We have an 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:
Jimmer Fredette seems to be a very good shooter and ballplayer. Why hasn’t he had NBA success so far? I think all he needs is to be given much playing time and not sit on the bench to maximize his talent. What do you think? — Greg Dizon
He certainly had the look of a good player when he came out of BYU in 2011. He was drafted 10th overall by the Kings, who traded up for a chance to get him. But the NBA hasn’t been kind to Jimmer. He never topped the 7.6 points per game scoring average he posted as a rookie, and he bounced around the league and the D-League after being waived by the Kings in 2014. Fredette has signed to play in China next season, and although he may catch on with an NBA team after the Chinese season is over, it’s hard to envision him ever becoming a star.
What is the number of assistants and other bench personnel allowed in the NBA? The Spurs seemed to have the most bench personnel compared to Clippers. — G.H. Torrance
NBA rules allow the head coach, three assistants and the trainer to sit in the front row of seats with the players. It’s the “second row” where things get a little murkier. Depending on the team, you’ll find another assistant coach, a video coordinator, an advance scout, someone from the athletic performance staff, an assistant trainer and security personnel. The Spurs currently have five assistant coaches — James Borrego, Chip Engelland, Ettore Messina, Ime Udoka and Becky Hammon. The Clippers have Sam Cassell, Armond Hill, Brendan O’Connor and Mike Woodson. A fifth, Bob Thate, was hired this week by the Grizzlies.
Which big man do you think the Sixers will trade, Nerlens Noel, Jahlil Okafor or Joel Embiid? — Zach Ford
The best answer is whoever brings back the best return. Philadelphia has probably listened to dozens of offers already, and more will come before any deal is made. Embiid seems the least likely to be traded away. After missing two seasons, teams will be wary of giving up much talent for a player with such a questionable health history. Despite off-court troubles during his rookie season, Okafor seems ready to blossom into an elite talent on offense and could be a great addition to a team that can compensate for his shortcomings on defense. Noel is eligible for a rookie contract extension through October 31st, so that may factor into the Sixers’ thinking. If they can’t sign him long-term, he may be the one to go.