Northwest Notes: Mitchell, Kanter, Huestis, Olshey
Interim Wolves coach Sam Mitchell hasn’t asked for a decision on his future from owner Glen Taylor, according to Jerry Zgoda of The Star Tribune. Minnesota has been a much-improved team of late and just completed a 3-0 road trip, but Mitchell said he doesn’t look at victories as a way to secure his job on a permanent basis. He’s more concerned with developing young talent, which has been his focus since taking over the team in September. Taylor has made few public statements about the coaching situation, saying it will be resolved after the season ends. “It’s funny to me, now all of a sudden this is a great job,” Mitchell said. “After last year, nobody wanted this job. Nobody thought this was a good job. Now all of a sudden it’s a good job, so I’m proud of that.”
There’s more from the Northwest Division:
- Thunder center Enes Kanter has become a contender for the Sixth Man of the Year award, writes Sam Amick of USA Today. Oklahoma City raised some eyebrows this offseason when it matched a four-year, $70MM offer to keep the restricted free agent, but Kanter has done his best to live up to that contract. He brings 12.8 points and 8.1 rebounds per game off the bench in just 20.8 minutes of action and is shooting 58% from the floor, fourth best in the NBA. “To be honest, I don’t look at my stats – not this year, not last year,” Kanter said. “If I do, I feel like I’m going to stress about it, so I don’t even look at my point average, [or] what’s my rebound average? I think the only thing I’m doing is I’m going out there to play my game.”
- Josh Huestis has only played three NBA games, but the Thunder are hurting so much for an effective backup wing player that he might become an option, writes Anthony Slater of the Oklahoman. “I’m not going to say we know for sure we’re gonna all of a sudden throw him in there the last three games a lot of minutes,” said OKC coach Billy Donovan. “But it’s good to see him progressing the way he has.”
- GM Neil Olshey deserves Executive of the Year honors for rebuilding the Blazers over the offseason, writes Steve Aschburner of NBA.com. Portland clinched a playoff spot this week despite losing four starters from last year’s team.
Reactions To Sixers Hiring Bryan Colangelo
The Sixers earlier Sunday introduced Bryan Colangelo as president of basketball operations during a press conference. Here are some highlights, news and reactions:
- Colangelo said Sixers coach Brett Brown “deserves an opportunity to coach this basketball team and see this process through,” but also added, “there will be a lot of movement in management and maybe with the coaches, too,” Jake Fischer of SI Now relays (Twitter links).
- Interestingly, Jerry Colangelo wasn’t involved in the hiring of Bryan Colangelo, at least according to Sixers owner Josh Harris, Keith Pompey of the Philadelphia Inquirer tweets. Jerry Colangelo is no longer the chairman of basketball operations but will remain as a special adviser to the team, the Sixers announced.
- Harris also noted he was surprised that former Sixers GM Sam Hinkie penned a 13-page resignation letter, Pompey tweets.
- The Sixers began having discussions with Bryan Colangelo at the beginning of the year, tweets CSN Philly’s Jessica Camerato, who also noted the Sixers’ newest addition referred to the franchise’s last three years as a success and “measured rebuilding process.”
- With potentially four first round picks in June, Bryan Colangelo has no shortage of assets this summer to work with, Bob Cooney of The Philadelphia Daily News writes. Bryan Colangelo said the Sixers will be shifting their focus toward winning, Cooney adds.
Hoops Links: Ibaka, Knicks, Durant
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 Runner Sports examines if Phil Jackson wants out of New York.
- The Sports Quotient explains how Serge Ibaka can help the Thunder win the West.
- Sport and Exercise Psychology discusses the retirement process for Kobe Bryant.
- Only In Boston wonders if Kevin Durant would ever join the Celtics.
- Canis Hoopus discusses what the Wolves should do with Shabazz Muhammad.
- Denver Stiffs profiles draft prospect Marquese Chriss.
- Pounding The Rock details how the Spurs can defend the Warriors.
Please send submissions for Hoops Links to Zach at HoopsLinks@gmail.com.
Pistons Notes: Jackson, Van Gundy, Harris
Pistons coach/executive Stan Van Gundy‘s roster overhaul paid off significantly as Detroit clinched a playoff spot for the first time since 2008/09, David Mayo of MLive details. Andre Drummond and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope are the only remaining players from the roster Van Gundy inherited 23 months ago, as Mayo writes. Van Gundy made his first blockbuster addition with the February 2015 trade for Reggie Jackson, positioning the team for this run, Mayo adds. Jackson has become one of the league’s top point guards after serving as a backup with the Thunder prior to joining Detroit.
Here’s more out of the Motor City:
- Landing Tobias Harris in a trade at the deadline with the Magic worked out similarly to when the Pistons acquired Rasheed Wallace in 2004 because they are both power forwards who played significant roles in Detroit making the playoffs, Mayo writes in a separate piece. By trading for Harris, Van Gundy illustrated that the Pistons should be considered as a serious playoff contender, Mayo adds. “When I came over in the trade, there was one thing I texted coach about, and that was making the playoffs,” Harris said. “I just told him that was one of my biggest goals and I’m here to help you guys do that. And it would be a job undone for me, mission unaccomplished, if we didn’t make the playoffs, and I’d be pretty devastated.”
- The future looks bright for the Pistons because most of the key players in the rotation are under contract beyond this season and team still has some flexibility to make another addition in the offseason, Rod Beard of the Detroit News opines.
- With more on how Jackson transformed into a quite a catch for the Pistons, Vince Ellis of the Detroit Free Press details how the point guard is one of the league’s most clutch shooters in an interesting profile.
Heat Ink Briante Weber To Multiyear Deal
SUNDAY, 1:52pm: The Heat announced the signing via Twitter. Weber will be eligible for the playoffs, as Ira Winderman of the Sun Sentinel tweets.
SATURDAY, 11:38am: The Heat are planning to sign point guard Briante Weber to a three-year deal, Shams Charania of The Vertical reports (via Twitter). The deal will include a partial guarantee, notes Barry Jackson of The Miami Herald (Twitter link). Miami is also reportedly discussing a deal with small forward Dorell Wright, with Charania previously relaying that the two sides could formalize a contract arrangement by Sunday.
The franchise is skirting the luxury tax line and the Heat need to be especially mindful of when any new deals are finalized if they wish to avoid incurring repeat-offender tax penalties. The Heat have 13 players, two shy of the league maximum, and they reportedly plan to carry 15 players into the playoffs. They’re only $46,106 shy of the tax and a prorated minimum salary contract would count $5,572 per day for tax purposes. Sunday is the first day they could sign two players in one day without incurring the tax.
Weber, 23, had a brief stint with the Grizzlies last month on a 10-day deal and is currently with Miami’s D-League affiliate in Sioux Falls. The point guard appeared in six games during his stint in Memphis and averaged 4.8 points, 4.0 rebounds and 3.3 assists in 27.7 minutes per outing. Weber’s D-League numbers are solid, but not eye-popping, with him notching averages of 10.7 points, 5.3 rebounds and 4.2 assists in 28 appearances. His slash line for the Skyforce this season is .469/.408/.725.
Sixers Hire Bryan Colangelo As President
SUNDAY, 1:40pm: The Sixers officially named Bryan Colangelo president of basketball operations. In addition, Jerry Colangelo is no longer the chairman of basketball operations but will remain as a special adviser to the team, the Sixers announced in a press release.
THURSDAY, 7:55am: The Sixers plan to formally name Colangelo as GM on Monday, a league source tells Ketih Pompey of The Philadelphia Inquirer (Twitter link).
11:12pm: Bryan Colangelo and the Sixers are still negotiating terms but are hopeful of finishing the deal Thursday, league sources tell Wojnarowski (Twitter link).
WEDNESDAY, 8:53pm: In the wake of Sam Hinkie‘s sudden resignation as Sixers GM, the team intends to hire Bryan Colangelo to fill the now-vacant post, Adrian Wojnarowski of The Vertical reports. Colangelo is the son of Sixers chairman of basketball operations Jerry Colangelo, whom the franchise hired earlier this season. The team had also been considering former Hawks GM Danny Ferry for the postition, according to an earlier report by Wojnarowski.
Philadelphia’s initial intent was to hire the younger Colangelo to work alongside Hinkie, but the former GM apparently wasn’t too keen on further diluting his power and influence within the organization. In his 13-page letter of resignation, Hinkie wrote, “There has been much criticism of our approach. There will be more. A competitive league like the NBA necessitates a zig while our competitors comfortably zag,” Hinkie wrote. “We often chose not to defend ourselves against much of the criticism, largely in an effort to stay true to the ideal of having the longest view in the room. Given all the changes to our organization, I no longer have the confidence that I can make good decisions on behalf of investors in the Sixers — you. So I should step down. And I have.”
Bryan Colangelo had actively pursued the Nets GM position prior to Sean Marks being named to the post, and was initially unenthusiastic about the idea of working for his father for the second time in his career, sources told Wojnarowski. The younger Colangelo had previously worked for his father for 13 seasons with the Suns prior to departing Phoenix to become the president and GM of the Raptors. Colangelo stepped down from his post in Toronto on June 26th, 2013.
Knicks Notes: Anthony, Afflalo, Williams, Lopez
Despite Carmelo Anthony‘s plea for continuity, the Knicks could be looking at another offseason of change, writes Marc Berman of The New York Post. “I would love to see guys come back and be together for another year and establish something we already created,” Anthony said after Friday’s game. But Arron Afflalo and Derrick Williams both have opt-out clauses and could test the free agent market. Afflalo had a public dispute with interim coach Kurt Rambis after losing his starting role and seems likely to turn to down his $8MM option. Williams has a $4.598MM option, but could be aiming for a raise after a productive season. Also headed toward free agency are Lance Thomas, Langston Galloway and Kevin Seraphin.
The Knicks are expected to be major players in the free agent market, particularly with an eye toward improving their backcourt, and Berman mentions Raptors shooting guard DeMar DeRozan as a possible target. “If you have the opportunity to make additions in free agency, you should take advantage of that,’’ Anthony said. “That’s why you have salary cap money in the offseason.”
There’s more news out of New York:
- Center Robin Lopez, one of the team’s free agent additions last summer, has excelled in the triangle offense, Berman writes in a separate story. Lopez is averaging 10.3 points and 7.4 rebounds per game after signing a four-year deal worth about $55MM. After a slow start in New York, he began to adapt quickly after Rambis replaced coach Derek Fisher in February. “To see him blossom, to see what he’s done, he’s a smart basketball player, high basketball IQ,’’ Rambis said. “We’re encouraging him to do a lot offensively. In the past he wasn’t asked to do those things. He just had to gain confidence and his teammates had to gain confidence in him.’’
- Fisher was fired partly because he wanted to make adjustments to the triangle, tweets Frank Isola of The New York Daily News.
- Anthony’s future in New York will overshadow the Knicks’ offseason, according to Keith P. Smith of RealGM. Anthony is under contract for three more seasons, but a no-trade clause gives him some say in his future. If Anthony decides he wants out of New York, Smith said the team will start rebuilding around Kristaps Porzingis. If Anthony stays with the Knicks, team president Phil Jackson will try to create a contender as quickly as possible.
Heat Notes: Weber, Whiteside, Wright, Bosh
The Heat were looking to the future when they agreed to sign Briante Weber to a multiyear contract Saturday, according to Ira Winderman of The Sun Sentinel. The partially guaranteed deal ties up a small amount of money, but it gives Miami a chance to develop the 23-year-old point guard. Winderman notes that the Heat made a similar move with Josh Richardson and will probably do the same this summer with Tyler Johnson. He speculates that the addition of Weber and the possible return of Beno Udrih gives Miami the flexibility to trade Goran Dragic if the front office believes it needs more cap space to re-sign Hassan Whiteside, Dwyane Wade, Luol Deng or Joe Johnson. Weber, who was waived by the Heat during training camp, is known as a playmaker and defensive specialist. His only NBA experience is six games with the Grizzlies during a 10-day contract in March.
There’s more news from Miami:
- Despite being a candidate for a max contract, Whiteside is still learning the intricacies of basketball, Winderman writes in a separate story. Coach Erik Spoelstra frequently pulls his center from games for brief teaching moments. “If he sees something, he’ll let me know,” Whiteside said. “If he doesn’t … more likely he’ll see something. Or he’ll give me advice and I’ll go back out there.”
- Dorell Wright would just provide insurance if he signs with the Heat, Winderman contends in another piece. Miami is planning to use an eight-man rotation in the playoffs, which leaves almost no playing time for Wright, Weber or veteran point guard John Lucas III if the Heat sign him instead of Wright. Winderman notes that the battle for court time is already crowded, with Gerald Green and Josh McRoberts out of the rotation and Tyler Johnson possibly picking up some minutes if he returns from injury.
- The Heat have embraced “small-ball” in response to Chris Bosh‘s absence, according to Michael Pina of RealGM. Deng has taken over Bosh’s role as Miami has cranked up its tempo. The Heat have been outscoring their opponents by 7.4 point per 100 possessions with Deng on the floor. “It’s a requirement for us,” Spoelstra said. “That’s the benefit of it. Chris Bosh goes out, you have to do things differently.” Bosh hasn’t played since the All-Star break because of blood clots in his left calf.
Bulls Notes: Felicio, Gasol, Forman, Hoiberg
The recent performance of Cristiano Felicio offers more proof that the Bulls should have traded Pau Gasol before February’s deadline, writes Nick Friedell of ESPN.com. The Brazilian rookie center had 16 points and five rebounds in 23 minutes in Saturday’s win over Cleveland, and coach Fred Hoiberg chose to use Felicio over Gasol late in the game. Friedell gives executives Gar Forman and John Paxson credit for finding Felicio, but contends it was foolish to keep Gasol as part of the future when he will turn 36 this summer and can become a free agent. Gasol has already expressed an intention to opt out, which means the Bulls may get nothing in return when they could have picked up assets and created playing time for Felicio and rookie Bobby Portis.
There’s more news out of Chicago:
- Forman worked hard to land Felicio, according to Sam Smith of Bulls.com. The Bulls GM had been watching him for several years as he moved to the United States and made a failed attempt to become eligible to play at Oregon. After Felicio returned to Brazil, Forman traveled there to scout him in several tournaments and signed him to the Bulls’ summer league team.
- There’s plenty of blame to go around for a failed season, contends K.C. Johnson of The Chicago Tribune. Chicago is almost certain to miss the playoffs for the first time since 2007/08, and Johnson says the responsibility goes from the front office to the coaching staff to a mismatched roster. Forman has carried the most influence behind the scenes, according to Johnson, as he was the leading proponent of hiring Hoiberg and of passing on a chance to deal Gasol to the Kings. Johnson notes that the front office is now less enamored with Gasol, as re-signing center Joakim Noah has become a higher offseason priority. Forman also angered the locker room by trading popular veteran point guard Kirk Hinrich to Atlanta to cut the Bulls’ luxury tax payment by more than $2.5MM.
- Despite complaints about Hoiberg, the coaching staff is expected to remain mostly intact for next season, Johnson writes in the same story. Management believes the problem this year was that the core of the team was kept together too long. One possible change is assistant Randy Brown could return to a front-office position. Brown is liked by players, Johnson relays, and some view him as Forman’s direct link to the coaching staff.
Sixers Notes: Turner, Hinkie, Embiid, Colangelo
Ex-Sixer Evan Turner is defending former Philadelphia GM Sam Hinkie, who resigned Wednesday, writes Jay King of MassLive. Turner, now with the Celtics, spent nearly four years in Philadelphia before being traded to Indiana in 2014. He didn’t read Hinkie’s 13-page resignation letter but says he understood what the former executive was trying to accomplish. “One thing I didn’t know was [how well they’re set up for the draft],” Turner said. “That’s somewhat ingenious. That could set them up great for the future. It’s just in the NBA, I don’t know what he had with [76ers owner] Josh Harris, but typically jobs, unless you’re a legend, jobs don’t last seven or eight years for a plan. I think if it does work out then he did set them up great, you know?” Philadelphia, which has clinched the top spot in Hoops Rumors’ reverse standings, will have its own first-round pick in June, along with the Heat’s, the Thunder’s and the Lakers’ if it falls out of the top three.
There’s more this morning out of Philadelphia:
- Turner still believes great things are ahead for Sixers center Joel Embiid, King writes in the same piece. Philadelphia took Embiid third overall in the 2014 draft, but a string of injuries has prevented him from playing. Calling him possibly the “next [Hakeem] Olajuwon,” Turner recalls watching Embiid in an early workout. “The kid went in-between-the-legs dunk at 7-feet,” Turner said. “Bigs are hard to find. That coordination, and I’ve seen him hit 15 straight threes from the top [of the arc]. Hopefully it works out for him because I’ve got so much respect for [76ers head coach] Brett [Brown], I’ve got so much respect for the staff that works there, and when Philly gets going like in the [Allen] Iverson days it can be a special city.”
- The risks that Hinkie took were worthwhile, argues Derek Bodner of Philadelphia magazine. While acknowledging the potential downside of Hinkie’s moves, Bodner contends Embiid could be the Sixers’ best center since Moses Malone and Nerlens Noel is the team’s best interior defender since Dikembe Mutombo. In addition, Philadelphia has a 50-50 shot at landing a top two draft pick and selecting Ben Simmons or Brandon Ingram.
- Despite charges of nepotism, likely new GM Bryan Colangelo has a solid record, writes Keith Pompey of The Philadelphia Inquirer. Pompey notes that Colangelo is a two-time Executive of the Year who has a history of making aggressive moves.