Atlantic Notes: Ball, Sixers, Rubio, Knicks
76ers adviser Jerry Colangelo said Friday that the people surrounding Lonzo Ball present challenges for teams heading into the draft, per ESPN.com. However, Colangelo is still high on Ball, the player:
“I think Ball is a terrific prospect and could have an outstanding NBA future,” Colangelo told the Carlin and Reese radio show on 94 WIP. “I think it’s going to be challenging with the people around him, without being specific. And yet, I don’t think teams should bypass the player because they have those concerns. At the end of the day, what wins in this league is talent, and this is a very talented young man.”
Here are some other choice tidbits from the Atlantic division:
- In an interesting must-read column, Jessica Camerato of CSNPhilly.com argues that the 76ers should emulate the 2013/14 Cavaliers.
- The Sixers have parted ways with their director of applied analytics, Lance Pearson, writes Keith Pompey of Philly.com. The holdover from Sam Hinkie‘s staff had worked for the team for the past four seasons.
- Ian Begley of ESPN.com is reporting that some members of the Knicks organization remain interested in pursuing a trade for Ricky Rubio.
- Melo Trimble will work out for the 76ers on Monday, reports Keith Pompey of Philly.com.
- Jonathan Isaac recently worked out for the Celtics against Louisiana Tech forward Erik McCree, Kevin O’Connor of The Ringer reported Friday (link via Twitter).
Justise Winslow A Month Away From Return
Heat small forward Justise Winslow will need another month before he can fully return from shoulder surgery, reports Ira Winderman of The South Florida Sun Sentinel (link via Twitter). Winslow’s second NBA season was limited to just 18 games due to the injury. The former Duke Blue Devil started 15 of those contests, posting well-rounded averages of 10.9 PPG, 5.2 RPG, 3.7 APG, and 1.4 SPG.
Winderman also tweets (link via Twitter) that Winslow is prioritizing improving his shooting mechanics.
Central Notes: D. Griffin, Pistons, Pacers, Clarkson, Butler
Cavaliers GM David Griffin faces an uncertain future, writes Joe Drape of The New York Times in a well-written piece detailing the executive’s background, approach, and accomplishments. Griffin’s contract with the Cavs expires at the end of this month and, as Drape states, “[Dan] Gilbert is a hands-on owner who has a history of letting player and executive contracts run out before going to the negotiating table.”
Since being named the Cavs’ GM in May 2014, Griffin has lured LeBron James back to the team, traded for Kevin Love, acquired many vital role players, fired David Blatt as head coach, hired Tyronn Lue to replace him, and most importantly brought a championship to Cleveland. For all the recent interest in Griffin, the general manager wishes to maintain a low profile, text messaging regarding comment on the story: “I really appreciate the opportunity to reconsider but I am trying desperately to keep a low profile and my quotes being in something about me just makes me uncomfortable. Ownership wouldn’t appreciate either, I am sure.”
Here are some other stories you’ll want to check out from the Central division:
- The Pistons‘ openness to trading their 12th pick for a veteran does not surprise Keith Langlois of Pistons.com, but he cautions that any such trade would come with significant ripple effects.
- Point guard remains the Bulls‘ greatest need and Jordan Clarkson would provide an excellent fit, writes Mark Strotman of CSNChicago.com. Strotman cites a tweet from Jordan Schultz of The Huffington Post (link via Twitter) that the Lakers are actively seeking trade offers for their young guard.
- On Thursday night, Bulls star Jimmy Butler appeared as a guest on Jimmy Kimmel Live and was asked by the host why he is not coming to the Lakers, as relayed by CSNChicago.com. The small forward responded, “Because I love Chicago so very much. They took a chance at me in 2011 with the 30th pick so I’m forever grateful for that.”
- The Pacers will have several important decisions to make this offseason. In his mailbag, Scott Agness of VigilantSports.com addresses team-focused topics such as Monta Ellis‘ future, Rudy Gay‘s fit, and who the team should target in free agency.
- Justin Jackson of North Carolina will work out for the Pistons next week, reports Vincent Ellis of The Detroit Free Press (link via Twitter). As for the Pacers, the organization will hold a pre-draft workout on Monday, June 5th, featuring Bam Adebayo, Terrance Ferguson, Luke Kennard, London Perrantes, Ivan Rabb, and Davon Reed, per a press release from the Pacers’ official website.
Hoops Rumors Originals: 5/27/17 – 6/3/17
Every week, the Hoops Rumors writing team compiles original content to complement our news feed. Here are some of our favorite segments and features from the past seven days:
- Luke Adams provides NBA Maximum Salary Projections for 2017/18.
- We offer three more installments in our Five Offseason Questions series with the Lakers, Bucks, and 76ers.
- Luke Adams breaks down team’s specific salary cap landscapes with five more analyses in his Salary Cap Digest series: the Mavericks, Pelicans, Hornets, Pistons, and Nuggets. Find your favorite team’s entry here.
- Arthur Hill talks the likelihood of Kristaps Porzingis being traded, the Pistons‘ offseason plans, and Paul George rumors in his weekly Sunday mailbag. Submit your questions via Twitter (@HoopsRumors) or by sending us an email (hoopsrumorsmailbag@gmail.com).
- In his weekly Hoops Links roundup of interesting articles from around the blogosphere, Austin Kent shares pieces on Dwyane Wade as a sixth man in Chicago, Enes Kanter‘s mesmerizing geopolitical saga, the Lakers‘ foolish signing of Luol Deng last offseason, and more.
- Check out our free Trade Rumors app available for IOS and Android.
- Here are the questions we asked you in our Community Shootaround discussions and polls this week:
- What do you think about the NBA’s age limit?
- Where will Blake Griffin sign this offseason?
- Are Chris Paul and the Spurs a match made in basketball heaven or does it make more sense for the point god to stick with the Clippers?
- We held a community shootaround asking which team will win the NBA Finals. Then we followed up with a poll. As of press time, more than 60 percent of voters predicted the Warriors to emerge victorious.
- Which of the NBA Finals teams has a brighter future?
- Should the Warriors trade Klay Thompson and what kind of return would he command?
Community Shootaround: Klay Thompson’s Struggles
The Warriors blew out the Cavaliers in Game 1 of the NBA Finals, and received little offensive help from sharpshooter Klay Thompson. Thompson posted just six points on 3-of-16 shooting as teammates Kevin Durant (38 points) and Stephen Curry (28 points) picked up the slack. Despite his shooting, Thompson’s impact was felt on on the defensive side of the ball.
Thompson’s defense on LeBron James, J.R. Smith, and Kevin Love helped Golden State in its 113-91 win, entering Sunday’s Game 2 with an early series lead. However, Thompson’s struggles with shooting in the playoffs have been evident; one half of the Splash Brothers is shooting 36.6 percent from the field, 33.8 percent from beyond the arc, and hasn’t posted a 20-point game since Game 4 of the Semifinals against the Jazz on May 8. The reason could be a prolonged slump or it could be the addition of Durant disrupting his role on offense. Either way, Dennis Chambers of Basketball Insiders feels that the 76ers should pursue the 27-year-old shooting guard.
During a recent interview on Philadelphia ESPN radio affiliate, 97.5 The Fantatic, Thompson’s father and former first overall pick Mychal Thompson spoke highly of the Sixers’ evolving core.
“Yes, [former general manager] Sam Hinkie was right,” Thompson told host Mike Missanelli. “The talent that he amassed there with Ben [Simmons] and Joel [Embiid], as long as those two guys stay healthy Philadelphia is the team of the future in the Eastern Conference. No doubt about that. They’re going to be better than Washington, better than Atlanta, better than Toronto. Love that roster that you have there in Philly right now.”
The elder Thompson also added that Philadelphia is “one shooter” away from being a complete team, mentioning soon-to-be free agent J.J. Redick as a target. However, Redick is 32 years old and is closer to the end of his prime whereas Thompson is in the midst of his. Thompson is no stranger to trade rumors as his name was connected to a possible Love deal years ago before the Cavaliers — the Warriors’ opponent in the NBA Finals the last three years — snagged the talented big man. Thompson told Tim Bontemps of the Washington Post last January how much those rumors motivated him.
“A little bit. I was very happy. But I did take it as motivation,” Thompson said. “I had to prove they made the right decision. But I also look at the bright side of everything. It also meant that I’m wanted. It did motivate me to prove them right, and show them they made the right decision, and just keep working.”
For his part, Thompson enjoyed a strong regular season, posting 22.3 PPG while shooting .468 percent from the field and .414 percent from three. Any trade talks for Thompson with the 76ers would likely include the team’s third overall pick and other young assets.
That brings up a few questions: Is trading Thompson something the Warriors should explore this offseason? What should the team look to acquire in such a scenario? Could Kevin Durant‘s hefty salary in the future be a good reason to deal Thompson now?
Thunder Notes: Kanter, Free Agency, Three-Point Shooting
Thunder center Enes Kanter has been in headlines recently after he was detained in a Romanian airport, had his Turkish passport suspended, and had a warrant for his arrest issued in Turkey. On Friday, Kanter announced that his father, Mehmet, was arrested in his native country (link via Twitter).
Kanter has been outspoken against Turkey’s president Recep Tayyip Erdogan, calling him the “Hitler of our century” on multiple occasions. In a personal statement on his website, Kanter spoke about the severity of the situation and that his father’s arrest could be a prelude to other harsh action against Turkey’s people.
“My father is arrested because of my outspoken criticism of the ruling party. He may get tortured for simply being my family member,” Kanter wrote in the statement. “For a second please think and imagine, if something like this is happening to an NBA player, what is happening to the people with no voice or podium to speak on? There could be hundreds of thousands of people that are detained, tortured, or murdered that we are not hearing about.”
Kanter has stated that he has not spoken to his father in nearly two years; the Oklahoma City big supports Fethullah Gulen, a spiritual leader whom Turkey has blamed for an attempted military coup last year. Kanter also revealed last year his family disowned him due to his support of Gulen with his father apologizing “to the Turkish people and the president for having such a son.” This is a serious matter and one that will likely no be resolved anytime soon for Kanter.
- Brett Dawson of The Oklahoman writes that the Thunder should prioritize three-point shooting this offseason. OKC shot a league-worst 32.9 percent from the perimeter in the regular season and none of the team’s three best outside shooters (Alex Abrines, Jerami Grant and Doug McDermott) averaged 20 MPG. The key could be to give the Thunder’s best perimeter shooters more playing time next season and add better shooters, which would give Russell Westbrook a bigger arsenal of passing targets.
- Erik Horne of The Oklahoman writes that the internet and evolving culture in the NBA makes free agency less of a sure thing for teams. Horne notes that neither Golden State or Cleveland was able to attract mega free agents before Kevin Durant and LeBron James in recent years; Horne quotes Chris Webber who claims that teams with the reputation of being great destinations are no longer that way because of how players communicate. With free agency about a month ago, it will be key to watch how a smaller market team like the Thunder operate in a changing market.
Knicks Notes: Rubio, Anthony, Oakley
A majority of the past few months has fixated on the Knicks‘ interest Ricky Rubio and several people in the organization want the team to continue pursuing the point guard, ESPN’s Ian Begley writes. Rubio, who will turn 27 in October, was linked to New York up until the trade deadline this past regular season, when a Derrick Rose-for-Rubio swap nearly completed.
Rubio enjoyed arguably his best season ever, posting career-highs in PPG (11.1), APG (9.1), and field goal percentage (40.2 percent) through 75 games. However, Timberwolves head coach Tom Thibodeau has indicated that the team views 2016 draft pick Kris Dunn as a mainstay at point guard. Begley reported last month that the Timberwolves view the aforementioned Rose as a target in free agency, which would displace Rubio and make a trade more likely.
The Knicks — who own the eighth overall pick in the 2017 NBA Draft — are also currently in talks with the Trail Blazers about potentially acquiring another first-round pick. So whether it’s Rubio or the draft, the Knicks figure to be one of the most active teams in free agency and the trade market this offseason.
- In a separate piece for ESPN, Begley examines how Carmelo Anthony‘s $8.1 MM trade kicker impacts his value this offseason. The kicker would have different ramifications if he’s dealt on or before certain dates. If Anthony is traded before June 30, the kicker can be spread out over the 2016/17 and 2017/18 seasons; if he’s traded before July 1, it’s spread out over two seasons; if he’s traded after July 1, the entire kicker is factored into his 2017/18 salary. Begley’s thorough examination also includes information on how several potentially interested teams would need to free up salary to accommodate the 10-time All-Star.
- Knicks legend Charles Oakley appeared in Manhattan Criminal Court yesterday and rejected a deal to drop charges stemming from a February 8 incident at Madison Square Garden. Once again from Begley, Oakley’s trial date was set for August 4; he was hit with five charges after a physical run-in with MSG security, including two misdemeanors of assault, two misdemeanors of harassment and one misdemeanor of trespassing. Oakley, who played in New York a decade, has historically had a bad relationship with team owner James Dolan, who Oakley accused of unfairly kicking him out of The Garden.
Community Shootaround: Re-evaluating The NBA’s Age Limit
As we wrote about earlier today, Adam Silver has an interest in raising the NBA’s age limit from 19 to 20. The commissioner says that the current system in place hasn’t done enough to adequately prepare prospects for life in the pros considering how many simply use the NCAA as a one-and-done launchpad for the NBA Draft.
The player’s union, however, is opposed to the age limit just as they were when the original was implemented over 10 years ago. Doing so restricts young players from dictating when and how they begin careers even though they’re legally old enough to vote or enlist in the army.
Essentially, the two parties have every reason to disagree but sooner or later they’ll have to agree on something. If this is a battle that Silver ultimately wins, we could see players waiting two years before declaring for the draft. The question is, would that be any better? Would student athletes end up being significantly more motivated to see their college programs through to completion if they’ve already logged two years as opposed to just one?
Alternatively, it’s hard not to empathize with the player’s union when they talk about players running the risk of injuring themselves in college and jeopardizing million-dollar careers all because of an arbitrary decision that some young prospects aren’t prepared enough to succeed in the pros.
A compromise would be ideal but it’s hard to gauge what that may look like. Rick Bonnell of the Charlotte Observer recently suggested that the league could follow Major League Baseball’s lead and let players choose one of two paths. On one hand players could opt to jump straight out of high school, on the other they could commit to playing at least two seasons of college ball if they choose to accept an NCAA scholarship.
What do you think about all of the options presented? Are there any other compromises that could give all parties what they want?
Weigh in with the comments section below!
Wizards Notes: Oubre Jr., Frontcourt, Draft
Second-year Wizards guard Kelly Oubre Jr. underwent platelet-rich plasma injections in his right knee today, Candace Bucker of the Washington Post reports. As a result, he won’t return to basketball activities until later this summer and even when he is cleared to play, he’s expected to sit out of July’s summer league.
Oubre Jr. was plagued by lingering knee issues for a number of weeks but didn’t miss any games due to the injury during the regular season or postseason.
PRP injections have gained in popularity around the league of late with Isaiah Thomas, D’Angelo Russell and Reggie Jackson all undergoing the procedure with mixed results in 2016/17 alone. Per Buckner, the goal of the procedure is to promote healing by injecting the patient’s blood into the injured area.
There’s more from the Wizards:
- There are a number of eligible frontcourt alternatives that the Wizards could pursue should they decide to part ways with Marcin Gortat and Ian Mahinmi, including a pair of bigs who plied their trade for playoff contenders in 2016/17. J. Michael of CSN Mid-Atlantic discusses what players like Dewayne Dedmon and Kelly Olynyk could bring to the table.
- Expect the implementation of two-way contracts to impact how teams like the Wizards draft players, J. Michael of CSN Mid-Atlantic writes in a separate feature. With the new collective bargaining agreement, teams will be able to sign two players in addition to the usual 15 and those players will be able to bounce back and forth between their big league clubs and their Gatorade League affiliates.
- The Wizards are actively seeking a reliable backup point guard for John Wall, Candace Buckner of the Washington Post writes in a separate article, after trialing a number of options in a carousal of options in 2016/17. The club has been busy auditioning shooters ahead of this month’s draft.
Dion Waiters To Decline Player Option
As expected, Dion Waiters intends to opt out of his 2017/18 player option, league sources tell Chris Haynes of ESPN. That means the 25-year-old guard who saw a resurgence this season will forego the guaranteed $3.2MM he had lined up with the Heat in order to test the open market.
Considering that Waiters put forth his most complete season as a professional this year, he is expected to yield a significant pay raise. The fifth-year player posted career highs with 4.3 assists and 3.3 rebounds per game while adding 15.8 points per contest.
Given the role that Pat Riley and the Heat played in the rejuvenation of his career and the stellar run that saw Miami fly from a 11-30 start to a near-playoff berth, Waiters is said to have an interest in returning to South Beach.
Whether or not the Heat prioritize retaining his services, however, is yet to be determined with some acknowledging that the organization could instead pursue an established star with their cap space this summer.