Community Shootaround: Sixers Draft
What the Sixers decide to do with the No. 3 overall pick could shape the entire draft, as I suggested in the team’s offseason preview. While it’s not a forgone conclusion that Markelle Fultz and Lonzo Ball go in the top-2, counting on any other outcome would be unwise.
Philadelphia has a tough decision to make with No. 3 and that leads us to tonight’s topic: Assuming Fultz and Ball are off the board, what should the Sixers do with their first round pick?
Malik Monk seems like a great fit because of his outside shooting, though it’s likely that he’ll be available in the latter half of the top-10, so trading down may be the best maneuver. If the team stays put, Josh Jackson could be the selection because of his tremendous upside or team president Bryan Colangelo could opt for the explosive skill-set of De’Aaron Fox.
Jayson Tatum is arguably the most pro-ready player in the draft and he could step in from day one alongside Joel Embiid and Ben Simmons to form a special young nucleus. If the team intends on playing the 2016 No. 1 overall selection at the point guard spot, having a slasher with Tatum’s repertoire on the wing will only help his development.
Philly could go in multiple directions on draft night and we’re putting you on the clock in tonight’s community shootaround. Tell us what you would do with the No. 3 overall pick in the comment section below. We look forward to what you have to say!
Draft Notes: Mitchell, Hart, Cleveland
The Knicks will work out Donovan Mitchell, sources tell Ian Begley of ESPN.com (ESPN Now link). Begley notes that New York is “highly intrigued” by the Louisville product’s defensive ability and versatility. It was previously reported that the team is considering Mitchell as an option for the No.8 overall selection.
Here’s more on the upcoming draft:
- Josh Hart will work out for the Kings on Monday, James Ham of NBC Sports reports (Twitter link). Sacramento owns the No. 5, No.10, and No. 34 selections in the upcoming draft.
- Isaiah Briscoe has a workout with the Jazz today, Adam Zagoria of Zagsblog tweets. Zagoria adds that the Kentucky product will go through drills with the Lakers on Monday.
- Antonius Cleveland will work out for the Blazers on Monday before heading to Charlotte to work out for the Hornets on Tuesday, Begley adds (via a separate ESPN Now link). The Southeast Missouri star also plans on going through drills with the Celtics and Jazz later in the week. Begley notes that several NBA executives from teams with picks in the second round have been impressed with the combo guard.
- The Lakers worked out Tyler Lydon earlier today, Zagoria adds in a separate tweet.
Heat Notes: Hayward, Johnson, Draft
The Heat may be a threat to pry Gordon Hayward away from the Jazz, but adding the All-Star wing won’t be enough to propel Miami into the upper echelon of the Eastern Conference. The franchise will need to add other talent and Heat Hoops outlines how it could create upwards of $11MM in cap space after signing Hayward to a max deal.
The team would need to waive Wayne Ellington, Rodney McGruder, and Okaro White, and ideally, find a taker for Josh McRoberts on the trade market, though it’s more likely that the organization will have to use the stretch provision on the big man. Doing that while renouncing all of the team’s free agents will give the Heat enough cap room to bring in an impact player in the $10-11MM annual salary range.
Here’s more from Miami:
- The time to go after major free agents is now, Ira Winderman of the Sun Sentinel explains. The team has the cap space to offer someone a max deal, but with Tyler Johnson‘s deal on the books, it’ll be a more difficult feat next offseason. Johnson will make slightly over $5.88MM this season before making roughly $38.5MM over the following two seasons.
- Miami can’t afford to be patient and build through the draft since they will likely be without a pair of first-rounders over the next few seasons, Winderman notes in the same piece. The Heat will ship their 2019 first round pick to the Suns if it falls outside the top seven as well as their 2021 selection as a result of the Goran Dragic deal.
Northwest Notes: Miller, Jokic, Jazz, Brooks
After 17 years in the NBA, Nuggets forward Mike Miller isn’t ready to think about retirement, writes Mick Garry of the Argus [S.D.] Leader. Mitchell returned to his home state Saturday for an annual appearance at a basketball clinic and reflected on what it’s like to play professionally at age 37. “For me, it’s just a lot of fun – I enjoy playing,” Miller said. “I always will. My family still enjoys me playing, which is most important. So we’re going to keep going as long as we can. Every year is a new challenge and I enjoy those challenges. Until I quit, finding something to replace this will be hard.” Miller signed with Denver last summer, but appeared in just 20 games and averaged 7.6 minutes per night. His $3.5MM salary for next season won’t become guaranteed until July 12th.
There’s more from the Northwest Division:
- Miller believes Nikola Jokic‘s breakout season will give free agents a reason to come to Denver. In an interview posted on the Nuggets‘ website, Miller talked about the bright future the 22-year-old has in the league. “I think the good thing that we have right now is Joker is one of those guys that everyone in the league is starting to take heed to and understand who he is,” Miller said. “He’s one of those superstars, I think he’s going to be a superstar. I think you’ll see even more growth at the beginning of this next year, that everyone just wants to play with. He plays that style of basketball. I’ve compared him a lot to Marc and Pau Gasol, I think he’s a lot like that.”
- The Jazz have 11 players scheduled for workouts today, including UCLA big man T.J. Leaf, who is projected as a late first-rounder, relays Brandon Judd of The Deseret News. Joining Leaf at the second session will be Kentucky’s Dominique Hawkins, Central Michigan’s Marcus Keene, Louisiana Tech’s Erik McCree and Virginia Tech’s Zach LeDay. The first workout will feature Kentucky’s Isaiah Briscoe, Oregon’s Dylan Ennis, South Carolina’s P.J. Dozier, Kansas State’s Wesley Iwundu, Indiana’s Thomas Bryant and North Carolina’s Tony Bradley.
- Several players with NBA ties were among the 25 participants in Utah’s free agent mini-camp Friday and Saturday. Tyler Hansbrough, Lamar Patterson, Cleanthony Early and R.J. Hunter are the most recognizable names, and the complete list can be found on the Jazz website.
- Oregon’s Dillon Brooks, who worked out Saturday for the Trail Blazers, told Casey Holdahl of NBA.com that he can see a role for himself with the organization. “I got to watch Portland a lot, you get to see where you’d fit in,” Brooks said. “Especially with Portland, they’ve got two dominant guards and they need help with role players scoring. They get up and down, get into guys, it’s kind of like Oregon. The coach is kind of like [Oregon] Coach [Dana] Altman, they just let their guys play and go out there and try to compete and try to win games.”
Weekly Mailbag: 6/5/17 – 6/11/17
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. Here are this week’s inquiries:
Would a package of the No. 3 pick, Jahlil Okafor or Richaun Holmes, one of next year’s first-rounders and a couple second-rounders get Philly Klay Thompson? — Kevin Wisla
It’s a decent offer that might tempt some other franchise, but the Warriors aren’t going to break up the core of a team that is poised to be title favorites for the next five years. Thompson is only 27 and is under contract for about $17.8MM next season and nearly $19MM in 2018/19, a very good price for a three-time All-Star. Thompson’s shooting troubles early in the NBA Finals prompted some fans and media to start trade speculation, but he’s simply not leaving Golden State. A more realistic, and cheaper, target to fill the shooting guard slot would be Jordan Clarkson, who could become expendable if the Lakers draft another guard and is rumored to be available. The Sixers also have plenty of cash to make a run at Clippers free agent J.J. Redick this summer.
Do you think the Pistons will seek trade offers for Reggie Jackson or Andre Drummond or let Kentavious Caldwell-Pope accept a deal elsewhere to save cap space, or will they keep the roster together, but over the salary cap? — Barron Hudson
Word leaked Friday that Detroit once again plans to explore the trade value for Jackson and Drummond, who were both on the block in February. Jackson is coming off a disappointing year, and the Pistons played worse once he returned from an early-season knee injury. Coach/executive Stan Van Gundy has publicly questioned Drummond’s work ethic and said he needs to improve in several areas. Those aren’t the guys you want to build your team around, especially coming off a 37-45 season. The Pistons are committed to keeping Caldwell-Pope, a restricted free agent, and don’t have any cap room to replace him if he leaves. But they had better be prepared to make or match a max offer. There are plenty of teams with cap space [Brooklyn will be throwing money around again] and KCP is one of the best guards on the market.
Any NBA draft rumors starting to surface? Which player is most likely to fall in the draft? Which player is most likely to rise? Which team is most likely to trade up? Which team is most likely to trade down? — Matt Trapp
It may be another week or so before the rumors really start to take shape, as teams are in the middle of pre-draft workouts and still haven’t seen all the players they might be interested in. Duke’s Harry Giles is a name to watch in the late lottery, as someone may take a chance on a super talent with a history of knee problems, and teammate Luke Kennard could get chosen much higher than originally projected by a team that needs shooting help. As far as trade rumors, the Sixers don’t have a clear choice at No. 3 and the Kings at No. 5 are reportedly interested in trading up to get Kentucky point guard De’Aaron Fox, so that’s a situation to watch.
Bulls Hold Exit Meeting With Dwyane Wade
Dwyane Wade‘s exit meeting with the Bulls finally took place Saturday, relays K.C. Johnson of The Chicago Tribune. Wade talked briefly with management after the team was eliminated from the playoffs in late April, and both sides agreed to wait a few weeks for the official meeting.
A source told Johnson the meeting was “positive” and touched on several subjects, including the possible makeup of next year’s team.
Wade has a June 27th deadline to decide whether to opt out of his $23.8MM salary for next season. The Bulls haven’t put any pressure on Wade to make his choice earlier and are preparing for him to opt in, according to Johnson.
Wade said during the season that the prospects for the team would determine his future in Chicago, along with family and financial considerations. The Bulls rallied late in the year to finish 41-41 and claim the final playoff spot, but were eliminated in the first round by Boston.
Wade, who spent 13 years in Miami before signing with Chicago last summer, played 60 games during his first season with the Bulls, averaging 18.3 points per night.
Management held a similar meeting last week with Jimmy Butler, who has been the subject of on-and-off trade rumors over the past year. There is a feeling in Chicago that Wade will only return to the team if Butler stays.
“Jimmy is, you know, a huge component in me being here,” Wade said at an April 29th press conference. “You know, what’s his future like? But at the end of the day it is a me decision. Everyone knows that Jimmy’s my guy, and I’m here because of our conversation [last summer]. But a lot of it depends on the whole big picture. Jimmy’s a big piece, but it’s a big picture as an organization. As players, with player options, I want it smack dead in my face of how it’s gonna be, what their thought of my role or position could be here — all of it.”
Sixers Notes: Korkmaz, Colangelo, Leaf, Draft
Don’t count on seeing Furkan Korkmaz in a Sixers uniform next season, writes Derek Bodnar on his website. The 26th pick in last year’s draft, Korkmaz spent this season playing in Turkey and has a $2MM buyout to leave Anadolu Efes. He would probably spend most of next season in the D-League if he does join the Sixers, which may not be better for his development than another year overseas, plus it would take one year off his rookie contract and push him closer to free agency. The buyout is also an issue because it exceeds the $675K that the Sixers are permitted to pay, along with Korkmaz’s rookie contract of about $1.2MM. Unless Anadolu Efes is willing to renegotiate, Bodner believes Sixers fans will have to wait at least another year for Korkmaz.
There’s more this morning out of Philadelphia:
- The draft will present Bryan Colangelo with his most difficult decision since becoming the team’s president of basketball operations, writes Keith Pompey of The Philadelphia Inquirer. The Sixers hold the third selection, and there’s no obvious choice if Markelle Fultz and Lonzo Ball are the first two players taken. Duke’s Jayson Tatum would provide much-needed scoring, while Kentucky’s De’Aaron Fox would be a valuable point guard in case the team changes its mind about having Ben Simmons run the offense. Josh Jackson of Kansas and Malik Monk of Kentucky are also considered possibilities. Colangelo said he prefers athletic players with the versatility to handle multiple positions. “If it’s the vision of where we want to take this basketball team, again, talent versus fit is something that we clearly always look at,” he said. “But we’re a young team, the stage where we are. You can’t necessarily choose one or the other. Right now, what we’re looking at is a situation that again the group of players that are available to us at No. 3 is probably going to be able to address both with the same decision.”
- Georgetown guard L.J. Peak, who recently worked out for the Sixers, was a high school teammate of Jahlil Okafor, notes Jessica Camerato of CSNPhilly. They spent a year together at Whitney M. Young Magnet High School in Chicago, and Peak would like to team up again. He is considered a late second-round pick at best, and Philadelphia holds choices No. 36, 39, 46 and 50.
- The Sixers aren’t likely to keep all of their second-rounders, Camerato writes in a separate piece. They already have eight players under contract for next season and will be looking for draft-and-stash opportunities if they can’t unload some of the picks.
Draft Notes: Tatum, Kennard, Jefferson, Allen
Duke’s Jayson Tatum worked out today in Los Angeles for the Suns, who will give him strong consideration with their No. 4 pick, writes Doug Haller of The Arizona Republic. The 6’8″ forward may be the most offensively talented player in the draft, but he has shortcomings on defense, which is the prime concern in Phoenix. Still, he is ranked fourth or fifth in most mock drafts and could easily wind up in a Suns uniform.
There’s more news from a busy day of draft workouts:
- Duke’s Luke Kennard wants teams to think of him as more than just a shooter. In a video posted on The Detroit News website, Kennard tells reporters he can handle the ball and has the physical strength to play in the NBA. He worked out for the Pistons today and has upcoming sessions with the Magic, Knicks, Mavericks and Hornets.
- Duke teammate Amile Jefferson is going through a workout marathon, relays Rick Bonnell of The Charlotte Observer. Jefferson, who was part of a six-player session with the Hornets today, hopes to work out for about half the league’s 30 teams before draft day. “I love every minute of it,” Jefferson said. “This is the only chance you get to do something like this. From state to state, really introduce yourself and show off your talents to 15 or more teams in the NBA. I’m cherishing all these places. I’m really thankful for this opportunity.” He has also held workouts for the Timberwolves, Jazz, Knicks, Rockets and Nuggets, with six more on his schedule.
- Texas center Jarrett Allen, who worked out for the Kings today, is trying to develop a more consistent outside shot, relays Jason Jones of The Sacramento Bee. Allen watched Game 4 of the NBA Finals with team officials Friday night and said he enjoyed the laid-back atmosphere. “I like how they understand it’s a really busy time,” Allen said, “so they’re just trying to get into a relaxed situation; it helps us out a lot more than people think.” Sacramento also held a six-player workout today with Joe Rahon of Saint Mary’s, Milton Doyle of Loyola, Matt Williams of Central Florida, Semi Ojeleye of SMU, RaShawn Thomas of Texas A&M Corpus Christi and Eric Mika of BYU. Zach Collins of Gonzaga is scheduled for a session on Sunday.
- Terrance Ferguson, who committed to Alabama and Arizona before playing last season in Australia, was among the players who worked out for the Trail Blazers today, relays Mike Richman of The Oregonian. He is considered to be a first-round talent who can contribute as a “3 and D” wing player. “Every NBA teams needs shooting,” he said. “…Shooting and a coachable player and defense. I think I can bring that to the table.” Ferguson has also worked out for the Lakers, Pacers, Bulls and Nuggets and has visits remaining with the Hornets, Heat, Pistons, Nets and Bucks.
Mavericks Notes: Nowitzki, Noel, Ntilikina, Isaac
The Mavericks’ best financial move may be to decline their option on Dirk Nowitzki, writes Eddie Sefko of The Dallas Morning News. Nowitzki agreed to a two-year deal last summer that pays him $25MM each season. Dallas has until June 29th to either pick up his salary for 2017/18 or renounce him and try to fit his new deal under the team’s cap. By opting out, the Mavericks could extend Nowitzki’s contract for another season, again with an option, and create more financial flexibility to re-sign Nerlens Noel. Nowitzki has been willing in the past to adjust his contract to help the team, and would almost certainly play along with any new scenario, Sefko adds.
There’s more news out of Dallas:
- Stuck behind the Knicks in the draft is the worst place for the Mavericks to be, Sefko contends in a separate story. Both teams need help at point guard in a class that’s loaded with them, but Markelle Fultz, Lonzo Ball and De’Aaron Fox are expected to go early, and the Knicks are in front of the Mavs to take the best one left on the board. Even if Dallas grabs a point guard on draft day, the team still may pursue a veteran such as Jrue Holiday, Jeff Teague or George Hill in free agency. If two new point guards join the roster, it will probably signal the end in Dallas for Devin Harris, who has one year left on his contract at about $4.4MM.
- Dallas sent a large contingent, including owner Mark Cuban, to Italy today to meet with French point guard Frank Ntilikina, relays Marc Berman of The New York Post. Ntilikina didn’t work out for the group, and probably won’t get to, as his Strasbourg team is in the French League final, which could last until the day before the draft. Several NBA teams have representatives in Italy for the youth Adidas Eurocamp, Berman notes, but Ntilikina met only with the Mavericks. Knicks GM Steve Mills traveled to France last month for a first-hand look at Ntilikina, and the team’s former European scout, Tim Shea, is convinced that he’s ready for the NBA. “If he was coming now [for pre-draft workouts], the Knicks aren’t going to get him,’’ Shea said. “He’d have a good showing and might be a top-seven pick. He’ll still be top 10. He’s 18 and has a man’s body now.’’
- If the Mavs can’t get the point guard they want at No. 9, they should opt for Florida State’s Jonathan Isaac, says Matt Mosley of The Dallas Morning News.
Community Shootaround: New Policy On Resting Players
The NBA is ready to address the issue of healthy stars sitting out games during the regular season.
Commissioner Adam Silver held a conference call Friday with the league’s competition committee, developing guidelines to deal with the topic, relays ESPN.com. He plans to “strongly recommend” that teams rest their stars only during home games, with a limit of one per contest.
In theory, this will eliminate the problem of fans in cities where LeBron James or Stephen Curry plays once or twice a year missing out on seeing the stars in action after paying top dollar for tickets.
“Where we’re heading is the adoption of guidelines that will be in place for next season which will strongly recommend that the extent they rest, they rest at home, and teams also not rest multiple starters on the same night,” Silver said. “Let’s see how that plays out.
“I’m reluctant to get into the business of directing these great coaches on minutes. As you know, players are often injured during the season, not to the point where they otherwise can’t play but maybe shouldn’t play. Then it’s a function of league doctors versus team doctors on how healthy a player is and whether it’s appropriate a player should be on the floor that night.
“I’d like to come up with a system that relies on the good faith of our teams that to the extent rest is necessary — and it is on occasion — that it’s done in an appropriate [manner] but the league executives are not dictating to coaches and GMs precisely what games their players should or shouldn’t be playing in.”
It’s a problem unique to the NBA. The series nature of baseball means no one objects when a player gets a night off. NFL players never skip games with they’re healthy, unless it’s a meaningless one at the end of the season. NHL players have a tough-guy code and most wouldn’t think of sitting out a game just for rest.
But it’s an issue in pro basketball, as teams worry about being healthy and fresh for the playoffs.
We want to know what you think of Silver’s new guidelines. Do they go far enough? Do you believe the league will enforce them? Or is this really a problem at all?
Please share your opinion in the comments section. We look forward to what you have to say.