, Harkless
The chance to continue mentoring John Wall and Bradley Beal may be enough to keep Paul Pierce in Washington, writes Dan Steinberg of The Washington Post. Pierce spoke highly about the young guards during a radio interview this week, fueling speculation that he may be willing to rejoin the Wizards for another season. Pierce had avoided public comment since the team’s season ended with a playoff loss to Atlanta, while rumors swirled that he was considering retirement or signing with the Clippers. Pierce has a player option for the 2015/16 season worth more than $5.5MM.
There’s more from the Southeast Division:
- Changing teams is a familiar experience for the Wizards‘ Drew Gooden, but the veteran forward would like to stay in Washington, according to Jorge Castillo of The Washington Post. Gooden, who has been with 10 teams during his NBA career, emerged as a valuable stretch four for the Wizards late in the season and during the playoffs. “I would love for it to be here but if it is not, this is a business and I can swallow that pill too,” Gooden said of his future. “So we will see what happens.” He made more than $1.4MM this season.
- Maurice Harkless thinks new Magic coach Scott Skiles can help him reach his goal of making the All-Defensive Team, writes Alex Kennedy of Basketball Insiders. “With Scott Skiles coming in and his emphasis on defense, I definitely think he can teach me a lot and help develop me to be that guy,” Harkless said. “It’s definitely something I’m willing and able to do. I’m looking forward to working with him and learning from him.” Harkless started 59 games as a rookie, but his playing time decreased in each of the past two seasons. He can become a restricted free agent in the summer of 2016.
- Skiles will need patience as he inherits a team with one of the youngest starting lineups in the NBA, according to Ken Hornack of Fox Sports Florida. The lone veteran starter, Channing Frye, was replaced late in the season by 19-year-old Aaron Gordon. “It’s exciting when you have an opportunity to work with young players because you can truly help them,” Skiles said. “And any teacher or coach, that’s when you feel the best about your profession, when you go home feeling like you’ve helped somebody.”
Central Notes: Middleton, Pistons, Cavaliers
The Bucks‘ Khris Middleton can expect a huge jump in salary when he hits restricted free agency next month, according to Gene Sapakoff of The Post and Courier. The versatile 24-year-old, who made $915K last season, could command an annual salary in the range of $13M to $15M, Sapakoff writes. After seeing limited playing time as a rookie in 2012/13, Middleton blossomed into a valuable player the past two seasons, ranking among the top 10 this year in ESPN’s Real Plus-Minus ratings. “I didn’t play too many games my first year,” Middleton said. “I was a little nervous. Well, I wouldn’t say nervous but I just wasn’t comfortable I guess. Now I feel like I know what I’m doing out there and I know my style and the game comes to be a lot easier.” Milwaukee is hoping to keep Middleton as part of a young foundation that includes Giannis Antetokounmpo, Michael Carter-Williams and Jabari Parker.
There’s more news from the Central Division:
- The Pistons aren’t counting on signing Golden State’s Draymond Green in free agency this summer, tweets Vincent Ellis of The Detroit Free Press. Although Detroit would love to add Green to its roster, the front office believes the Warriors will match any offer the restricted free agent receives.
- Tristan Thompson has eased the Cavaliers’ pain after losing Kevin Love to injury in the first round of the playoffs, according to Carl Steward of the San Jose Mercury News. Love, who can opt out of his contract and become a free agent July 1, tore his shoulder while chasing a loose ball in an April 26 game against Boston. Thompson stepped into the starting lineup and has averaged a double-double in his place. “It’s my job to be a little nasty, bring the energy, protect the paint and protect our guys,” he said. Thompson will be a restricted free agent this summer.
- The Cavaliers’ Kyrie Irving had successful surgery this morning on his fractured left kneecap, the team announced. He is not expected to resume basketball activity for three to four months.
2015/16 Roster Counts: Chicago Bulls
During the offseason it’s OK for teams to carry as many as 20 players, but clubs must trim their rosters down to a maximum of 15 by opening night. In the meantime, some teams will hang around that 15-man line, while others will max out their roster counts. Some clubs may actually have more than 15 contracts that are at least partially guaranteed on the books. That means they’ll end up paying players who won’t be on the regular season roster, unless they can find trade partners.
With plenty more movement still to come, here’s the latest look at the Bulls’ roster size, the contract guarantee status of each player, and how each player came to be on Chicago’s roster.
(Last Updated 2-18-16, 4:00pm)
Fully Guaranteed (15)
- Cameron Bairstow (F) — 6’9″/24 years old. Drafted with No. 49 overall pick in 2014.
- Aaron Brooks (G) — 6’0″/30 years old. Free agent signing.
- Jimmy Butler (G/F) — 6’7″/25 years old. Drafted with No. 30 overall pick in 2011.
- Mike Dunleavy (F) — 6’9″/34 years old. Free agent signing.
- Cristiano Felicio (F/C) — 6’9″/23 years old. Free agent signing.
- Pau Gasol (F) — 7’0″/34 years old. Free agent signing.
- Taj Gibson (F) — 6’9″/29 years old. Drafted with No. 26 overall pick in 2009.
- Justin Holiday (G) — 6’6″/26 years old. Acquired via trade from Hawks.
- Doug McDermott (F) — 6’8″/23 years old. Draft rights acquired from Nuggets.
- E’Twaun Moore (G) — 6’4″/26 years old. Free agent signing.
- Nikola Mirotic (F) — 6’10″/24 years old. Draft rights acquired from Timberwolves.
- Joakim Noah (C) — 6’11″/30 years old. Drafted with No. 9 overall pick in 2007.
- Bobby Portis (F) — 6’11/20 years old. Drafted with No. 22 overall pick in 2015.
- Derrick Rose (G) — 6’3″/26 years old. Drafted with No. 1 overall pick in 2008.
- Tony Snell (F) — 6’7″/23 years old. Drafted with No. 20 overall pick in 2013.
10-Day Contracts (0)
- None
TOTAL ROSTER COUNT (15)
Draft Histories Of Current NBA Executives
The 2015 NBA Draft is less than three weeks away, and for all of the teams that aren’t still participating in the NBA playoffs, the focus is on using that event to build toward a better future. With NBA Draft lottery complete, the speculation is underway as to which player each franchise will pin its hopes on for the future. Of course, having one of the top selections in any draft doesn’t guarantee that a team will snag a future All-Star. Team executives and scouts still have the difficult task of making the correct call with their picks.
With this in mind we at Hoops Rumors have been taking a look back at the draft history of the primary basketball executive for each NBA team. Their names, reputations, and possibly employment will be on the line as a result of the decisions to come on June 25th, and we’ll be examining what they’ve done in previous years in charge of a club’s front office. Note that many of them have played other sorts of roles within a team’s executive structure, but this won’t take that into account.
Here’s the list of executives I’ve examined thus far:
- Danny Ainge (Celtics President of Basketball Operations)
- Rich Cho (Hornets GM)
- Tim Connelly (Nuggets GM)
- Dell Demps (Pelicans GM)
- Rob Hennigan (Magic GM)
- Sam Hinkie (Sixers President of Basketball Operations)
- Billy King (Nets GM)
- Dennis Lindsey (Jazz GM)
- Ryan McDonough (Suns GM)
- Bob Myers (Warriors GM)
- Donnie Nelson (Mavericks President of Basketball Operations)
- Neil Olshey (Trail Blazers President of Basketball Operations)
- Flip Saunders (Timberwolves President of Basketball Operations)
- Masai Ujiri (Raptors GM)
- Chris Wallace (Grizzlies GM)