Weekly Mailbag: 10/2/17 – 10/8/17

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.

How do you expect Rajon Rondo and Jrue Holiday to fit in with Anthony Davis and DeMarcus Cousins this year? — Leonard Carollo 

On paper, it seems like an odd pairing as neither Rondo or Holiday is a prolific outside shooter who can provide spacing for the All-Star big men. Also, Rondo is 6’1″ and Holiday is 6’3″, so that gives the Pelicans a small backcourt that invites post-ups by opposing guards. On the other hand, Rondo and Cousins developed a chemistry during their season together in Sacramento in 2015/16, with Rondo leading the league in assists and Cousins averaging 26.9 points per game. New Orleans certainly elevated its talent level over the summer, but may need to find another shooter or two to contend for a playoff spot.

Cedi Osman seems like a star for Turkey. Do you think he’ll be a major contributor for the Cavaliers this season or just warm the bench? — Greg Dizon

Osman may have a bright future in the NBA, but the Cavs are built to contend for a title and there won’t be many minutes for any rookie, even a 22-year-old with extensive international experience. Cleveland sees Osman as part of its future. Former GM David Griffin acquired his rights in the 2015 deal that sent Tyus Jones to Minnesota, and the Cavs decided to dedicate a roster spot to Osman by giving him a three-year deal in July. But LeBron James in place at small forward and Jeff Green was signed over the summer, so Osman may have to go to the G League to get playing time.

James Young got waived by the Bucks this week. Can his NBA career really be over at age 22? — Jerry, via Twitter

Young came into Milwaukee’s camp as a long shot to earn a roster spot, so it’s not surprising that he was released. He cleared waivers Saturday and will be eligible to join the Bucks’ G League affiliate, which is going to have to be his path back to the NBA. It’s a shocking fall for someone who was highly regarded when the Celtics made him the 17th pick in the 2014 draft. He never found a comfortable role in Boston, and there were questions about his attitude and work ethic during his two seasons there. Young has a lot to prove in the G League before the Bucks or anyone else will give him another chance.

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