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Month: March 2018

Community Shootaround: All-NBA Guards

By | at March 16, 2018 1:41 pm

A year ago, when the regular season ended, Hoops Rumors readers made their picks for the three All-NBA teams for the 2016/17 season. Those selections matched the eventual results very closely, with 12 of our readers’ 15 picks matching the official All-NBA squads, including all five first-teamers.

We’ll do that again for the 2017/18 season next month, but before we formally place our votes, we want to check in on the All-NBA race at one particularly competitive position. No matter which six guards are selected to this year’s All-NBA teams, some deserving candidates are going to be left on the outside looking in.

James Harden (Rockets) is the heavy favorite to win this year’s MVP award, which should make him a lock for the All-NBA first team. However, it’s not clear who will join him. Russell Westbrook (Thunder) earned a spot on the 2017’s first team, and has been nearly as effective this season, averaging 25.3 PPG, 10.2 APG, and 9.6 RPG with an improved FG% (.448). But given how much competition he’ll have, Westbrook may not be a lock for the second – or even the third – All-NBA team, let alone the first.

DeMar DeRozan (Raptors) has been the best player on the Eastern Conference’s best team. But his numbers (23.6 PPG, 5.1 APG, 4.0 RPG, .463/.322/.826 shooting) haven’t necessarily been better than Victor Oladipo‘s (23.5 PPG, 4.2 APG, 5.3 RPG, 2.2 SPG, .471/.368/.804 shooting), and you could make the case that the job Oladipo has done to lead the Pacers to a 40-29 mark is as impressive as what DeRozan has done in Toronto, given the lack of star power on Indiana’s roster.

Damian Lillard‘s Trail Blazers suddenly look like one of the NBA’s four or five best teams, and Lillard’s play has been a huge reason for that, making it hard to leave him off the All-NBA list. Kyrie Irving (Celtics) fits that bill too — he has been everything Boston hoped for this season, leading the team to a probable No. 2 seed in the East despite playing without Gordon Hayward for the entire year.

Stephen Curry (Warriors) and Chris Paul (Rockets) have each missed a little time with injuries and play alongside superstar teammates, which may cost them a few votes,  but they’ve been outstanding in the 50 games they’ve played. Houston is 43-7 with Paul in its lineup, and Curry has shot a blistering 42.4% on nearly 10 three-point attempts per game.

We’ve already listed eight worthy candidates for All-NBA slots, and haven’t even mentioned Kyle Lowry (Raptors), Bradley Beal (Wizards), Klay Thompson (Warriors), or Jimmy Butler (Timberwolves), who has played 80% of his minutes at shooting guard this season, according to Basketball-Reference’s data.

What do you think? Which six players would make up your All-NBA backcourts right now? What would have to happen during the season’s final month to change your picks?

Jump into the comment section below to weigh in with your thoughts!

6 comments Community Shootaround Hoops Rumors Originals

Roster Move Required Soon For Cavaliers

By | at March 16, 2018 12:24 pm

The Cavaliers will have to add a player to their roster in the coming days in order to get to the NBA-mandated minimum of 14 players (not including two-way contracts). Cleveland is currently carrying 13 players on standard NBA contracts.

The NBA’s roster rules allow a team to carry fewer than 14 players for up to two weeks at a time before getting back up to the minimum. The Cavs took advantage of that rule after the trade deadline, carrying a 13-man roster for nearly two weeks in February before signing G Leaguer Marcus Thornton to a 10-day contract. Thornton’s 10-day deal expired overnight on March 3, and Cleveland has once again been carrying 13 players since then — with the two-week mark right around the corner, a signing will be required.

[RELATED: Community Shootaround: Cavs’ Open Roster Spots]

It makes sense that the Cavs have been reluctant to fill the final two spots on their roster, despite being hit with some injuries. The team already has a projected luxury tax bill of $50MM+, as ESPN’s Bobby Marks noted (via Twitter) at the time of the Thornton signing. While a short-term minimum salary deal wouldn’t have a significant cap hit, it would cost the franchise exponentially more due to tax penalties.

It remains to be seen how the Cavs will fill their 14th roster slot, but another 10-day signing like Thornton seems like a viable possibility. Then the team could wait until near the end of the regular season to fill one or both of its open roster spots with veteran help for the playoffs.

15 comments Cleveland Cavaliers

2018 NBA Draft Early Entrants List

By | at March 16, 2018 10:13 am

The NCAA rule changes related to early entrants for the NBA draft, initially instituted in 2016, remain in effect this year. Those rule changes will allow underclassmen to “test the waters” before officially committing to the 2018 NBA draft.

NCAA underclassmen have until the end of the day on April 22 to declare for the draft, and can withdraw at any time up until May 30 while maintaining their NCAA eligibility, as long as they don’t hire agents. That means that prospects testing the waters can take part in the NBA draft combine from May 16-20 – if invited – and can work out for individual teams starting in late April. Meanwhile, international early entrants will have until June 11 at 4:00pm CT to decide whether or not to remain in the draft.

A year ago, the NBA’s initial list of early entrants included a record 182 names, but many of those players eventually withdrew from consideration prior to the May and June deadlines. This year, the final draft list will be set after the early entrant withdrawal deadline for international and other non-NCAA players passes on June 11.

In the meantime, we’ll use this post to keep track of reports and announcements on early entrant prospects and their decisions. We’ll archive them all in a running list here, which will be accessible anytime under “Hoops Rumors Features” on the right sidebar of our desktop site, or in the “Features” page found in our mobile menu.

The players below are listed in alphabetical order. If you have any corrections or omissions, please contact us.

Last updated 6-13-18 (10:22am CT)

College Underclassmen:

Remaining in draft:

Prospects returning to school after testing the draft waters:

Prospects who withdrew from draft after NCAA deadline:

Prospects not on NBA’s official early entry list after indicating they’d test the waters:

International Early Entrants:

Remaining in draft:

Withdrew from draft:

2 comments 2018 NBA Draft Hoops Rumors Originals

Draft Updates: Ayton, Trier, Okogie, Black, Dixson

By | at March 16, 2018 8:55 am

A bracket-busting upset on the first evening of March Madness saw Arizona ousted from this year’s NCAA tournament, as the fourth-seeded Wildcats fell to No. 13 Buffalo. Arizona’s loss accelerated the timeline for top prospect Deandre Ayton to make the leap to the NBA, as he confirmed after the game that – as expected – he’ll enter this year’s draft.

Ayton has a reasonable chance to be the No. 1 pick this June, and a report early in March had already indicated that he’d enter this year’s draft, so his announcement on Thursday came as no surprise. As ESPN’s Linda Cohn tweets, Ayton’s teammate Allonzo Trier also confirmed after Thursday’s loss that he’d be leaving the Wildcats and entering this year’s draft, as previously reported.

Here are more updates on NCAA underclassmen who are eyeing a potential move to the NBA or another professional league:

  • Georgia Tech guard Josh Okogie plans to test the draft waters by declaring without hiring an agent, as Ken Sugiura of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution relays. Okogie currently ranks as the 44th-best prospect on ESPN’s big board, making him a viable candidate to be drafted. The sophomore averaged 18.2 PPG and 6.3 RPG for the Yellow Jackets this season.
  • Illinois forward Leron Black will forgo his final year of NCAA eligibility and enter the draft, head coach Brad Underwood announced on Thursday. Black, who plans on signing with an agent, led Illinois in PPG (15.3), RPG (5.2), FG% (.547), and 3PT% (.512) during the 2017/18 season.
  • Dikembe Dixson, a redshirt sophomore at UIC, will pursue a professional career, the school announced in a press release. While the announcement doesn’t specify whether or not the young forward will sign with an agent, it doesn’t sound like he’ll be back. Coach Steve McClain said in a statement that the program wishes Dixson “great success in the pursuit of his professional career.” Dixson added: “Though I am leaving the university at this time, it is definitely my intention to finish the work necessary to graduate from UIC someday.”
2 comments 2018 NBA Draft

Cavs Notes: Lillard, Lineup Changes, Roster

By | at March 15, 2018 10:02 pm

Prior to the Cavaliers‘ primetime matchup against the Trail Blazers on Thursday, LeBron James discussed point guard Damian Lillard and his impact on the court. Lillard has thrown his own name into the MVP discussions and while he’s an elite player, he sometimes flies under the radar.

Per NBA.com, James spoke highly of Lillard and even quipped that he could use his own talents to show how valuable of a player Lillard can be — even if he’s underrated by some.

“No, I don’t think so,” James said of the idea that Lillard is underappreciated. “I don’t think so, but he definitely uses that. I like how he uses that. If you’re a true basketball [mind] — there’s not a lot of true basketball minds and people that understand the game — but for me, I understand it. I know. Give me Damian Lillard. I’ll show you how appreciated he’ll be.”

In 60 games this season, Lillard has averaged 26.9 PPG, 6.5 APG, and 4.5 RPG.

Check out more Cavaliers notes below:

  • Head coach Tyronn Lue’s handling of J.R. Smith is the latest example of the Cavs’ communication issues, Cleveland.com’s Chris Fedor writes. Departed point guard Isaiah Thomas addressed those problems during his brief stint with Cleveland and he seems to have had a point, Fedor notes. Lue said he talked with Smith about benching him, but the struggling guard had a different version of the story. “We didn’t talk,” Smith said. “He sent me a text (Monday), and I told him, ‘No problem.’ I didn’t know that it was a ‘talk.’ That’s all right, though. I’m not upset about it. I just wish there would have been more dialogue, I guess.”
  • Terry Pluto of The Plain Dealer examines the Cavaliers’ current situation and questions whether or not they should be in panic mode. While Cleveland did add younger players and improved its roster at the deadline, the team is still waiting for Kevin Love to return from injury. Pluto also discusses the Cavs’ rebounding and the recent rash of injuries.
25 comments Cleveland Cavaliers

Mavericks Notes: Noel, Carlisle, Matthews, Tanking

By | at March 15, 2018 9:12 pm

Injuries have limited Nerlens Noel to just 24 games and six starts this season, leaving his impending unrestricted free agency as a major question mark. The former sixth overall pick will be able to sign with any team this upcoming offseason and he intends to approach the process in the best shape of his life, Isaac Harris of NBA.com writes.

“Once this summer ends I’ll be working harder than I’ve ever worked,” Noel said. “Just growing in this league and being older. Getting the priorities right and evolving. My mindset has only grown stronger in what I really want in life and want from this game. Right when the season ends I will strictly be working on my game and staying to myself and just letting things play out.”

Noel is still just 23 years old and his status as a former lottery pick with upside on defense and rebounding will likely attract a fair amount of suitors. Noel said he is open to a reunion with the Mavericks but will enter the summer with an “open mind” when it comes to signing his next deal.

Check out more Mavericks notes below:

  • The Mavericks’ recent win over the Knicks at Madison Square Garden was proof that head coach Rick Carlisle is still taking his job seriously, despite the team’s poor record, Eddie Sefko of the Dallas Morning News writes. Carlisle is owed a sizeable $7MM annual salary and has job security through 2022 but he does not want to concede in any way. “Competing just takes on a different form in our situation,” Carlisle said. “I have chosen to be here. I have a long deal. I knew we were probably going to hit a lower point. It’s just part of the cycle of the NBA.”
  • With Wesley Matthews out for the remainder of the season with a stress fracture, several Mavericks players stand to see increased minutes. Sefko writes that players such as Dorian Finney-Smith, Doug McDermott, and Jalen Jones will likely see the most increased minutes.
  • After the Mavericks’ win over the Knicks, Harrison Barnes and Dirk Nowitzki addressed the topic of tanking in the NBA. Nowitzki said it’s clear which teams are purposely trying to lose and which ones are trying to win despite their record. “We keep playing hard,” Nowitzki said, per Sefko. “There obviously are some teams that are going for some losses now. We’re one of the teams that still wants to win and see where we end up in the draft.”
7 comments Dallas Mavericks

Daniel Theis Undergoes Season-Ending Surgery

By | at March 15, 2018 8:17 pm

MARCH 15: Theis underwent successful surgery to repair his left knee lateral meniscus, the Celtics announced in a press release on Thursday. He will miss the remainder of the 2017/18 season but is expected to be ready for training camp, per the release.

MARCH 12: The Celtics’ frontcourt depth will take a hit the rest of the way, according to Shams Charania of Yahoo Sports, who reports that Daniel Theis has suffered a torn meniscus in his left knee. Theis will undergo knee surgery and will miss the rest of the season, sources tell Charania.

Theis, who signed with the Celtics last summer as an international free agent, had turned into a reliable rotation piece in Boston. For the season, the German big man has averaged 5.3 PPG and 4.3 RPG in 63 games (14.9 MPG). However, it looks like he won’t take the court again for the 2017/18 Celtics.

With Theis sidelined, the C’s figure to lean a little more heavily on Aron Baynes and Greg Monroe behind starting center Al Horford. Theis also saw action at power forward, so his absence could mean a few extra minutes for Marcus Morris and/or Semi Ojeleye. Additionally, the club could play some smaller lineups with someone like Jayson Tatum at the four to lessen the load on the frontcourt, if necessary.

As for Theis, he likely hasn’t played his last game as a Celtic. The 25-year-old remains under contract for one more year, with a non-guaranteed salary of $1,378,242 for 2018/19. That’s a bargain price for a rotation player, so Theis’ roster spot for next season should be safe unless he’s included in an offseason trade.

3 comments Boston Celtics Newsstand

Pacific Notes: Teodosic, Harrison, Suns, Warriors

By | at March 15, 2018 8:00 pm

Milos Teodosic granted reporters, including Elliott Teaford of The Orange County Register, a rare interview to discuss his decision to leave Europe and join the Clippers this past offseason. Prior to this season, Teodosic was regarded by many as the best basketball talent not signed to an NBA deal.

Injuries have slowed Teodosic this year but the 30-year-old has shown more than a few glimpses of his creative passing ability. In 37 games (30 starts), the Serbian point guard is averaging 9.3 PPG and 5.0 APG. While he wishes he came to the NBA earlier in his career, Teodosic said he would have retired with regrets if he didn’t join the Clippers.

“This is the best league in the world with the best players. I’m real happy that right now I’m here playing with these great players right next to me,” Teodosic said. “I believe I came a little bit late. I’m 30 or 31, so I wish I came when I was 25 or 26, so I can work on my body and my game. At least I came here. If I didn’t come, I for sure would be sorry.”

Check out other Pacific Division notes below:

  • A pair of historic performances earned Suns guard Shaquille Harrison a pair of 10-day contracts that turned into a multi-year pact. NBA.com’s Cody Cunningham looks at Harrison’s journey from undrafted prospect to being tasked with defending Damian Lillard in his second NBA game. “His confidence in me brings out my confidence,” Harrison said of coach Jay Triano giving him the assignment. “It’s an honor to be out there with him trusting me. It makes me play even harder because I know I’ve got the trust and he believes in my abilities. It’s easy to go out there and have fun and do what I do.”
  • Teams purposely tanking to secure better draft lottery positioning has become a major talking point in the NBA. The Suns‘ poor play and resting veterans could be seen as a possible tanking attempt, but if it were the case, Devin Booker would not be playing nearly 40 MPG since the break, Scott Bordow of Arizona Central Sports notes.
  • Suns general manager Ryan McDonough said the team will conduct a “wide-ranging” search for a head coach this offseason, Bordow writes in a separate story. Interim head coach Jay Triano will be among those considered, along with current and former NBA head coaches and possibly college coaches.
  • The Warriors have been mostly universally praised for their roster construction, which has led to two NBA championships in three seasons. However, Marcus Thompson II of The Athletic (subscription required and recommended) delves into Golden State’s offseason moves to see if the team made any missteps when assembling its roster for the 2017/18 campaign.
1 comment Golden State Warriors Los Angeles Clippers Phoenix Suns

NBA G League Assignments/Recalls: 3/15/18

By | at March 15, 2018 7:00 pm

Here are Thursday’s G League assignments and recalls from around the NBA:

  • The Spurs assigned guard Derrick White to the Austin Spurs, according to a team press release. White, the team’s first-round pick last June, has played 19 games with Austin, averaging 18.2 PPG, 4.8 RPG and 3.1 APG in 27.0 MPG.
  • The Suns assigned forward/center Alan Williams to their G League affiliate, the Northern Arizona Suns, according to a team press release. Williams underwent surgery on his right meniscus in late September and has yet to play in a game this season. He led the Suns with 15 double-doubles last season.
0 comments NBA G League Phoenix Suns San Antonio Spurs

Pelicans Owner Tom Benson Dies

By | at March 15, 2018 4:50 pm

New Orleans Saints and Pelicans owner Tom Benson died on Thursday following a near month-long battle with flu-like symptoms, the Pelicans confirmed in a press release. He was 90 years old.

Benson is credited with saving both of his franchises from relocating. He purchased the Saints in 1985 as the team was set to relocate; he also bought the then-Hornets in 2012 and promptly renamed them to the Pelicans. Benson was the only person to own two major sports teams located in his hometown, per The New Orleans Advocate.

Under Benson’s ownership, the Saints captured a Super Bowl in 2010. The Pelicans compiled a 202-266 under his watch, but are on track for a postseason berth this season.

The plan is for Benson’s wife, Gayle Benson, to assume control of both New Orleans franchises, Ramon Antonio Vargas of The Advocate writes.

8 comments New Orleans Pelicans Newsstand
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