Atlantic Notes: Okafor, Crabbe, Casey, Celtics
The Nets‘ acquisition of Jahlil Okafor signaled a change of scenery for a talented yet displaced player. With 24 games left in the season, however, the Nets seem to be wasting their opportunity to audition Okafor as a potential long-term commodity, Brian Lewis of the New York Post writes.
Since being traded to Brooklyn, Okafor has appeared in 22 games while averaging 6.2 PPG and 3.0 PPG. Okafor’s playing time has been inconsistent, which makes it difficult to assess both his value and interest in retaining him beyond this season.
“Getting on the floor is very important,” Okafor said. “As a basketball player we all want to be on the court. My minutes have been fluctuating up and down, but the coaches say it’s nothing on my end.”
Head coach Kenny Atkinson noted that the team feels comfortable with 19-year-old Jarrett Allen playing at power forward with Okafor at center. As it stands, the team will have a decision to make in terms of Okafor’s playing time and future.
Check out other notes from the Atlantic Division:
- Nets shooting guard Allen Crabbe has been on a tear, averaging 25.3 PPG and 5.5 RPG over the team’s last four games. It has taken a while but Crabbe is finally playing and scoring the way the Nets hoped he would, Brian Lewis of the New York Post relays.
- Dwane Casey is headed to Los Angeles to coach Team LeBron this weekend, but his proudest accomplishment is entering the break with the Raptors wielding the best record in the Eastern Conference. Despite the improvements the franchise has enjoyed under Casey, there always seems to be a perception that the Raptors head coach is on the hot seat, Chris Mannix of Yahoo! Sports writes.
- After a rough stretch in which they’ve lost nine of their last 15 games, the Celtics may explore changing their lineup after the All-Star break, Chris Forsberg of ESPN writes.
Knicks Notes: Jack, Ntilikina, PGs, Hornacek
When the Knicks return from the All-Star break, their backcourt rotation may look a little different, according to Stefan Bondy of The New York Daily News. As Bondy details, Jarrett Jack has been New York’s starting point guard for 56 of the team’s 59 games this season, but that figures to change in the coming weeks as the club focuses on developing its younger players.
While it’s not clear who will replace Jack in the starting lineup, or whether the veteran’s role will be altogether eliminated, head coach Jeff Hornacek said that the Knicks expect to give more minutes to some combination Frank Ntilikina, Emmanuel Mudiay, and Trey Burke — the club may even play two of those young point guards alongside one another at times, writes Bondy.
Getting Ntilikina more action at his natural point guard spot is also a priority for the Knicks, per Hornacek. “We don’t want (Ntilikina) to always be off the ball,” Hornacek said. “We want to play him on the ball. So that he continues to get that taste of the point guard position.”
As we wait to see what the Knicks’ new rotation looks like, here are a few more notes on the lottery-bound club:
- Within his post on the Knicks’ point guard plans, Bondy includes an interesting note on Jeff Hornacek, writing that it’s “hard to envision a scenario where he returns next season.” Bondy isn’t reporting outright that the Knicks are expected to make a coaching change, but it sure sounds like he thinks it’ll happen.
- The Knicks currently have the ninth-worst record in the NBA, and they’ll have a tough time passing many of the team’s above them in our Reverse Standings. Taking that into account, Marc Berman of The New York Post takes a closer look at a couple prospects who could be available at No. 9 for the Knicks: Villanova’s Mikal Bridges and Michigan State’s Miles Bridges.
- On Wednesday, we passed along the latest updates on the season-ending injuries suffered by Kristaps Porzingis and Ron Baker.
Poll: Who Will Win Three-Point Contest?
Stephen Curry, the NBA’s most renowned long-distance shooter, won’t be participating in this Saturday’s three-point contest in Los Angeles, but the last two winners of the event will be looking to bring home another three-point title.
Curry’s teammate Klay Thompson (.455 3PT%), the 2015/16 champion, is the favorite to come out on top in this year’s event, according to betting site Bovada.lv. Right behind him is Rockets guard Eric Gordon (.334), who will be looking to defend his three-point title after winning last year in New Orleans.
While Thompson and Gordon are the only former three-point contest winners in this year’s field, the group includes several noteworthy challengers. According to Bovada’s odds, Devin Booker (.383) and Paul George (.432) are the next most likely to take home the crown, followed by Southeast sharpshooters Wayne Ellington (.387) and Bradley Beal (.370).
Bovada gives the longest odds to Kyle Lowry (.389), who will be participating in the event for a third straight year, and to Tobias Harris (.402), a first-time participant.
Although Thompson, a former three-point champion who is currently the NBA’s leader in three-point percentage, looks like the best bet, the contest generally comes down to which players gets hot at the right time — and which one can sink his moneyballs.
What do you think? Who’s your pick for this year’s three-point contest winner?
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Key Dates, Deadlines For Rest Of NBA Season
The February 8 trade deadline was the most important in-season date for player movement during the 2017/18 NBA league year. It’s behind us now, but with less than two months left in the regular season, there are still several dates and deadlines worth keeping an eye on. Here are some of them:
February 28
- Last day for a player to renegotiate his contract during the 2017/18 league year.
Players who are eligible for veteran contract extensions have until June 30 to work out new deals with their teams. But if they hope to renegotiate a higher current-year salary as part of an extension, they’ll have to do so by February 28. Cap space is necessary for this maneuver, which is one reason why we rarely see it happen. Robert Covington renegotiated his contract with the Sixers earlier this season, but I don’t expect anyone else to do so before this month’s deadline.
March 1
- Last day a player can be waived by one team and remain eligible to appear in the postseason for another team.
As we noted in our glossary entry on contract buyouts this week, this deadline can sometimes create some confusion.
Players who change teams don’t have to sign with a new team by March 1 in order to be playoff-eligible — they simply have to be waived on or before March 1. A player released on or before March 1 could wait until the very last day of the regular season to sign with a new club, and he’d still retain his postseason eligibility. Anyone waived after March 1 won’t be playoff-eligible for a new team.
March 12
- Last day to use a disabled player exception.
The deadline for teams to use disabled player exceptions generally falls on March 10, but since that’s a Saturday this year, the deadline will be pushed back to Monday, the next business day.
The Celtics, Nets, and Pistons have already used their disabled player exceptions, but the Heat ($5.5MM), Clippers ($2.76MM), Jazz ($2.63MM), and Pelicans ($2.48MM) still have them available. Those DPEs can be used to sign a free agent to a rest-of-season contract, or to place a waiver claim on a player in the final year of his contract.
April 11
- Last day players can sign contracts for 2017/18.
- Last day two-way contracts can be converted to standard NBA contracts.
- Luxury tax penalties calculated based on payroll as of this day.
The last day of the regular season is an eventful one for both playoff and non-playoff teams. Players on two-way contracts aren’t eligible for the postseason, so if a playoff-bound club wants to get a two-way player on its 15-man postseason roster, this is the last day to do so.
For playoff and non-playoff teams alike, it’s not uncommon to sign a player to a non-guaranteed multiyear contract at season’s end. If a player were to sign a two-year contract on April 11 without any guaranteed money beyond this season, he’d receive a very modest prorated salary for 2017/18. Then his new team would have the option of waiving him at some point in the offseason before his 2018/19 salary becomes guaranteed.
As noted above, April 11 is also the cutoff for determining luxury tax penalties, so teams like the Cavaliers, Warriors, Thunder, and Wizards will have their bills calculated at this point.
Chris Bosh Still Hoping For NBA Comeback
1:03pm: ESPN has now posted a lengthier video of today’s First Take discussion with Bosh, which includes the former Heat and Raptors star addressing concerns about his health.
“Medicine is like law, I’ve come to find out,” Bosh said. “It’s a very gray area. Some people say yes, some people say no. Usually it’s about what the majority agrees to, and sometimes it’ll take somebody to have some revolutionary plan or something like that. I’m not going to be in a position where I’m risking my life, so if I ever get back on the court like that and people are worried, it’s not going to be a life-risking situation.”
Asked later in the discussion whether he hopes to make a comeback in 2018/19, Bosh said he hasn’t closed the door on returning this season. He also identified the Warriors, Rockets, and Raptors as teams that would interest him, and didn’t rule out the Cavaliers either.
11:57am: It has now been more than two years since Chris Bosh last played an NBA game, but the 11-time All-Star still hasn’t given up on the idea of resuming his playing career. Appearing on First Take (video link), Bosh told ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith today that he’s still making an effort to return to the NBA.
“I’ve been in the gym. I can still play basketball,” Bosh said. “No, I’m not done yet.”
Joking that he can’t call it a career when he sees how many current players are getting by shooting three-pointers and not playing defense, Bosh repeated a sentiment that he has expressed several times since his medical retirement. As recently as November, the former Heat star said he was keeping his options open as a player.
Although Bosh is still physically able to play basketball, concerns about his history of blood clots have made him medically ineligible to return to an NBA team. Doctors and teams have been unwilling to risk those blood clotting issues resurfacing.
Bosh last appeared in the NBA in 2015/16 for the Heat, averaging 19.1 PPG and 7.4 RPG in 53 games and earning an All-Star nod. He played his last game on February 9, 2016.
Cavs Notes: 2018/19 Roster, Gilbert, New Additions
During their first round of trade talks leading up to the deadline, the Cavaliers’ front office was opposed in some discussions to taking on future salary, multiple league executives tell Brian Windhorst of ESPN. However, the deals that Cleveland ultimately completed saw the team take on significant multiyear commitments — George Hill, Jordan Clarkson, and Larry Nance will earn a combined $33.77MM in 2018/19, while Rodney Hood will be in line for a raise via restricted free agency.
As Windhorst details, the Cavs’ overall team salary and projected tax payments for next season will hinge on whether Hood is re-signed and – of course – on whether LeBron James returns. But if the club brings back both of those players, its total bill for 2018/19 could exceed $300MM, according to Windhorst, whose projections include a $12MM salary for Hood and a $4.4MM salary for the player selected with the Nets’ pick, currently set to be No. 7.
A lot could change between now and next season — not only do we not know exactly what the Cavs’ roster will look like, but the salary cap and luxury tax lines for next season won’t be set until the summer. Still, there are certain scenarios in which Cleveland’s 2018/19 roster could be its most expensive squad yet.
Here’s more on the Cavs, including a couple more tidbits from Windhorst’s piece:
- As they evaluated the Cavs’ deadline deals, some rival executives believed that preparing for James’ departure was a motivating factor, says Windhorst. Keeping the Nets pick and taking on some younger talent that can be retained beyond 2017/18 set Cleveland up for LeBron’s possible departure, and ownership wouldn’t have to break the bank in that scenario. However, multiple Cavs executives insist that’s not Plan A, telling Windhorst that owner Dan Gilbert remains committed to paying the necessary cost to win.
- Following Cleveland’s Tuesday win over the Thunder, head coach Tyronn Lue told reporters, including ESPN’s Dave McMenamin, that the Cavs’ new additions have been better than he expected. “It’s changed our team, and we’re a lot faster,” Lue said. “Now I think we’ve got a chance to switch a lot of things with our size and our length. We can switch stuff defensively. I thought it would be a process; it’s still going to be a process. … But they exceeded my expectations.”
- James was a member of a “Big Three” for several years in Miami, then again in Cleveland. When they traded Kyrie Irving last offseason, the Cavaliers looked to acquire a player capable of slotting into a “Big Three” spot alongside LeBron and Kevin Love, but Isaiah Thomas didn’t live up to that billing. Now, as Joe Vardon of Cleveland.com writes, the Cavs’ latest moves have James adjusting to life without a Big Three.
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Five Free Agents To Watch Who Haven’t Played In NBA This Season
A number of veteran NBA players have hit the free agent market within the last week, with players like Tony Allen, Derrick Rose, and Josh McRoberts being cut by their respective teams. More players currently on NBA rosters could be released before March 1, resulting in a number of options for playoff teams looking for late-season and playoff reinforcements.
In addition to those recently-waived players, there’s also another group of veterans worth keeping an eye on as NBA teams consider their free agent options. These players haven’t played for an NBA team yet this season due to injuries or overseas commitments, but could become factors down the stretch.
While many players fall into this group, we’ll focus today on five of them:
- Ty Lawson, PG: Lawson had a four-year run for the Nuggets from 2011 to 2015 during which he averaged 16.4 PPG and 8.0 APG, looking like one of the league’s most underrated point guards. However, injuries and off-court issues derailed his career in 2015/16, when he split time between the Rockets and Pacers. After looking a little better last season in Sacramento, Lawson headed to China for the 2017/18 season, where he has averaged 25.8 PPG and 6.6 APG for the Shandong Golden Stars. Now, the 30-year-old is reportedly receiving serious consideration from the Wizards with John Wall and Tim Frazier sidelined. Lawson will require FIBA clearance before he can sign a new NBA contract.
- Brandon Jennings, PG: Like Lawson, Jennings played in China this year after putting up subpar numbers for his last couple NBA seasons. In Jennings’ case, the lingering effects of an Achilles injury contributed significantly to his struggles, though he says that injury is now behind him. The 28-year-old, who averaged 27.8 PPG, 6.8 APG, and 5.1 RPG this season for the Shanxi Brave Dragons, also says he’s open to a 10-day contract, and has signed a G League contract as he seeks out an NBA opportunity.
- Gerald Henderson, SG: The last real update we heard on Henderson came back in August, when a report indicated that he may miss the entire 2017/18 season due to hip surgery. Henderson is now six months removed from that procedure, and ESPN’s Bobby Marks writes that the veteran shooting guard has been cleared to play. While receiving medical clearance is obviously a huge step, it remains to be seen whether Henderson is back to 100%. If teams aren’t fully confident in his health, he may have to wait until the summer to sign his next contract. But if he’s good to go now, his .353 3PT% over the last two seasons should make him appealing to NBA teams.
- Boris Diaw, PF: An hour after last Thursday’s trade deadline passed, ESPN’s Tim MacMahon tweeted that Diaw’s camp had “touched base” with multiple playoff teams expressing interest. Diaw has been playing with French team Paris-Levallois this season, but his deal includes an NBA out that would allow him to return stateside for the right opportunity. Diaw has never put up huge numbers, particularly in recent years, but he’s the kind of savvy, playoff-tested veteran that would draw interest from postseason-bound NBA teams. For now though, the latest reports out of France suggest the 35-year-old will likely play out the 2017/18 season overseas.
- Derrick Williams, PF: A former second overall pick, Williams never lived up to his pre-draft hype, but it’s not as if he had zero value as an NBA player — he was a member of the Cavaliers team that went to the NBA Finals just over eight months ago, seeing his most recent NBA action in Game 4 of those Finals. Williams, who is still just 26 years old, played for China’s Tianjin Gold Lions this season, averaging 20.0 PPG and 6.6 RPG in 15 games. According to Marks, he’s expected to return to the U.S. in March once his CBA season ends.
Poll: All-NBA First Team Race
Perhaps one of the more underrated metrics in evaluating an NBA player’s legacy, an All-NBA First Team selection is generally reserved for the best of the best the NBA has to offer. Among current players, LeBron James is tied for first all-time with 11 All-NBA First Team selections, while Kevin Durant and Dwight Howard are tied for 19th all-time with five, and Dirk Nowitzki and Chris Paul are tied for 26th all-time with four.
Other current stars such as Stephen Curry, Kawhi Leonard, Anthony Davis, Dwyane Wade, and Russell Westbrook have two such selections, while MVP front-runner James Harden has three. Barring an injury, it sure looks like Harden will get his fourth this season to tie him with Nowitzki and new teammate Paul, as Harden is putting up 31.4 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 9.0 assists per game on a .449/.385/.866 shooting line, while leading the Rockets to a 44-13 record into the All-Star break.
Other prime candidates this season include the aforementioned James, Durant, Curry, Westbrook, and Davis, plus potential first-timers Giannis Antetokounmpo, Kyrie Irving, and Joel Embiid. Ultimately, the first team spot for center will probably come down to Embiid, Davis – who has made it once as a center and once as a forward – and Karl-Anthony Towns, while the forward position will likely come down to a choice of two amongst three candidates – James, Durant, and Antetokounmpo.
Meanwhile, in what generally has become the most difficult spot to make, only two guards can be selected to the All-NBA First Team. As mentioned previously, it is difficult to envision Harden being left off this season, leaving one spot for Curry, Westbrook, or Irving.
So what do you think? Is Harden a lock to make his fourth All-NBA First Team? Will a newcomer like Antetokounmpo receive a spot or will perennial stalwarts James and Durant lock him out? Vote in our poll below, and remember that you must vote for two guards, two forwards, and one center, and Davis can be voted as a forward or center.
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Southeast Notes: Wade, Vucevic, Isaac, Wizards
Despite a well-documented friendship, two championships won together as members of the Heat in 2012 and 2013, and having an integral role in bringing King James to Miami back in 2010, Dwyane Wade will not involve himself in the upcoming free agency of LeBron James, writes Ira Winderman of the Sun-Sentinel.
“No, I don’t have anything to do with it, none of that,” Wade said. “One thing I know is he makes his own decisions. So when we get to that point, hopefully he takes a good look at the place he’s at and gives that real consideration, and then goes from there. It’s his decision and I don’t want nothing to do with it at all.”
As part of his interview with ESPN’s Jorge Sedano, Wade also spoke on his time with the Cavaliers, saying that he is appreciative of General Manager Koby Altman for helping to facilitate his reunion with the Heat.
“As I texted the general manager, Koby, after everything went down, I thanked him for putting me in a good position and also told him, ‘You did one hell of a job to bring the guys that he brought into the organization,'” Wade said. “And it’s not anything negative against the guys that were there, but it just wasn’t working, it wasn’t fitting the way that a championship organization wants to see it fit. And they brought in some good pieces. And so, they’re happy, I’m happy.”
There’s more from the Southeast Division:
- In another piece for the Sun-Sentinel, Winderman reports that Wade will not be held out of back-to-back games as a matter of course as he was during his previous tenure with the Heat. In fact, Wade is active tonight against Philadelphia after playing 21 minutes in last night’s loss to Toronto.
- Out since December 23 after fracturing the metacarpal of his left index finger in a loss against Washington, Magic center Nikola Vucevic plans to return to the floor for Orlando’s first game back after the All-Star break – against New York on February 22 – reports Josh Robbins of the Orlando Sentinel. “I expect to be back against the Knicks, so I’ll stay in Orlando during the break and keep working on my game,” Vucevic said Monday night. “Then we’ll have two or three good practices before we play the Knicks, so I think it’ll be good for me to use that extra time to work more on my game.”
- Another injured Magic frontcourt player, rookie Jonathan Isaac, is looking to return soon as well, writes John Denton of NBA.com. Isaac, who has been out since Dec. 26 with recurring right ankle issues, has gained 11 pounds while on what the team called a rehabilitation and conditioning program.
- Faced with a slew of injuries at the point guard position, the Wizards had to get creative during one recent practice, according to Candace Buckner of The Washington Post. John Wall, Tim Frazier, and Tomas Satoransky are all out with injuries, so Washington, armed with only seven healthy players, used Kamran Sufi, a player development manager, as a point guard during practice. Satoransky returned to the line-up tonight against New York, while Wall and Frazier remain out.