And-Ones: Jackson, D-League, Draft
Pistons point guard Reggie Jackson has developed leadership qualities both on and off the court this season and has responded well to the pressures of living up to the five-year, $80MM deal he signed in July, Rod Beard of the Detroit News details. With Jackson growing from a maturity standpoint as well as playing at a high level on a consistent basis, it can be argued that Jackson is very much worth the money for the Pistons, Beard surmises.
“We said at the time — and people were criticizing us — that we thought down the road that deal would look like a bargain,” Pistons coach/executive Stan Van Gundy said. “When you look at [Jackson], his numbers say he’s in the top seven or eight point guards in the league and you’d have to say that’s true.”
Here’s more news from around the basketball world:
- The Clippers assigned rookie Branden Dawson to the D-League, as the team announced in an emailed press release and as Dan Woike of the Orange County Register relays (on Twitter). Dawson will join the Grand Rapids Drive, the Pistons’ affiliate, pursuant to the flexible assignment rule. The Clippers don’t have their own affiliate.
- The Hawks recalled Tim Hardaway Jr. from the D-League, Atlanta announced in an emailed press release. Hardaway returns after his second stint in the D-League this season.
- The Mavs announced that they recalled rookie center Salah Mejri from their D-League affiliate. Mejri has appeared in five games for Dallas.
- LSU’s Ben Simmons still projects as the top pick in this year’s draft, but Duke’s Brandon Ingram reminds Chris Mannix of SI.com of a less developed version of Kevin Durant (Twitter link).
Hoops Links: Thunder, Bucks, Nets
Every Sunday, we link to some of the very best work from around the basketball blogosphere. Do you have a link to a great basketball blog post – either your own or someone else’s – that you want to see featured on Hoops Rumors? Then you should send it to us at HoopsLinks@gmail.com. Here’s this week’s rundown…
- The Sports Quotient runs down players who are outperforming their contracts.
- Denver Stiffs reviews the Nuggets’ 2015.
- Posting and Toasting breaks down Arron Afflalo.
- Canis Hoopus looks into the Wolves’ lack of 3-pointers in their offense.
- Nothin’ But Nets writes Thaddeus Young is the Nets’ X-factor.
- Thunderous Intentions examines Serge Ibaka‘s season.
- Behind the Buck Pass lists the 50 greatest Bucks of all time.
Please send submissions for Hoops Links to Zach at HoopsLinks@gmail.com.
Western Notes: Aldridge, Wolves, Kings
LaMarcus Aldridge averaged more than 20 points per game in each of his final five seasons with the Blazers, yet even though he is scoring only 15.8 points per game for the Spurs, San Antonio is delighted with how the offseason acquisition has started to gel with his new team, Jeff McDonald of the San Antonio Express-News writes.
“It’s difficult to do in your first year,” Spurs coach Gregg Popovich said, per McDonald. “A lot of guys take a whole year to get used to us. He’s been remarkable in catching on this quickly.”
Here’s more from around the Western Conference:
- While Wolves owner Glen Taylor has said interim coach Sam Mitchell has this season to prove himself, Mitchell doesn’t concern himself with the job’s labeling or his future beyond 2015/16, Jerry Zgoda of the Star Tribune relays. “My job is to coach the team and do what I think is right to do,” Mitchell said. “I don’t worry about whether I’m going to be here or not. My job is to teach these players to the best of my ability so that whoever is coaching this team, whether it’s me or anybody else, at least these guys have any idea how to play.”
- DeMarcus Cousins‘ interaction with George Karl still remains as an interesting topic because of their rocky relationship over the summer, so it was not surprising that Cousins was asked about his high-five to the Kings coach following Karl being called for a technical foul Saturday, Jason Jones of the Sacramento Bee writes. “I’ve told y’all before, honestly, it’s not about that,” Cousins said. “As long as we’re on the same page and have the same goal on a nightly basis, that’s all that matters. It doesn’t matter if we’re friends or whatever the case may be. It’s about winning games; that’s all that matters.”
- In a chat with readers, Eddie Sefko of the Dallas Morning News writes that he believes the Mavs will make a trade before the deadline, though he does not necessarily think it will be a significant one.
Eastern Notes: Cunningham, Celtics, Sixers
The Cavs have not decided yet if they will keep combo guard Jared Cunningham after this week, Chris Haynes of The Northeast Ohio Media Group and the Cleveland Plain Dealer reports, citing league sources. Unless Cleveland cuts Cunningham by the close of business Thursday, his $981,348 salary for the remainder of the season is guaranteed, as Haynes points out.
Cunningham was a preseason surprise for the Cavs, the 24-year-old’s fifth team in four years. While Cunningham had streaks of consistent playing time this season, he has not seen more than 15 minutes in a single game since December 11th, and that includes four games in which he didn’t even appear. Cunningham, whom coach David Blatt used in a variety of ways, has seen his minutes deteriorate because the Cavs are healthier, Haynes writes. Making the decision more interesting is Cunningham’s salary would cost the team approximately $3.8MM in luxury tax dollars if the Cavs maintain their current roster, Haynes adds.
Here’s more from around the Eastern Conference:
- If the Celtics continue to struggle, there will be increased pressure on the front office to consider making a move to alleviate Boston’s frontcourt logjam, Chris Forsberg of ESPN.com details. Jared Sullinger, Amir Johnson, Kelly Olynyk, David Lee and Tyler Zeller are each part of the Celtics’ big man rotation. Boston, as Forsberg points out, also tends to utilize Jae Crowder and Jonas Jerebko at the power forward spots. The large crowd has been a roadblock for rookie Jordan Mickey, who is thriving in the D-League, Forsberg adds.
- Ish Smith, whom the Sixers acquired in a trade with the Pelicans last month, doesn’t seem fazed by playing for nine organizations in his career and having been included in 19 different transactions, Brian Seltzer of Sixers.com writes.
- The Heat recalled Josh Richardson and Jarnell Stokes from the D-League, the team announced on its website.
Hoops Rumors Weekly Mailbag 12/27/15-1/3/16
In addition to our weekly chat, which Chuck Myron facilitates every Wednesday, we have a second opportunity for you to hit us up with your questions in this, our weekly mailbag feature. Have a question regarding player movement, the salary cap, or the NBA draft? Drop us a line at HoopsRumorsMailbag@Gmail.com. Here are this week’s inquiries:
Are the Cavs looking to make a trade this season to enhance their championship run? — Thea
HR: Barring an injury, I really don’t think acquiring more new players would help the Cavs. In fact, I think that would be counter-productive. For the first time all season, the Cavs are actually healthy. With a roster already dotted with talent, the depth chart will likely soon be in a state of flux with coach David Blatt mixing and matching until he finds something that he thinks works. We haven’t heard or read from anywhere else that the Cavs are intent on making a move. What’s more, now at full strength, there really is not an area of weakness that needs to be addressed. Making a trade at this point would delay what’s most important for the Cavs heading into what projects to be a deep playoff run: time to gel.
Since it seems the Bucks will stay put and they looked to be the most likely to relocate, who are the logical candidates now or is it as simple as the league just stalling until they decide to expand? — Joe
HR: This is just my speculation (based on conversations from reporters and lower-level executives in the league last season), but I think there is a stronger chance of the league expanding than there is of a team relocating, like you hint at. I think you’re right about the Bucks. They seemed to be on thin ice for a while, but it looks like they’ve sorted things out. To digress momentarily, I would not have been surprised to see the Pelicans relocate had it not been for Anthony Davis. To get back to your question: Commissioner Adam Silver said in April that relocation or expansion is unlikely for at least the next two years. Again, this is solely my opinion, but one would have to think that Seattle would be in line as a city that can generate the revenue needed once the league does decide to expand again.
Why won’t the Knicks just add Jimmer Fredette? — Allie
HR: Well, you can’t really blame any team for not jumping to add Fredette based on the minimal success he has experienced so far in the league. Sorry; I know he is a fan favorite for many. For whatever the reason, though, his game has not translated well to the NBA. Fredette is currently playing for the Knicks’ D-League affiliate in Westchester. But if you’re a Knicks fan, shouldn’t you be wanting more? They’ve checked in on Brandon Jennings, according to Ian Begley of ESPN.com and are reportedly interested in Tony Wroten. Both would be better options for a team with backcourt issues.
Atlantic Notes: Knicks, Sixers, Celtics
- Contrary to what seems to be the popular belief among fans and pundits alike, Sixers coach Brett Brown still thinks centers Nerlens Noel and Jahlil Okafor can effectively coexist on the floor, Keith Pompey of the Philadelphia Inquirer details. Hoops Rumors’ Chris Crouse recently examined Okafor as a trade candidate. Many fans, Pompey writes, view Noel as the preferred trade chip, however. Having two players essentially playing the same position poses significant problems like spacing issues, but Brown seems determined to make it work, Pompey adds.“If we can really get these guys comfortable on spacing with each other to give those shooters or Ish Smith the driving lanes, it’s one of those ‘have-tos’ that we touch every single day,” Brown said.
- Marcus Smart isn’t quite yet up to full speed for the Celtics after returning from a knee injury, but he is close to being able to play his usual amount of minutes, A. Sherrod Blakely of CSNNE.com writes. Smart’s presence is needed for the Celtics because the second-year guard is one of the league’s top young defenders and Boston is dealing with a few nagging injuries, Blakely adds.
Lakers Notes: Kupchak, World Peace, Black, Huertas
Lakers GM Mitch Kupchak said the team can’t move on from its current situation until Kobe Bryant is retired, tweets Eric Pincus of The Los Angeles Times. Kupchak touched on a number of subjects during a speech today to season ticket holders. He said it’s going to be “virtually impossible” for Jordan Clarkson to leave the team in free agency next summer (Twitter link), rookie D’Angelo Russell has a chance to be an elite player but has to grow up first (Twitter link) and that he’s concerned about losing the 2016 first-round pick (which goes to the Sixers if it’s outside the top three), but players and coaches are being instructed to try to win (Twitter link). Kupchak also believes the Lakers will be in a stronger position to attract big-name free agents next summer (Twitter link).
There’s more out of Los Angeles:
- The Lakers will have three decisions to make this week on non-guaranteed contracts, Pincus writes in a separate piece. Action must be taken by Thursday to provide a 48-hour waiver period before the official cutdown date, which is January 10th. L.A. has to decide whether to keep Metta World Peace ($1.5MM), Tarik Black ($845,059) and Marcelo Huertas ($525,093).
- Bryant says age and the nearness of retirement have changed his philosophy about basketball, according to Paul Flannery of SB Nation. “I think I’ve matured quite a bit as a person,” Bryant said. “I think at the same time, I’ve lost a lot of the edge because with maturity comes a more docile approach to the game. Whereas back in the day there’s no compromise. There is no understanding. It’s this or nothing. As you get older you start to get more perspective. It’s a great thing as a person, but as a player not so much.”
- With the league’s second-worst record, the Lakers currently have a 19.9% chance at landing the top draft pick, which will likely be LSU’s Ben Simmons, writes Kevin Pelton of ESPN. Pelton analyzes the top nine contenders for Simmons and says if the Lakers stay in the No. 2 slot, they will have a 55.6% chance at remaining in the top three and keeping their pick.
Central Notes: Hill, Jackson, Martin, Prunty
The Pacers‘ Solomon Hill, who was the subject of trade rumors earlier this season, replaced Chase Budinger in the rotation during Saturday’s win over the Pistons, writes Scott Agness of Vigilant Sports. In November, Indiana decided not to pick up the option on Hill’s contract for 2016/17, but he has been steadily making an impression on coach Frank Vogel. “Solomon Hill’s been giving us something in the last couple of games when he’s been called upon,” Vogel said. “I just wanted to get Solomon in there somehow. Chase was the guy that we had to pull out. It wasn’t anything that Chase had done.” It was the first DNP of the season for Budinger, who was acquired in an offseason deal with the Wolves.
There’s more from the NBA’s Central Division:
- Pistons coach/executive Stan Van Gundy continues to defend Reggie Jackson‘s decision to request a trade from the Thunder last season, writes Steve Bulpett of The Boston Herald. Stuck behind Russell Westbrook in Oklahoma City, Jackson was dealt to Detroit in a three-team trade at last year’s deadline. “You look at Reggie’s situation,” Van Gundy said, “[and] there was really nothing bad there. He was a guy that was looking for an opportunity to play more, and was sort of vilified for that, I guess — for wanting to play more. I guess people wanted him to be happy being a backup his entire career.”
- There’s probably little substance behind rumors that the Bulls are interested in Kevin Martin, according to Sam Smith of Bulls.com. He notes that Martin is nearing age 33 and has another year on his contract worth nearly $7.4MM. In addition, his scoring average and shooting percentage are near career lows.
- Bucks interim coach Joe Prunty switched up Jason Kidd’s rotation in a win last week over the Pacers, writes Charles F. Gardner of The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Prunty used Greg Monroe and Giannis Antetokounmpo, along with three reserves, as Milwaukee built a lead late in the first half. “The intent was trying to find out the right mix of players to be on the floor at the right time,” Prunty said. “I thought it worked well and it’s something we’ll keep looking at.”
Southeast Notes: Wade, Udrih, Lamb, Wizards
The Heat’s Dwyane Wade isn’t ready to give up his starting spot yet, but the idea may be discussed in negotiations next summer, according to Ira Winderman of The Sun Sentinel. The columnist doesn’t believe Wade would agree to such a move in a contract year, but with his 34th birthday coming up this month it will likely be part of his future. The emergence of Tyler Johnson and Justise Winslow gives Miami other options on the wing, along with the possibility that Gerald Green will be brought back for another season. Winderman also suggests that Goran Dragic could benefit from having a different partner in the starting backcourt.
There’s more news from the Southeast Division:
- Beno Udrih has been productive since the November deal that brought him to Miami, but that doesn’t mean he’ll be with the team past the trade deadline, Winderman writes in the same piece. Udrih is averaging 3.4 points and 1.9 assists with the Heat, mostly in a backup role, but Winderman could envision his $2.077MM salary being moved to help get Miami under the luxury tax.
- The Hornets‘ Jeremy Lamb, who was acquired from the Thunder in an offseason deal, tells Erik Horne of The Oklahoman that playing in Oklahoma City wasn’t “a great situation” for him. Lamb is averaging career highs in minutes, points and rebounds in Charlotte after spending his first three years with the Thunder. He said the OKC front office was “very encouraging of me, just saying I’m going to be a good player in the league and it was best that I could go somewhere and play, so I was excited about it.”
- Out of necessity, the Wizards have figured out a way to make the Otto Porter–Kelly Oubre combination work, writes J. Michael of CSNMidAtlantic.com. A rash of injuries has forced the two small forwards to take the court together, and they are finding success. Porter has registered three straight 20-point games since returning to the starting lineup, and Oubre’s versatility has helped cement his spot in the rotation. “We both gel on the court,” Oubre said. “We both kind of feed off each other’s energy while we’re on the court so you can expect big things from us when we’re on the court.”
Clippers Notes: Mbah a Moute, Griffin, Smith
The Clippers are enjoying the benefits of the Sixers’ decision not to bring back Luc Mbah a Moute, according to Keith Pompey of The Philadelphia Inquirer. The eighth-year veteran signed with L.A. on September 25th, just before the start of training camp. He expected to remain in Philadelphia after starting 61 games there last season and was surprised when the Sixers’ front office showed little interest. “They didn’t call me,” Mbah a Moute said. “I talked to them at the end of the season. They said they were interested in bringing me back. And then the free agency period, we didn’t hear from them. So I had to make a decision.” That decision has worked out well for the Clippers, who added one of the NBA’s best defenders. Mbah a Moute is allowing 0.5 points per defensive isolation play this season, which is among the top rates in the league. “He literally can guard all five positions,” said L.A. coach Doc Rivers. “That’s not a lot of guys in the league [that can do that].”
There’s more news out of Los Angeles:
- Mbah a Moute, who played for the Bucks, Kings and Wolves before coming to Philadelphia, told Rowan Kavner of NBA.com that he enjoys being part of a successful team. The Clippers are 22-13 overall and 14-5 since he joined the starting lineup. “You appreciate being on a team like this,” said Mbah a Moute, who has only been part of one winning season. “No offense to Philly, or my time there, every time we played hard. We were young, played hard, competed, but we weren’t as talented. You definitely appreciate the value of having a good team and playing on a good team.”
- The Clippers are hoping for an update this week on the status of injured forward Blake Griffin, writes Robert Morales of The Long Beach Press-Telegram. The Clippers announced on December 26th that Griffin was expected to miss at least two weeks with a partially torn left quadriceps. Rivers said Griffin is doing pool workouts and will meet with a team doctor at the middle or end of the week.
- Josh Smith shouldn’t expect to return to the rotation any time soon, tweets Ben Bolch of The Los Angeles Times, as Rivers doesn’t want to tinker with a lineup that has produced six straight victories. “Right now,” the coach said, “why would you want to touch what’s going on?”