Reggie Jackson Unlikely To Play Again This Season
Having missed the team’s last five games, Pistons point guard Reggie Jackson isn’t expected to return to the court before the end of the regular season, head coach Stan Van Gundy confirmed today. According to Rod Beard of The Detroit News (Twitter link), Van Gundy said injuries to other Pistons could change his plan, but he doesn’t expect to play Jackson again this season.
It has been a rough year for Jackson, whose knee issues delayed his 2016/17 debut and have nagged at him all season. Coming off a career year in which he established new career-highs in PPG (18.8) and APG (6.2), the former Thunder point guard has seen his numbers slip across the board this season. He has posted 14.5 PPG, 5.2 APG, and a .419 FG% for the Pistons in 52 games (50 starts).
Jackson’s name was also mentioned several times in trade rumors during the days and weeks leading up to the deadline, with one Ricky Rubio-related rumor gaining enough traction that Van Gundy was forced to publicly shoot it down.
After this season, Jackson will still have three years remaining on his contract, with his salary set to increase to $16MM for 2017/18. That figure will continue to rise to $17MM+ and $18MM+ respectively in the final two years of his deal, so it will be interesting to see whether the Pistons make an effort to part ways with the former first-round pick this summer, or if they hope he can get healthy and bounce back next season.
With Jackson expected to miss the rest of the season, Ish Smith will continue to start at point guard for Detroit, with Beno Udrih backing him up.
Poll: 2017 NBA Rookie Of The Year
It has been a somewhat underwhelming year for NBA rookies. No. 1 overall pick Ben Simmons has missed the entire season due to a foot injury, while other top selections from the 2016 draft – such as Brandon Ingram, Jaylen Brown, Kris Dunn, and Buddy Hield – have shown promise but haven’t provided consistent production throughout the season.
With the regular season winding down, a small handful of viable candidates for the NBA’s 2017 Rookie of the Year award have emerged, and none of them are 2016 first-round picks, which is somewhat unprecedented in recent history.
Since the turn of the century, 18 players have been named the NBA’s Rookie of the Year, including co-winners Elton Brand and Steve Francis in 2000. Of those 18 players, 17 were drafted in the first round a year earlier — the only exception is Blake Griffin, a first overall pick who missed his first NBA season and won the award in his second year. Additionally, all 18 Rookies of the Year were top-11 picks, with Michael Carter-Williams (11th) and Amar’e Stoudemire (ninth) representing the lowest-drafted winners.
This year, the top three contenders for Rookie of the Year don’t meet the criteria noted above. Joel Embiid was a top pick, but he missed his first two NBA seasons before finally making it onto the court this season. Dario Saric was selected outside of the top 11 (12th), and spent two seasons playing overseas before arriving stateside. And Malcolm Brogdon, the top non-Sixer in contention for the award, was selected in the second round last year, 36th overall.
Of those top three candidates, a group that includes two players drafted in 2014 and a 2016 second-rounder, Embiid was easily the most impressive on a per-game basis, averaging a staggering 20.2 PPG, 7.8 RPG, and 2.5 BPG in just 25.4 minutes per contest. However, injuries derailed his season once again, and he was limited to just 31 regular season games, making it tough to vote for him.
His teammate Saric emerged as a top contender for Rookie of the Year in recent months, bringing his season-long averages up to 12.9 PPG and 6.3 RPG after a slow start. Since January 24, around the time Embiid played his last game of the season, the Croatian forward has averaged an impressive 16.9 PPG, 6.8 RPG, and 2.9 APG in 36 contests.
In Milwaukee, meanwhile, Brogdon has been a steady contributor for the Bucks all year, chipping in 10.3 PPG, 4.3 APG, 2.8 RPG, 1.1 SPG, and a .404 3PT%. According to Scott Howard-Cooper of NBA.com, who spoke to about a dozen voters around the league, Brogdon has “real support” to win Rookie of the Year, though some voters still like Embiid, and Saric may have an overall lead.
What do you think? Is one of those three players is deserving of the Rookie of the Year award this year, or should another rookie take home the hardware? Submit your vote below and then jump into the comments section to share your thoughts!
Who should be the 2017 NBA Rookie of the Year?
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Malcolm Brogdon (Bucks) 38% (934)
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Dario Saric (Sixers) 35% (866)
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Joel Embiid (Sixers) 18% (444)
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Someone else 9% (227)
Total votes: 2,471
Trade Rumors app users, click here to vote.
Kentucky’s Isaiah Briscoe Enters 2017 NBA Draft
Kentucky sophomore Isaiah Briscoe has become the fourth UK underclassman to enter this year’s draft, with the school announcing today in a press release that Briscoe will go pro. Like his teammates De’Aaron Fox and Malik Monk, Briscoe intends to sign with an agent. Kentucky big man Bam Adebayo will test the draft waters without hiring representation.
“Thank you to my brothers. We’ve been through so much together and accomplished even more,” Briscoe said in a statement after thanking his coaches at Kentucky. “Thank you to my family and friends. Without your support, I wouldn’t be where I am now.
“It was a dream to play in front of BBN and an honor to wear K-E-N-T-U-C-K-Y across my chest. I’m ready for the next step and can’t wait to begin the next journey.”
A 6’3″ guard, Briscoe ranks 86th on Jonathan Givony’s big board at DraftExpress.com, while ESPN’s Chad Ford places him just outside his top 100 list, at No. 105. Briscoe, who will turn 21 next week, averaged 12.1 PPG, 5.4 RPG, and 4.2 APG in his second season with the Wildcats, though he continued to struggle with his outside shot. After making just 13.5% of his long-distance attempts in his freshman year, the New Jersey native improved his three-point percentage in 2016/17, but only to a modest 28.8%.
While Briscoe returned to Kentucky a year ago after testing the draft waters, hiring an agent this time around will mean forgoing his remaining NCAA eligibility.
Magic Expected To Shut Down Jeff Green
Magic forward Jeff Green, who has battled back issues recently and missed the team’s last seven games, likely won’t see the court again this season, as Josh Robbins of The Orlando Sentinel writes. Although head coach Frank Vogel insists no final decision has been made, he acknowledges there’s a “good chance” Green’s season is over, and the veteran sounds prepared for that outcome.
“Their plan is to shut me down for the rest of the year and let the young guys play,” Green said, according to Robbins. “I want to play. I wanted to finish out the games, but I’ve got to make sure I’m right before I step out on the floor. But it was the team’s decision to shut me down. … If it was the playoffs, I could play. But it makes no sense at this point to try to come back and force the issue.”
Other lottery-bound teams like the Suns and Lakers, who both have an edge on the Magic in the race to the bottom of the standings, have shut down veteran players in recent weeks, so it makes sense that Orlando would follow suit, particularly if Green isn’t 100%. The 30-year-old also may not be a part of the club’s future plans, since he’s on an expiring contract and has had an underwhelming season with the Magic.
Having signed a one-year, $15MM deal with Orlando last summer, Green has averaged a career-low 9.2 PPG and 3.1 RPG in 2016/17. His .394 FG% and .275 3PT% also represent career worsts. The former fifth overall pick has some decent seasons on his résumé and his ability to play multiple positions will earn him another NBA contract this offseason, but he’s unlikely to come close to matching the $15MM annual salary he earned this past year.
Knicks Notes: Rose, Hornacek, Ewing
As we learned earlier today, Derrick Rose underwent an “uncomplicated” left knee arthroscopy to handle his meniscus tear. He’s expected to resume basketball activities in roughly three to six weeks. Here’s more on the 2010/11 MVP as well as notes on his current team:
- The Knicks have left the door open on Rose returning to the team, Marc Berman of the New York Post writes.“Derrick did a lot of good things for us this year, with the way he can break down the defense,” coach Jeff Hornacek. “We’ll take a look at it and see if we can bring him back.’’
- Mike Vorkunov of The New York Times isn’t optimistic about Rose’s future with the Knicks. The scribe believes the franchise should be able to replace Rose with a prospect through the draft.
- Patrick Ewing recently agreed to become Georgetown’s head coach, but that may be the first stop on his way to becoming the coach of the Knicks, Berman writes in a separate piece. A source tells Berman that Ewing’s relationship with Knicks owner James Dolan is “fully repaired.”
- Berman notes (same piece) that Ewing had a chance to interview with the school 13 years ago. The Hall of Famer previously said that he didn’t “want to go back to college.”
- Rose’s injury is likely to limit his options in free agency, George Willis of the New York Post argues. If Rose hadn’t suffered his latest ailment, Willis believes he would have had several multiyear offers from teams around the league. As it stands, the former MVP may have to settle for a one-year deal.
Draft Notes: Simmons, Fultz, Fox, Evans
Kobi Simmons has declared for the draft and won’t return to Arizona, according to journalist Adam Zagoria (Twitter link).
“Kobi Simmons, with the support of his family, has decided to declare for the 2017 NBA Draft,” Wildcats coach Sean Miller said. “All of us here at Arizona thank him for his freshman season and wish him continued success as he pursues his professional career.”
The 6’5″ guard hired Aaron Turner of Verus Team Management to be his agent, Jeff Goodman of ESPN.com tweets. Goodman adds that Simmons will work out for teams as a point guard. Jonathan Givony of Draft Express has Simmons as the 67th best prospect in the draft.
Here’s more on the upcoming draft:
- Markelle Fultz, who attended Tuesday’s Sixers game, wouldn’t mind playing for Philadelphia, Jordan Hall of Comcast Sportsnet relays. “I think it would be a great atmosphere, so it would be cool,” Fultz said of playing home games at the Sixers’ home arena. The former Washington guard, who said he believes he’ll be the first player to come off the board in June, added: “I always trust the process.”
- De’Aaron Fox has chosen an agent. He’ll be represented by Happy Walters of Catalyst Sports, Givony reports (Twitter link).
- Jawun Evans will be represented by ASM Sports, according to Michael Scotto of Basketball Insiders (Twitter link). Chad Ford of ESPN.com ranks the Oklahoma State product 37th among this year’s prospect.
- ASM has also signed Xavier’s Edmond Sumner and Clemson’s Jaron Blossomgame, Daniels reports (Twitter link).
- Fred Sims of Chicago State has declared for the draft, Goodman reports (Twitter link). Sims is currently not ranked by Draft Express.
Nuggets Notes: Mudiay, Hibbert, Roberson
The Nuggets like what they see out of Emmanuel Mudiay since he’s re-entered the rotation, Nick Kosmider of The Denver Post writes. “He’s worked very hard since he’s been taken out of that rotation. He has a lot of confidence and he should. He’s played good basketball for us at times,” coach Mike Malone said. Mudiay, who was the No.7 overall pick in the 2015 draft, was rumored to be available at the trade deadline.
In a separate piece, Kosmider answers numerous questions about the Nuggets’ future. Here are the highlights from that piece:
- Kosmider explains why the Nuggets traded for Roy Hibbert. Denver was under the salary floor and Hibbert’s $5MM deal moved the team closer to it. The scribe adds that if the franchise somehow makes the playoffs, Hibbert could be useful in certain situations.
- The Nuggets’ biggest needs are perimeter defense and rim protection, Kosmider writes. The scribe believes Andre Roberson, who will be a restricted free agent, could be a player to watch.
- While Portland appears to have won the Jusuf Nurkic–Mason Plumlee swap, it doesn’t mean the Nuggets made a bad trade, Kosmider argues. Nurkic wouldn’t have started with Nikola Jokic on the team and he wouldn’t have been happy coming off the bench. Plumlee is more a facilitator and he’s better suited to run with the second unit.
- Denver won’t move veterans for the sake of opening up playing time for its younger players, Kosmider cautions. The Nuggets will enter next season expecting to make the playoffs, though they are expected to listen to offers on their older players this summer.
Justin Patton To Enter Draft
Creighton’s Justin Patton will enter the 2017 draft and hire an agent, sources tell Adrian Wojnarowski of The Vertical. Patton has signed with ASM Sports, Evan Daniels of Scouts.com tweets.
Wojnarowski hears from multiple NBA executives that Patton could be a top-10 pick. He’s the 17th best prospect according to Jonathan Givony of Draft Express, while Chad Ford of ESPN.com has him as 18th.
Ford calls Patton a “major work in progress” in his latest mock draft. He has the Blazers nabbing the freshman with the No.18 overall pick.
Patton averaged 12.9 points, 6.2 rebounds and 1.4 blocks per game. The big man sported a 25.3 player efficiency rating.
Fantasy Hoops: Richardson, Frye, Lowry, Durant
Congratulations to those of you still competing in the championship round of your league! Hoops Rumors aims to help you bring home the crown. For those of you who are not as fortunate, we want to help you dominate in the daily fantasy realm. Here are some fantasy notes and analysis from around the league:
- Josh Richardson has seen his value rise while Dion Waiters sits on the sideline. He’s a nice streaming option for those season-long owners looking for blocks and steals, as he’s snatched 1.4 steals and swatted 1.6 shots per contest since Waiters went down. His price in daily is starting to creep up to his value, but he’s still a decent tournament play.
- Tristan Thompson will miss the next couple games with a sprained thumb. Channing Frye will start in his place and becomes a valuable cheap option in daily.
- Over the last 10 games, the Suns have given up 26.5 points per game to opposing point guards, which is the most in the league. Over that stretch, Phoenix has also allowed the highest field goal percentage to the position. Phoenix takes on Stephen Curry tonight and Russell Westbrook on Friday. Both players are worth the price tag in fantasy.
- The Sixers have placed minutes restrictions on another player. Dario Saric, who is dealing with plantar fasciitis, will be limited to 24 minutes per night down the stretch. You’re still playing him in season-long leagues, but he’s a risky play in daily fantasy.
- Kyle Lowry is suiting up tonight for the Raptors after missing time with a wrist injury. He’s playable for those still in the fantasy playoffs, but may not be the best play in daily until we see what kind of minutes/role he’s handed.
- I don’t expect Kevin Durant to return good value in daily fantasy when he returns to the court from his knee injury. That is until at least playoff time. He’s expected to play on Saturday, but he’ll be on a minutes restriction. Take a wait-and-see approach with him.
Fantasy questions? Take to the comment section below or tweet me at @CW_Crouse.
Statistics are current through Wednesday afternoon.
Kyle Lowry Returns To Court For Raptors
Kyle Lowry will suit up for the Raptors in their game against the Pistons tonight and he’ll do so without any minutes restriction, according to Michael Grange of Rogers Sportsnet (Twitter link). Lowry hasn’t played since the All-Star break because of a wrist injury.
The point guard did some light shooting earlier this week and at the time he said his goal was to be ready by playoff time. He told reporters that he still had pain in his wrist, but added that he wouldn’t need medical clearance to play.
“No no no. It’s me, Kyle Lowry, who’s going to clear me. That’s who’s going to clear me,” Lowry said.
Lowry was playing exceptional basketball prior to being sidelined, as I detailed in an early season edition of Fantasy Hoops. The 3-time All-Star was averaging 22.8 points, 6.9 assists, and 4.8 rebounds per game while shooting 41.7% from behind the arc on nearly eight attempts per contest. He was also sporting a career-high 23.0 player efficiency rating and had true shooting percentage of 62.4%, which is also the best in his career.