Warriors GM Talks Draymond Green, Steve Kerr, Jerry West
The Warriors are set to face the Cavaliers in Game 2 of the NBA Finals tomorrow night, which could be the team’s 14th straight postseason game without head coach Steve Kerr. Kerr has not been able to be on the sidelines due to chronic back pain stemming from 2015 surgery. To this point, Kerr’s empty seat has been filled admirably by assistant coach Mike Brown, who has led Golden State throughout the postseason.
Warriors general manager Bob Myers spoke to reporters, including San Jose Mercury News’ Tim Kawakami, to discuss several topics, Kerr included. Myers indicated there’s no pressure on Kerr to return this postseason.
“No, it’s kind of been, ‘I’ll tell you when I feel like I’m there.’ But it’s not… I’ve been very respectful… People have asked, ‘Are you guys pressuring…?’ There’s no pressure here,” Myers said about Kerr’s return. “When that day comes, and he says I’m ready, I think we’ll say go coach.” It has been reported that Kerr could be good to go for Game 2 but the team, and Kerr, are taking it on a game-by game basis. “The way we’re choosing to do it is, give him as much time as he needs. If he gets to that point in time, we’ll deal with it then,” he added.
Aside from Kerr, another person with the Warriors who has received attention is NBA legend and Warriors executive Jerry West, who has received interest from the Clippers for a front office position. Myers confirmed that West has permission to speak with other teams and that Golden State will not stand in his way. Yeah. Jerry does what Jerry wants to do. Who are we to deny Jerry permission?” Meyers said.
Finally, Draymond Green — despite a subpar Game 1 — will be a vital part for the team if the Warriors hope to secure their second title in three years. Green was suspended for Game 5 of last year’s finals, allowing the Cavaliers to win the final two games and the series. Myers does not want Green — who is notorious for racking up technical fouls — to change his game but he smart with his decision.
“He hasn’t lost any of the intensity and he hasn’t lost his edge,” Myers said. “That’s the hardest challenge, when you have that type of emotion, is to channel it. And he’s really been able to do it.”
Hawks GM Talks New Role, Howard, Championships
Travis Schlenk, who joined Atlanta’s front office as the team’s GM last week, faces several challenges as he looks to turn the Hawks into a championship contender, as ESPN.com details. One of Schlenk’s top priorities will be re-signing Paul Millsap. Another one of his objectives is to make it work with current coach Mike Budenholzer, who previously served as the Hawks team president.
“I have no reason to believe that there’ll be any issues with coach and I,” Schlenk said. “I’m here to help him. It’s a partnership. We’re in this together. I can’t be successful in my job if he’s not successful in his job. I think we’re going to have a very strong working relationship.”
Schlenk added that Dwight Howard remains in the team’s future and he plans to sit down with him. “I don’t judge people on what I hear. I judge people when I have a chance to sit down and talk to them. But he’s one of the most productive big guys in the league, so he’s important to us,” the GM added.
Before joining the Hawks, Schlenk helped build the current Warriors team in Golden State’s front office. He hopes to put Atlanta in that kind of position.
“We want to build a championship-quality team that’s sustainable,” he said. “We want to be in the conversation every year as a franchise than can compete for a championship.”
Five Key Stories: 5/27/17 – 6/3/17
Here are some of the biggest stories from the last week at Hoops Rumors:
Danilo Gallinari will decline his player option and become a free agent. The Nuggets have strong interest in bringing Gallo back and the small forward remains open to the opportunity. Gallinari would have made $16.1 MM next season had he exercised his option.
Dion Waiters will decline his player option, becoming a free agent. In declining his option, Waiters will turn down $3.2MM next season to stay with the Heat. During the 2016/17 campaign, the former Syracuse guard averaged 15.8 PPG to go with career highs of 4.3 APG and 3.3 RPG.
C.J. Miles will opt out of his contract with the Pacers and become a free agent. In opting out, the veteran is turning down approximately $4.77MM in search of a more lucrative deal. Last season, Miles sunk a career-best 41.3% of his field-goal attempts from three-point territory.
The NBA and the players’ union have formally ruled that Chris Bosh‘s blood clotting condition is career-ending. The Heat are expected to waive Bosh shortly now that the logistics are finalized. Although it won’t count towards the Heat’s payroll, the power forward will still receive the remaining portion of his contract. If Bosh were to pursue an NBA comeback, he would need to present compelling medical evidence to the league that it is reasonably safe for him to play.
The Clippers remain the “overwhelming favorite” to land Chris Paul. Despite the Clippers‘ status as the apparent leader on the market, Paul’s interest in the Spurs is serious. Adrian Wojnarowski gives the Clips a significant advantage because of the extra money they can offer and Paul’s significant continuing marketing opportunities in Los Angeles. Woj also contends that the Spurs would need to gut their payroll to sign Paul and such a move is unprecedented within their organization.
Ten More Stories
- Dewayne Dedmon will decline his player option with the Spurs and become a free agent.
- Other transactions this week include Willie Reed planning to opt out and the Kings waiving Anthony Tolliver.
- Does Carmelo Anthony want to remain with the Knicks? Former teammates J.R. Smith and Iman Shumpert are he convinced that he does.
- Nine-year NBA veteran Emeka Okafor has been medically cleared and is poised to return to the league.
- The Heat have purchased controlling interest in their D-League affiliate, the Sioux Falls Skyforce.
- There is “some optimism” that Steve Kerr could coach Golden State in Game 2 of the Finals.
- What is the latest on the Bucks‘ GM search?
- Lonzo Ball has an individual workout and meeting scheduled with the Lakers.
- The Clippers are interested in luring Jerry West from the Warriors.
- Kevin Durant is open to re-signing with Golden State for less than the max.
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.