Knicks Notes: Dolan, Free Agents, Trier, Draft
Knicks owner James Dolan had an altercation with another fan today, according to Joseph Staszewski of The New York Post. Late in this afternoon’s loss to the Kings, a fan yelled “Sell the team!” to Dolan as he left his courtside seat. In a TMZ video, Dolan stops, calls the fan rude and allegedly threatens to ban him from Madison Square Garden. When the fan says he was just giving an opinion, Dolan responds, “No, it’s not an opinion, and you know what, enjoy watching them on TV.”
Dolan summoned security to handle the fan, who was questioned and instructed to leave. However, it’s not clear if he has been banned. The Garden released a statement explaining the incident that reads, “Our policy is and will continue to be that if you are disrespectful to anyone in our venues, we will ask you not to return.”
There’s more news out of New York:
- An uncertain future has contributed to the Knicks posting the league’s worst record at 13-53, writes Peter Botte of The New York Post. Dennis Smith Jr., Frank Ntilikina and rookies Kevin Knox and Mitchell Robinson are the only players on the roster under contract beyond this season, and David Fizdale says the instability has made coaching difficult. “When you’re dealing with guys fighting for their contractual life, you’re always going to have an element of where a guy can be more focused on trying to get his,” Fizdale said. “Not that we’ve had a lot of that, but it’s just a natural thing that when you’re fighting for your life, you got nine guys out there [unsigned], to get all of those guys to say, ‘Hey, team first, every play, every time,’ is part of the trust building you have to have.”
- Rookie guard Allonzo Trier is among those who are playing for a contract next year, although his recent performance should make it an easier choice for the Knicks to pick up his $3.55MM team option, Botte adds in a separate story. Heading into today, Trier was averaging 19.4 PPG over his past five games.
- Knicks fans are counting on a high lottery pick as a consolation prize for the season, but Steve Popper of Newsday notes that the organization hasn’t gotten much out of its recent lottery selections. The most successful one has been Kristaps Porzingis, who was traded to the Mavericks, while the past two lottery picks, Ntilikina and Knox, have struggled to establish themselves as reliable players.
Adam Silver Dismisses Lockout Concerns
NBA commissioner Adam Silver isn’t overly concerned that the increase in power among star players will eventually lead to a lockout, relays Ben Golliver of The Washington Post. TNT analyst Charles Barkley warned of that possibility last month as a backlash against players who try to force their way out of unhappy situations. Kawhi Leonard, Jimmy Butler and Anthony Davis have all employed that tactic over the past year.
However, Silver notes that players have always been able to exercise leverage to get what they want and says holdouts were more common when he started working for the NBA in the 1990s than they are now. Still, he admits there’s a need to create more of a level playing field throughout the league.
A lockout isn’t an immediate threat as the NBA’s collective bargaining agreement runs through 2023/24, with a mutual opt-out in the summer of 2023. Silver said his greater concern is maintaining an audience at a time when many people opt to watch highlights for free on social media rather than paying for cable subscriptions.
“Our competition isn’t just between NBA teams, it’s against every other form of entertainment,” he said. “It’s incumbent upon the players, their union, the owners and the league office to come together to develop the best system for creating competition [on the court]. That will put us in the best position to compete against everything else.”
Silver notes that the league recently changed its timeout rules to create an easier viewing experience. The NBA has also established a wide presence on social media, has experimented with virtual reality broadcasts and has created more League Pass options for casual fans. Instead of paying full price for an entire season, viewers can watch the fourth quarter of a close game for $1.99, and an effort is under way to expand accessibility.
“We’re in an enormously competitive environment where customers dictate what they want,” Silver said. “We want you to be able to see an alert that James Harden is going for 70 points and buy the last five minutes of that game for $0.99 on the spot.”
The commissioner predicts many changes in the media environment by the time the league’s television contract expire in 2025. Amazon, Twitter and Facebook may be incorporated into the next TV deal.
Silver also confirmed that the NBA sent a proposal to the players association allowing high school players to be eligible for the draft in 2022. The NBPA is considering the change, which would include greater access to potential draftees’ medical records.
“It’s the league’s position that if teams are drafting players directly out of high school, having that medical information becomes that much more important,” Silver said. “I’m confident we will ultimately get something done and reach a fair resolution.”
Pacific Notes: Bagley III, Ball, Johnson
There’s no set return date scheduled for Marvin Bagley III but the standout Kings rookie has at least returned to basketball activities, Sean Cunningham of ABC10 Sacramento tweets. Bagley has been sidelined since spraining his left knee on Feb. 27.
Earlier this week, Jason Anderson of the Sacramento Bee wrote about the 20-year-old’s recovery status after a scary injury, noting that he was “feeling good” and walking without a limp. That’s good news for a Kings team on the outside of the postseason looking in.
The ninth-seeded Kings have managed to keep their heads above water in their pursuit of a playoff berth since Bagley has been out, managing .500 basketball in the four games that they’ve been without him. In 10 February contests, Bagley averaged 17.5 points and 9.4 rebounds per game.
There’s more out of the Pacific Division:
- We wrote yesterday that Lakers coach Luke Walton said there was a chance point guard Lonzo Ball would miss the remainder of the season. Now, in the wake of the announcement that forward Brandon Ingram will miss the final month of the season, Ramona Shelburne of ESPN tweets that the “expectation” is that Ball will also be shut down following a doctor’s appointment scheduled for Saturday afternoon.
- The addition of scrappy veteran Tyler Johnson has brought a new sense of stability to the young Suns, Katherine Fitzgerald of The Arizona Republic writes. Head coach Igor Kokoskov anticipates that the 26-year-old trade deadline acquisition will start at the point guard position for the rest of the season.
- The Lakers will not fine Rajon Rondo for sitting in a courtside seat removed from his teammates, Dave McMenamin of ESPN reports. “I was just in my head contemplating the game. That’s kind of what I do. I don’t think I have to explain myself as far as my relationship with the team, the players and the coaches,” Rondo said.
Hoops Rumors Originals: 3/2/19 – 3/9/19
Every week, the Hoops Rumors writing team creates original content to complement our news feed. Listed below are our original segments and features from the past seven days:
- We identified six players who will be restricted free agents this summer and are in good position to land lucrative multiyear deals.
- We explained why no NBA teams will finish below the minimum salary floor in 2018/19, despite the Mavericks seemingly having a team salary below the floor.
- What exactly do the NBA’s new draft lottery odds look like? We went into full detail in our Hoops Rumors Glossary entry on the lottery.
- We examined which playoff teams have open spots on their 15-man rosters.
- Dana Gauruder’s Free Agent Stock Watch series focused on five players from the Pacific Division.
- We explored potential scenarios in which players currently on two-way contracts could become eligible for the postseason.
- We checked in on the 2018/19 Reverse Standings, where the Knicks and Suns are battling for the “top” spot.
- Our Community Shootaround discussions this week focused on the following topics:
- Is the All-Star Game worth saving and would there be a realistic way to replace it? (link)
- How will the bottom three seeds of the Eastern Conference playoff race shake out? (link)
- Should Lakers head coach Luke Walton lose his job at season’s end? (link)
- Who is the Most Improved Player frontrunner, and how should the award be determined? (link)
- Our poll questions were as follows:
- Will there be any changes to the Western Conference’s playoff field between now and April 10? (link)
- Will LeBron James eventually retire as the NBA’s all-time leading scorer? (link)
- We shared a reminder on how to follow specific players using the Hoops Rumors app or website.
Five Key Stories: 3/2/19 – 3/9/19
If you missed any of this past week’s biggest headlines from around the NBA, we’ve got you covered with our Week in Review. Here are some of the most noteworthy stories from the last seven days:
The Warriors officially re-signed veteran center Andrew Bogut for the rest of the season. Bogut technically remains under a two-year contract with the Sydney Kings and is expected to return to Australia in 2019/20, but the Kings allowed him to finish out the ’18/19 season in Golden State.
The Lakers will monitor LeBron James‘ minutes going forward as the team slips out of playoff contention. While there won’t be a hard limit, the club will reportedly try to keep James in the range of 28-32 minutes per game, and there’s no guarantee he’ll play both ends of back-to-backs.
Bulls president and COO Michael Reinsdorf said that the team will “absolutely” retain executive VP of basketball operations John Paxson and GM Gar Forman. Head coach Jim Boylen is also on track to return to the Bulls next season, as Reinsdorf reiterated.
The Lakers and Carmelo Anthony pressed pause on their contract discussions. Los Angeles had reportedly been considering bringing Anthony aboard to fill the 15th spot on the roster, but the two sides have backed away from a potential union with the club falling out of postseason contention.
Magic head coach Steve Clifford confirmed that the team doesn’t expect Markelle Fultz to make his Orlando debut this season. Fultz continues to rehab his shoulder injury, according to Clifford, who suggests we won’t probably won’t see the former No. 1 pick suit up for the Magic until 2019/20.
Here are 10 more headlines from the last week:
- Lakers forward Brandon Ingram will miss the rest of the season due to a Deep Venous Thrombosis in his arm.
- There’s also no guarantee that injured Lakers guard Lonzo Ball returns to the court this season, per head coach Luke Walton.
- The Bucks officially signed Pau Gasol, terminating Isaiah Canaan‘s 10-day deal early to make room on the roster.
- Frank Ntilikina is expected to be on the trade block this summer, with the Knicks said to be seeking a first-round pick for him.
- Hawks forward Vince Carter, 42, hopes to play at least one more NBA season.
- The banged-up Pelicans will be without a pair of guards, Jrue Holiday, and E’Twaun Moore, for at least 7-10 days.
- Former first-round pick Tyler Zeller is back in the NBA after signing a 10-day contract with the Hawks.
- All signs point to the Mavericks preparing for a long-term union with RFA-to-be Kristaps Porzingis.
- Shaw University star Amir Hinton is going pro in the hopes of being the first D-II player drafted since 2005.
- Rookie forward Ray Spalding earned a multiyear contract from the Suns.
Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images.
Kyrie Irving Talks LeBron James, Embracing Role In Boston
To label Celtics point guard Kyrie Irving as a mercurial presence in Boston this season would be an understatement. The point guard has garnered huge attention due to a streaky Celtics team, an uncertain future in Boston, his public comments, and his impending free agency.
At times, Irving has expressed frustration with his team and its inconsistent performance. Other situations have called for Irving to answer – and in many cases – deflect questions about his plans this summer. Despite all of that, the Celtics remain a lock for the postseason with Irving, a player with NBA Finals experience.
In a recent interview with Joe Vardon of The Athletic (subscription required), Irving discussed his season in Boston, getting used to negativity and his former teammate LeBron James‘ adjustment to the Lakers. Here are a few highlights:
On LeBron James’ first season in Los Angeles…
“You’re coming to a team like that and you have a lot of the responsibility, and you come back in the middle of the regular season, it’s hard because now other teams are gearing up for the playoffs, that next level of play. Bron knows about it, (Rajon) Rondo knows about it, but Kuz (Kyle Kuzma) and Brandon Ingram, he’s trying to teach these guys well about what it takes to win consistently in this league.”
On the adjustment to being the superstar on a contending team…
“It’s a little maniacal at times and a bit repetitive because you get asked the same questions about the regular season and we all know that, all that goes out the window once you get to to the playoffs. The thing that matters the most is how connected you are as a team heading into the postseason. … The deal that I had to become aware of, that I was signing up for, was like once you become one of the most coveted guys in the league, you’re signing up for basically, like you’re going to be attacked for the rest of your career. You’re going to be praised. You’re going to be brought up, you’re going to be brought down because that’s just the nature of the business.”
On his confidence as a leader…
“My confidence runs deep regardless, but especially when it’s at the highest point of competition, it’s when I did my best. I haven’t had the best games in the Finals sometimes. I haven’t had the best games in the playoffs. I’ve definitely been through some ups and downs. But I think that experience and that carryover from taking (the championship), from the opportunity of being in Cleveland and then taking (the experience) to Boston gives me my confidence in my teammates now.”
Wolves Sign Cam Reynolds To Second 10-Day Deal
MARCH 9: The Timberwolves made the move official, signing Reynolds to a second 10-day contract, the team announced (Twitter link).
MARCH 8: The Timberwolves plan to give swingman Cameron Reynolds a second 10-day contract, tweets Darren Wolfson of 5 Eyewitness News. Reynolds’ first deal, which he signed on February 27, is due to expire at the end of the day.
Reynolds has seen minimal playing time since coming to Minnesota, logging a combined seven minutes in two games and averaging 2.0 PPG. The 24-year-old was averaging 16.0 points and 4.3 rebounds per night with the G League’s Stockton Kings before coming to the NBA.
The Wolves will keep a full roster by re-signing Reynolds, with 14 players on fully guaranteed contracts. To retain his rights beyond the next 10 days, Minnesota would have to sign Reynolds for the rest of the season.
Paul George Criticizes NBA Referees: “It’s Just Bad Officiating”
Thunder forward Paul George launched into a critical attack of NBA referees following Oklahoma City’s loss to the Clippers on Friday.
George, Russell Westbrook, and Steven Adams all fouled out in the fourth quarter of the 118-110 loss. The 2018 All-Star, who finished the game with 15 points and six rebounds, urged the league to look into the situation, ESPN’s Ohm Youngmisuk writes.
“It’s just bad officiating. I’m sorry, just bad officiating,” George said. “We don’t get a fair whistle. We haven’t gotten a fair whistle all year. … Somebody’s got to look into this. It’s getting out of hand, where we somehow just walk teams to the line. And there’s nobody that gets more contact. If I don’t speak for myself, I speak for Russ. There’s nobody that gets more contact than Russ going to the basket. And it’s just crazy.
“I don’t understand it. It’s a piece of s–t being on that floor. We giving everything we got. We’re playing hard. We’re getting grabbed. We’re getting scratched, clawed, held, shoved. And there’s nothing for it. The officials just get to walk out, and there’s nothing that penalizes them for not officiating the game the right way.”
It’s ironic that George made the comments just a day after OKC’s first game of a back-t0-back, a 129-121 overtime thriller win over Portland. George told reporters, including Brett Dawson of The Athletic, he “planned on losing money” after the win to criticize referees. He changed his tune after realizing he had 20 free throw attempts in the win.
However, Friday was a different tune as George acknowledged he will be lighter in the pockets given the NBA’s strict fines for public criticism of officials.
“It’s nothing we can do,” George said. “I’m going to lose money on this. We speak up, we lose money. There’s nothing I can do to change that. It is what it is. There’s gotta be a change, but there’s nothing that I can do.”
Rockets Notes: Harden, Paul, Faried, Nene
After a scary fall on his right wrist and brief exit from the Rockets‘ win over the Sixers on Friday, precautionary x-rays on James Harden were negative, tweets ESPN’s Tim MacMahon. Harden is expected to play on Sunday against the Mavericks.
Harden returned to Friday’s game to finish with 31 points, 10 rebounds and seven assists. Last season’s Most Valuable Player leads the league in scoring, averaging 36.6 PPG.
“[He’s] dealing with pain [in the wrist], I guess,” head coach Mike D’Antoni said after the game. “I don’t know, he just fell on it. He’s fallen on it before and is sore, so there was some pain there and then this just aggravated it.”
Check out more Rockets notes:
- The Rockets have reeled off seven straight wins to move into third place in the Western Conference. A healthy Chris Paul, who has overcome a hamstring injury, holds the key for Houston to make a deep run into the postseason and beyond, ESPN’s Tim MacMahon writes.
- Kenneth Faried missed Friday’s win over Philadelphia and will not play Sunday due to an adductor strain. Jonathan Feigen of the Houston Chronicle tweets that after undergoing an MRI, Faried is doubtful to play Monday.
- In the absence of Faried, Nene has become the Rockets’ lone backup center, but he has played a major role in the team’s last few wins, Jonathan Feigen of the Houston Chronicle writes.
Community Shootaround: Most Improved Player
There’s still more than a month left in the NBA’s 2018/19 regular season, but D’Angelo Russell already has a prediction for the 2019 Most Improved Player award.
“I’m gonna win that s–t,” Russell recently told Anthony Puccio of SNY.tv. “Watch. Put it on record. I’m gonna win it.”
Russell is a legit candidate for the Most Improved Player award, having emerged as perhaps the Nets‘ most valuable player this season after a so-so first year in Brooklyn. He has drastically improved his shooting efficiency and earned his first All-Star nod last month.
Still, Russell isn’t the leading candidate for the Most Improved Player award. That honor might belong to Raptors forward Pascal Siakam, who has more than doubled his scoring average and become the third-most important player on the Eastern Conference’s No. 2 seed.
Kings guard De’Aaron Fox is another strong contender. After an inconsistent rookie season, the 21-year-old is putting up big numbers (17.2 PPG, 7.2 APG, 1.7 SPG) for one of the league’s most surprising teams.
Domantas Sabonis and John Collins are among the other youngsters who have taken major steps forward this season, while established veterans like Paul George, Giannis Antetokounmpo, and Nikola Vucevic have taken their games to another level — George and Antetokounmpo are legit MVP candidates for the first time and Vucevic is in the All-NBA conversation. They’re just a few of the players who could have a case to be included in the MIP conversation.
Most Improved Player is one of the most difficult NBA awards to define. Should a player like Fox receive serious consideration even though second-year players (and former top-five picks) are expected to improve significantly from year one to two? Should Siakam’s contributions to one of the NBA’s top teams be weighted far more heavily than they would if he were on a lottery team, as is the case for the MVP award?
How about cases like George’s and Antetokounmpo’s? Is the leap from star to superstar more or less worthy of Most Improved Player consideration than a third- or fourth-year player making the jump from rotation player to borderline All-Star?
With no clear guidelines to follow, it’s often to left to a voter’s discretion how best to define what it means to be the NBA’s most improved player. In tonight’s Community Shootaround discussion, we want to know which factors you consider most heavily, and which player you’d pick to win in 2018/19 as a result.
What do you think? Who is your current pick for 2019’s Most Improved Player? What sort of players do you believe should receive the most serious consideration? Are there certain criteria you believe should be weighted more heavily than others?
Head to the comment section below to share your thoughts!