2018 February | Hoops Rumors

Silver: NBA Closely Monitoring Possible Tanking Efforts

February 28th, 2018 at 10:07am CST by Luke Adams

With a competitive race to the bottom of the NBA standings taking shape, the concept of tanking has been in the news a little too much for the league’s liking as of late, prompting commissioner Adam Silver to remind teams of the NBA’s stance. As Sam Amick of USA Today details, Silver sent a memo to all 30 teams last week on the same day that he issued a $600K fine to Mavericks owner Mark Cuban for his public comments on tanking.

Within his memo, Silver noted that the NBA has been “careful to distinguish” between genuine rebuilding efforts and instances in which players or coaches make any effort to lose games. While the former is described by Silver as a “legitimate strategy to construct a successful team,” he reiterates that the latter has “no place” in the NBA.

“If we ever received evidence that players or coaches were attempting to lose or otherwise taking steps to cause any game to result otherwise than on its competitive merits, that conduct would be met with the swiftest and harshest response possible from the league office,” Silver said.

Tanking is generally perceived as a strategy dictated by team management, rather than players or coaches. While players would never deliberately try to lose a game, roster and lineup decisions coming from above can make winning an uphill battle for those same players. Silver’s memo stresses that the “integrity of the competition on the playing court” is his primary concern, and he wants to avoid even the perception that it’s compromised in any way.

“We have no basis at this time to conclude that the Mavericks team is giving anything less than its best effort on the court, and Mark has assured us that this is not the case,” Silver said in the memo, referring to Cuban. “But even a suggestion that such conduct could be occurring is obviously damaging to our game, as it creates a perception of impropriety. It is also extraordinarily unfair to the players and coaches who are, in fact, competing at their highest possible level every night. You are therefore advised to avoid such statements, and to pass along this admonition to all other key personnel in your organizations.

“We will continue to monitor closely the play of all teams during the remainder of the season,” Silver concluded.

Hawks Sign Jaylen Morris To 10-Day Contract

February 28th, 2018 at 8:50am CST by Luke Adams

FEBRUARY 28: The Hawks have officially signed Morris to a 10-day deal, the team announced today in a press release. The contract will run through next Friday, covering five games.

FEBRUARY 27: The Hawks will call up G League guard Jaylen Morris and sign him to a 10-day contract, reports Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN (Twitter link). According to Wojnarowski, the deal will be made official on Wednesday.

Morris, a 6’5″ guard who went undrafted out of Division II school Molloy College, had spent this season with the Erie BayHawks, Atlanta’s G League affiliate. In 39 games, he has averaged 12.6 PPG, 4.8 RPG, and 2.4 APG, with a .518/.290/.673 shooting line.

Although the Hawks are well out of the playoff picture and are focusing on developing young players, I’d be surprised if Morris enters the rotation in Atlanta after signing his 10-day deal. The Hawks may simply assign Morris back to the G League and let him keep playing for Erie while he collects an NBA salary, though that’s just my speculation.

The Hawks won’t need to make a roster move to clear room on their 15-man roster for Morris. With just 13 players under contract after waiving Ersan Ilyasova on Monday, Atlanta needed to add a player to get back to the 14-man minimum.

Atlantic Notes: James, Smart, Theis, Anunoby

February 27th, 2018 at 10:52pm CST by marksuleymanov

A Philadelphia-based company purchased billboard space near Quicken Loans Arena pleading for LeBron James to sign with the 76ers in free agency this summer. While some may find the gesture as a distraction, James is flattered that in his 15th season, people are still trying to recruit him, Cleveland.com’s Chris Fedor writes.

“You can say it’s a distraction, it’s not. Not a distraction,” James said Tuesday morning. “It is actually very flattering that I’m sitting here at 33 and in my 15th year and teams or guys — I don’t want to say teams because that becomes tampering — but people in their respective city want me to play for them. That’s cool I think. That’s dope.”

James will hit unrestricted free agency for the third time this summer and there has been a lot of talk that he is considering a second departure from Cleveland. For his part, James has downplayed every rumor and report surrounding his future and noted that he will personally address his decision at the appropriate time.

Check out other Atlantic Division notes below:

The effect of Marcus Smart has been noticeable for the Celtics since the guard’s return to the court. In Boston’s first two victories after the All-Star break, Smart impacted the ball on both sides, prompting Kyrie Irving to acknowledge his teammate’s difference-making abilities, A. Sherrod Blakely of NBC Sports Boston relays. “He just adds a lot of versatility to our offense and our defense,” Irving said. “He has a high awareness on both ends. He’s able to create opportunities for all of us at both ends of the floor and we appreciate that.”
Daniel Theis has shown improvement all season long and plays the game with maturity beyond his years, Blakely writes in a separate story. “He’s been great,” Celtics head coach Brad Stevens said. “Been what you expect him to be from a skill set standpoint and activity standpoint. But he does it every night. One of the best things you can be called in this league is consistent. And he’s very consistent.”
The Raptors‘ recent struggles at the small forward spot may pave the way for a lineup change, Michael Grange of Sportsnet writes. OG Anunoby has been a stable defensive presence, but his offensive shortcomings could force a change.

Knicks Notes: Rivers, Porzingis, Noah

February 27th, 2018 at 9:55pm CST by marksuleymanov

If Jeff Hornacek does not return as Knicks head coach, it’s possible that current Clippers head coach Doc Rivers would consider that vacancy if he also departs from his current team, Marc Berman of The New York Post writes.

Rivers spent parts of three seasons with the Knicks as a player during his 14-year NBA career. A former associate of Rivers tells Berman that Rivers — who has coached the Clippers since 2013 — still holds the team in high regard.

“Doc enjoyed his time there,’’ the former associate said. “He respects the city, he respects the organization.’’

The season-ending injury to Kristaps Porzingis has complicated the long-term future for the Knicks. Porzingis is expected to miss the next 10 months, which would sideline him for at least the start of the 2018/19 season. While that could alter the pursuit of head coaches, Rivers’ background with the team from his playing days could help the Knicks if he’s on their wish list.

Check out other Knicks notes below:

Speaking of Porzingis, he was spotted in Manhattan on Tuesday leaving a rehab appointment, per The New York Post. Porzingis was walking without the assistance of crutches but his trainer was still carrying them. The big man went down with a torn ACL on February 8.
March 1 is the last day for the Knicks to make a determination on Joakim Noah so he can sign with another club and be eligible for the postseason. The Knicks do not have to waive him or agree to a buyout by then, though it would be in Noah’s best interest if a resolution is reached by then. Both Marc Berman of the New York Post and ESPN’s Bobby Marks (subscription required and recommended) identify $5MM as the salary Noah could potentially leave on the table to help facilitate a move — that would slightly reduce the Knicks’ cap hits without significantly compromising Noah’s earnings, since he could earn most of that money back on minimum-salary contracts.
Earlier today, we passed along more Knicks-related notes, including more details on the Noah situation, which is reportedly being monitored by the NBPA.

Central Notes: Griffin, Jackson, Butler, Gudaitis

February 27th, 2018 at 9:01pm CST by marksuleymanov

While the Pistons remain within striking distance of the eighth seed in the Eastern Conference, privately the organization’s focus is on the 2018/19 season, Vince Ellis of the Detroit Free Press writes. Most of the Pistons’ remaining schedule is on the road and Detroit hasn’t played well as the visiting team.

The Pistons acquired All-Star Blake Griffin from the Clippers before the deadline, a move that signaled a late attempt to keep battling for the postseason. Realistically, Griffin was acquired as a future piece to help the team contend beyond this season. However, whether or not the team can make a competitive run to end the season likely hinges on Reggie Jackson. Jackson is nearing a return from an ankle sprain.

“He is progressing, we’re hopeful those practices before the West Coast trip that we’ll get him back,” head coach Stan Van Gundy said. “I think anything earlier than that would be an unexpected bonus.”

Check out other Central Division notes below:

Speaking of Jackson’s return, this past Monday marked two months since he last played in an NBA game. If he does practice prior to the West Coast trip, and it goes off without a hitch, the Pistons can expect Jackson back by mid-March, Rod Beard of the Detroit News writes.
When Jimmy Butler collapsed with a meniscus injury last Friday, it evoked bad memories for his former coach Fred Hoiberg and recent torn ACL returnee Zach LaVine, Vincent Goodwill of NBC Sports Chicago writes. LaVine tore his ACL last season and returned a few weeks ago; Hoiberg saw Butler suffer a similar injury that only cost him a few weeks in his first season as Bulls coach. Butler underwent surgery and will be sidelined for four to six weeks.
Cavaliers draft-and-stash player Arturas Gudaitis recently signed an extension with Olimpia Milano until 2021, per Sportando. However, Gudaitis, who was acquired in a three-team deal with the Kings and Jazz, holds NBA opt-outs in both 2019 and 2020 worth $650K.

Pacific Notes: Green, Zubac, Ulis, Knight

February 27th, 2018 at 6:58pm CST by marksuleymanov

The NBA has rescinded a technical foul that was assessed to Warriors forward Draymond Green this past Saturday, per ESPN. The rescinded foul would have been Green’s 15th, one shy of an immediate one-game suspension and $5,000 fine.

With one less technical on his record, Green is now two shy of the automatic suspension and fine. Green has been the NBA’s most prolific technical foul recipient; he has registered double-digits in that category the past four seasons, including 15 technicals last season.

“I was very happy,” Green told reporters, including Mark Medina of the Mercury News. “A little breathing room. Just a little bit, though.”

Check out other Pacific Division news below:

Ivica Zubac has not been assigned a larger role with the Lakers this season, which was expected as he entered his sophomore season. However, now that he is slowly creeping back into Lakers’ rotation, he feels much better on the court, Bill Oram of the Orange County Register writes. “This is what I’ve been doing for my whole life,” Zubac said. “When you’re not playing you’re not feeling good because this is what I’m doing my whole life. Now, when I’m finally in the rotation, everything else feels much better.”
After a strong season with the Suns in 2016/17, injuries have hampered Tyler Ulis this season. Despite his optimism, he seems to be falling out of the team’s rotation, Scott Bordow of Arizona Central Sports writes. “That’s something I can’t control so I don’t think about stuff like that,” Ulis said. “I’ve been doing this all my life. There’s not many people my size in the NBA so obviously I have the game to make it here and I have the game to stick.”
Scott Bordow of Arizona Central Sports answers several questions surrounding the Suns’ draft plans and oft-injured guard Brandon Knight. A source tells Bordow that getting a healthy Knight back from reconstructive knee surgery would be comparable to adding a first-round pick. Knight has been a solid player for Phoenix, averaging nearly 20.0 PPG in his last healthy season, so getting him back to 100% could affect the team’s draft plans.
As the Kings head for another losing season, Jason Jones of the Sacramento Bee looks at five of the team’s young players, including De’Aaron Fox, examining how they can benefit for the rest of the season.

NBA G League Assignments/Recalls: 2/27/18

February 27th, 2018 at 5:00pm CST by marksuleymanov

Here are Tuesday’s G League assignments and recalls from around the NBA.

The Spurs recalled rookie guard Derrick White from the Austin Spurs, according to a team press release. He has averaged 16.1 PPG, 4.7 RPG, and 2.8 APG in 15 games with Austin.
The Heat have recalled guard Rodney McGruder from their G League affiliate, the Sioux City Skyforce, the team announced in a press release. McGruder has not appeared in a regular season game after undergoing surgery on a left tibia stress fracture in mid-October. He appeared in two G League games last week.
The Jazz assigned center Tony Bradley and guard Naz Mitrou-Long to their affiliate in Salt Lake City, according to the team’s Twitter feed.

Dwyane Wade Unsure Whether He’ll Play In 2018/19

February 27th, 2018 at 3:58pm CST by Luke Adams

Dwyane Wade is currently on a one-year contract, meaning he’ll hit unrestricted free agency again in July. Wade will be just 36 years old at that point, but he’s not ready to say with 100% certainty that he’ll sign a new NBA contract and continue his playing career, writes Barry Jackson of The Miami Herald.

“I have told everybody around me that I am taking it after this season and go from there,” Wade said. “It’s the first year I’ve ever went into the summer with that mindset. I always went into it as a free agent or opting out of a deal to get another deal. This is the first summer I can say I’m just going into the summer and see how I feel and see the position this organization is in and go from there. I’m not really concerned with it, honestly. I’m cool with whatever I decide to do. It will be my decision.”

Admitting that he’ll have to determine after the season whether or not he wants to keep playing, Wade said there are a lot of factors to consider. Those factors range from wanting to reach certain milestones to taking into account the best interests of his family. Of course, Wade’s health and his drive to continue will also be key considerations.

“Do you want to put that same grind in again? As you get older, it’s a different kind of grind to get ready for games, to get your body ready,” Wade said. “[And] can you mentally go through another year and give it your all and not be checked out in the middle of that season?”

While Wade isn’t certain about his future beyond the 2017/18 season, he feels rejuvenated by his return to Miami, as Michael Lee of Yahoo Sports details. Admitting that he “had a little depression that last couple of days in Cleveland,” Wade said that the death of longtime agent and friend Henry Thomas was a turning point. Wade saw Heat president Pat Riley at Thomas’ funeral, and the encounter helped make him realize that he wanted to return to Miami.

“It sounds simple. But it’s like, sometimes, as a kid, you just need that embrace from your father,” Wade told Lee. “[Riley] coming to my agent’s funeral, a very vulnerable time for myself and [Udonis Haslem, who was also represented by Thomas], meant a lot to me. Just that warm embrace meant a lot to me as well. You know the business can get in the way. I understand that. I made the decision I made [to leave], but at the end of the day, I know that guy [Riley] would run through a brick wall for me. And this organization would. It felt right. I think that had a big thing to do with this trade happening to bring me back at this time.”

Based on those comments, and all that’s happened since Wade first left Miami, the future Hall-of-Famer seems unlikely to leave the Heat again this summer if he does decide to continue playing.

Joel Anthony To Play In Argentina

February 27th, 2018 at 2:42pm CST by Luke Adams

Veteran NBA center Joel Anthony is set to continue his playing career internationally. Anthony has signed with San Lorenzo de Almagro in Argentina, the team announced today via Twitter (hat tip to Sportando).

Anthony, 35, has appeared in 490 regular season games over the course of his NBA career for the Heat, Celtics, Pistons, and Spurs. The big man also played in another 66 postseason games, primarily for the Heat — he won a pair of titles with Miami.

While Anthony was a respected presence in the locker room throughout his NBA career, he never posted big numbers. For his career, he had averages of 2.2 PPG, 2.8 RPG, and 1.1 BPG in 14.4 minutes per contest.

Anthony was last seen in camp with the Bucks this past fall, but didn’t earn a regular-season roster spot with Milwaukee.

Kawhi Leonard Eyes March Return

February 27th, 2018 at 2:11pm CST by Dana Gauruder

FEBRUARY 27: Although he didn’t participate in the team portion of today’s workout session, Leonard returned to the Spurs’ practice facility on Tuesday, reports Jeff McDonald of The San Antonio Express-News. As McDonald details, Leonard has suggested in conversations with teammates that he intends to return to the court this season.

“He said he’ll be back, so we knew he was going to be back eventually at some point — playing-wise, not just being around,” Danny Green said. “If he’s that confident mentally, I know he’s going to get the work done to get it done physically.”

McDonald suggests that a “soft target date” for Leonard’s return could land sometime as early as the Spurs’ mid-March road trip to Golden State, Oklahoma City, and Houston.

FEBRUARY 26: Kawhi Leonard plans to start working out again with the Spurs this week with the aim of returning to action in March, Michael C. Wright and Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN report.

This comes as somewhat of a surprise since Spurs coach Gregg Popovich said last week that he’d be surprised if Leonard played again this season, even though the star forward has been medically cleared to play. Leonard has been nagged by a right quad injury that has limited him to nine games this season. He just returned to San Antonio after spending three weeks in New York, seeking further medical opinions on his injury, the ESPN duo continues.

Leonard isn’t expected to immediately start engaging in full five-on-five practices, league sources told ESPN. But he hopes to get to that level in near future. Leonard had been working out at the Players Association headquarters gymnasium, the ESPN report adds.

Friction has developed between Leonard and the organization over his ability to play with the injury, according to the report. That has caused concern within the organization over Leonard’s desire to stay there when he could enter free agency in the summer in 2019.

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